DepEd to continue USAID-supported projects despite P4B funding freeze

The Department of Education (DepEd) will continue USAID-supported projects, exhausting all means to sustain programs on early-grade literacy, numeracy, social-emotional learning, and support for learners with special needs, despite a P4 billion funding freeze.

The suspension of USAID funding, amounting to P4 billion ($94 million), follows a broader freeze on all US foreign aid ordered by US President Trump.

Affected initiatives include the ABC+ project for early-grade learning in the Bangsamoro region, the Improving Learning Outcomes for the Philippines (ILO-Ph) project, and Gabay, which supports learners with special needs.

The ALS Tracer Study and Opportunity 2.0 programs are scheduled for completion in February 2025.

DepEd is requesting USAID to turn over project materials and is exploring alternative funding sources to mitigate the impact.

To compensate, DepEd will accelerate textbook procurement and strengthen its curriculum and teaching strand.

The department is committed to ensuring President Marcos' education reforms remain on track while awaiting the resolution of the foreign aid suspension.