THE DEPARTMENT of Education continues to expand and enhance learning programs as well as develop strategies as it addresses challenges posed by the pandemic, an official said.

DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio said that the department is “committed in promoting inclusive literacy for all learners .”

“Several challenges have been braved by the department which at the same time served as our building blocks amidst the implementation of different literacy initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic,” San Antonio said during the commemoration of International Literacy Day on Sept. 8.

He said that some of the challenges that the department had to  face were the transition to an online educational system and capacitation of literacy educators and workers on the “new normal system.”

“The whole department responded to these hurdles through the implementation of various strategies and innovations. To name some, we strengthened the functions of DepEd strands especially the curriculum and instruction which showcased the active collaboration and synchronization of each bureau in crafting the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan,” San Antonio said.

“We also recalibrated the Department’s priorities anchoring it to today’s literacy needs in times of crisis. We are in constant forging, expansion and maximization of partnership and linkages within DepEd and its various literacy stakeholders. We continuously engage fellow teachers, parents and learners in their roles and contribution in the community towards achieving quality, equitable and inclusive literacy for all,” he added.