THE DEPARTMENT of Education has called on Congress to prioritize key education measures, including the school-based feeding initiative and the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education program.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the inclusion of DepEd’s proposals in the Executive’s Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council list highlights the urgency of reforms aimed at improving access, equity, and accountability in education.

“Sa Bagong Pilipinas, dapat tiyakin natin na ang ating mga mag-aaral ay may sapat na nutrisyon, kalidad na guro, ligtas na paaralan, at pantay na oportunidad—mapa-publiko o pribado man sila nag-aaral. Ang mga panukalang ito ay konkretong hakbang upang hindi maiwan ang kahit isang mag-aaral,” Angara said.

The priority education bills endorsed to Congress include:

Amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act (RA 11037): Expansion of the School-Based Feeding Program to 160 feeding days and provision of universal feeding for Kindergarten to Grade 3 pupils.

Amendments to the E-GASTPE Act (RA 8545): Institutionalization of anti-fraud mechanisms through centralized verification, audits, whistleblower protection, and data-sharing with other agencies; and expansion of voucher coverage from Kindergarten to Senior High School learners and teachers.

Angara stressed that strengthening these programs is vital to improve learning outcomes and ensure that every Filipino child has a fair chance at success.

DepEd added that close collaboration with Congress, local government units, and development partners will be crucial in fully implementing these reforms once enacted into law.