Manila: To streamline the process for private-sector support, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday rolled out the new Adopt-A-School Program (ASP) Platform, alongside expanded investment opportunities in the Visayas. This is in adherence with the Republic Act 8525 or the Adopt-A-School Act of 1998 and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regulations.

According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stated that the initiative aims to foster transparent cooperation between the government and private partners. "Under the leadership of President [Ferdinand R.] Bongbong Marcos [Jr.], we are turning goodwill into concrete investments-building more classrooms, empowering our teachers, and ensuring equitable access for every learner," Angara said.

The new platform is designed to streamline procedures for private investments, specifically targeting corporate sponsors, civic groups, and private donors. Key features include transparent project matching, streamlined donation tracking, and direct access to tax incentives. Angara emphasized the importance of providing a faster and clearer system to encourage more private-sector involvement in educational reform.

The expanded investment menu under the program highlights specific priority areas for private funding, such as classroom and learning space infrastructure, safe schools initiatives, and work immersion programs for senior high school (SHS) learners. Besides the Visayas kickoff, the 2026 ASP caravan is also set to launch in Mindanao and Luzon.

Other government agencies are also participating, offering investment menus to enhance cross-sector collaboration, particularly under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Currently, DepEd has 192 active partner organizations supporting its programs and interventions nationwide.