TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite (PIA) — The Department of Education (DepEd) is strengthening its partnership with the Church and civil society organizations to ensure inclusive and holistic learning outcomes. 

Speaking at the 42nd National Social Action General Assembly (NASAGA) hosted by Caritas Philippines last February 3, Secretary Sonny Angara lauded the Church for its commitment in extending its services to underserved communities. 

“DepEd and parishes all over the country work very well together, dahil ‘yung mga efforts ng DepEd you have been doing on the ground for many decades. We take our inspiration from all of you. Your stories and successes drive us towards meaningful reforms.”

Known as the humanitarian, development, and advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Caritas Philippines and its 86 diocesan social action centers coordinate the Church’s social action, emergency response, and poverty alleviation programs across the country.

Caritas Philippines also partners with DepEd to implement programs focusing on lifelong learning and values formation, including its feeding programs and early childhood care. 

“Many would agree that the partnership between DepEd and the church is most valuable in the ALS or the Alternative Learning System. These are children coming from backgrounds [who might have] dropped out because they had to work for their families.” (PB-PIA CALABARZON)