Quezon City: The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday committed to intensifying efforts to reverse the 'learning crisis' within the term of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The DepEd made this statement following warnings from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) about a widespread "learning crisis" in the Philippines, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Philippines News Agency, Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the need for decisive actions to address the crisis, noting President Marcos' commitment to allocating necessary resources. Angara described the learning crisis as students' inability to learn at the appropriate grade level. He echoed the President's calls to focus on fundamental skills such as reading and numeracy to aid learners in recovering from the pandemic's impacts. Angara also mentioned the introduction of summer programs designed to help students catch up.

In Quezon City, the local government unit (LGU) underscored its learning recovery program, which aims to support approximately 5,000 learners requiring remedial and tutorial classes until 2028. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte highlighted the establishment of a learning recovery trust fund, supported by private sector donations, to facilitate this initiative. The program employs retired teachers and overseas Filipino workers (OFW) returnees to assist non-readers and non-numerate learners, with about 2,000 students already advancing in reading and numeracy skills.

In addition to educational initiatives, the DepEd has launched healthcare services for teachers and learners at Esteban Abada Elementary School in Quezon City, in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). Around 500 beneficiaries received free check-ups, consultations, health advice, diagnostic services, and medicines. Learners were also offered free PhilHealth registration to access the Konsulta program and other PhilHealth packages, which include check-ups, laboratory tests, and preventive health services.

In May, the DepEd entered into an agreement with PhilHealth to ensure the education sector is included in the ongoing implementation of the Universal Health Care Law.