DepEd commits to education reforms, digital transformation

The Department of Education (DepEd) reaffirmed its commitment to implement long-term education reforms and digital transformation following the Philippines' ranking of 74th out of 177 nations in the Global Education Futures Readiness Index.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that improving the system for teachers, parents, and children is crucial but challenging.

DepEd's initiatives include the creation of ECAIR to use AI and data science to address long-standing challenges in education planning, management, and instruction.

Pilot projects such as SIGLA (student growth monitoring), TALINO (private sector involvement tracking), DUNONG (school leadership assessment analysis), SALIKSeek (internal chatbot for faster access to education data), SABAY (cognitive risk screening tool), and LIGTAS (geohazard monitoring) are underway.

DepEd is also introducing Project Bukas, an open data initiative aimed at promoting transparency and improving local participation in education delivery by making information on enrollment, resources, and learning outcomes accessible to communities.

In addition to these initiatives, DepEd has revised the Senior High School program with TESDA, CHED, and DOLE to integrate technical-vocational qualifications into SHS tracks and change hiring policies for entry-level civil service jobs.

To scale up digital access, DepEd is implementing programs like PSIP Connect, which provides solar power, satellite internet, and devices to underserved schools, and the Bayanihan SIM Program, which offers connectivity support to students and teachers in remote areas.