PARTNERSHIP. Dr. Thomas LeBlanc, director for education of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-Philippines, delivers his message during the Regional Industry Leaders Conference at the Marison Hotel, Legazpi City on Wednesday (March 8, 2023). LeBlanc said USAID will continue building dynamic, mutually beneficial partnerships with private organizations to advance the country’s education goals, expand children's opportunities, and strengthen the education system. (Photo by Reynard Ebuenga Sevillano)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd) together with the United States Agency for International Development Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines (USAID ABC+) are working together to continue the implementation of a learning recovery program (LRP) that addresses the early-grade learning gaps of pupils in the Bicol Region.
DepEd-5 (Bicol) regional director Gilbert Sadsad said during the Regional Industry Leaders Conference at the Marison Hotel here on Wednesday that the continued implementation of the learning recovery program is anchored on Vice President and concurrent DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte's "MATATAG" agenda.
"MATATAG" means "MAke the curriculum relevant to produce job-ready, active, and responsible citizens; TAke steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education services and provision facilities; TAke good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusiveness learning, and positive learning environment; and Give support for teachers to teach better."
"Our work continues, what do we aspire to accomplish in the incoming months as we continue to implement the LRP. We want to make our curriculum relevant through the implementation of the continuing interventions for vulnerable learners who continue to need full assistance, gear up for the year 2 implementation of the 8-week learning recovery curriculum this school year 2023-2024 and introduce integrated curriculum in the early grade," Sadsad said.
He added that DepEd-Bicol wants to ensure the accelerated delivery of basic education services and provision of facilities to its 13 divisions.
"We hope to refine the learning resource materials in the 8-week learning recovery program and also develop and make available resources in the integrated curriculum. We really need to work hard to make them available at the opening of classes next school year. We will also do our best to give funding support to the procurement and reproduction of these materials," Sadsad said.
In his message at the event, Dr. Thomas LeBlanc, USAID Philippines director for education, said one of their pursuits is to help the Philippines improve its educational outcomes.
"I believe that raising the next generation of leaders begins with raising good readers in the early years. This endeavor involves not just the schools but also the leaders in the community. I thank the private sector present today for your work and interest to support education in the Philippines," he said.
LeBlanc said USAID looks forward to more private sector partners in prioritizing education.
"USAID’s commitment to education extends beyond DepEd. Through the ABC+ project, we support the collaboration of DepEd, the local governments, the private sector, and the communities by advocating for a multi-stakeholder mechanism where education issues are discussed and strategic actions to address the issues as well as the resources are identified. We believe that with the cooperation and collaboration of key stakeholders, we will be able to reach greater scale, sustainability, and effectiveness in achieving our joint development goals for education, including improving the learning outcomes of Filipino children. Through this conference with industry leaders, we will be able to encourage and reach other business entities to do the same," LeBlanc said.
He added that the private sector brings distinct skills and knowledge to create a sustainable development impact.
"USAID believes in working together and aligning our business interests and development objectives towards ensuring Filipino children’s continuous access to education. USAID is committed to bridging the relationship between the private sector, DepEd, and the LGU. We hope that through this conference, new partnerships will be created as well as existing partnerships will be strengthened to support and rally behind DepEd to improve learning outcomes of early-grade learners," LeBlanc said.
He said the USAID will continue to build dynamic, mutually beneficial partnerships with private organizations to advance the country’s education goals and expand opportunities for children and strengthen education systems.
Other partner agencies of the DepEd-5 that were represented in the event were the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, The Asia Foundation, the Philippine Business for Social Progress, and the provincial government of Albay. (PNA)
