P2-B US government grant to benefit 2 M youth

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has formalized a partnership with the United States government for the implementation of a P2-billion project to improve the basic education program in Bicol and Western Visayas.

Some two million Filipino learners are expected to benefit from the Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines or the ABC+ project launched by the DepEd and the US government on Tuesday.

The five-year project, funded through a grant from the US Agency for International Development, aims to improve reading, numeracy and socio-emotional learning of learners from early childhood up to Grade 3.

It also aims to boost DepEd systems in teachers’ professional development, materials development and managing public funds as well as build the capacity of teachers and administrators at the regional and local levels to ensure that improvements reach all schools in target regions. 

The project will be implemented with the support of various partners, including RTI International, Asia Foundation, SIL LEAD and the Florida State University.  

“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,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

The US embassy’s charge d’affaires John Law, who led the US delegation during the signing, reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting the improvement quality of basic education in the Philippines.

“With better access to education, citizens can make well-informed choices and have better opportunities,” Law said.

The project will be implemented until July 2024.