DepEd ramps up reforms to fix basic education issues

Almost two weeks after the opening of School Year (SY) 2025-2026 in public schools around the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) assured the public that it is taking concrete steps to address longstanding problems in basic education—even as it delivered a smoother and safer class opening nationwide.

- MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

"Education is not just about opening schools," Education Secretary Sonny Angara said. “It’s about making sure that every classroom is equipped, every teacher supported, and every child given a real chance to learn... that means confronting these issues head-on—flooding, congestion, mental health, access—and working with everyone to solve them.”

As classes resumed on June 16, DepEd vowed to go beyond a successful school opening by accelerating reforms and deepening inter-agency collaboration. It means committing to an education system that adapts and responds to learners' needs throughout the year.

School opening visits

President Marcos and DepEd Secretary Angara led school visits in Bulacan and Quezon City to monitor preparations and highlight the administration's efforts to improve school facilities, electrification, and learner support.