The United States government launched the Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines or the “ABC+ project which aims to enhance the reading, mathematical, and socio-emotional skills of at least two million learners in Regions V (Bicol) and VI (Western Visayas).
The approximately Php2 billion ($38.5 million) project shall boost the education department systems in terms of teachers’ professional development, materials development, and managing public funds for basic education.
The project also targets to build the capacity of schoolteachers and administrators at the regional and local levels to ensure that improvements reach all schools in the target regions.
ABC+ is implemented in partnership with RTI International, together with The Asia Foundation, SIL LEAD, and Florida State University.
Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones applauded the project and its partner agency for helping the department in ensuring that no Filipino learner is getting left behind.
We are thankful for the unwavering commitment of our partners, especially now that we are intent to pivot our focus from improving access to enhancing the quality of basic education in the country,” Briones said.
U.S. Charge d’Affaires John Law also said that the United States remains committed to the quality of basic education for the benefit of all Filipinos.
“With better access to education, citizens can make well-informed choices and have better opportunities,” he said.
Present in the launch were DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio, DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships, and Project Management Service Tonisito Umali, and Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Administration Salvador Malana III.
A read-along session was also held with Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Bicolana beauty queen Venus Raj, and Ms. Philippines Earth Janelle Tee with learners from Oranbo Elementary School.
Dr. Alberto Fenix Jr. of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Human Resources Development Foundation, in a statement said “the PCCI and its national network of business associations, chambers, enterprises, and schools (ACES) are fully supportive of this project which will better prepare our children for the world of work.”
DepEd will work with local governments, private sector, and other stakeholders to leverage local resources to improve the quality of education.
Photos: Courtesy of DepEd
