THE DEPARTMENT of Education is strengthening its partnerships with churches and civil society groups to reach learners left behind due to poverty, limited mobility, and weak retention—part of a broader effort to put learners at the center of education reform.

“We take our inspiration from all of you. Your stories and successes drive us toward meaningful reforms,” Education Secretary Angara said, noting that such partnerships help government programs respond to real-world challenges, from hunger affecting learning to learners who need flexible pathways back to school.

Angara made the statement during the 42nd National Social Action General Assembly of Caritas Philippines in Tagaytay City.

He emphasized that education reform, much like pastoral work, requires a sustained presence in communities and close attention to the daily realities of learners and teachers, especially in underserved areas.

Angara highlighted DepEd’s collaboration with Caritas Philippines’ nationwide network of 86 diocesan social action centers to extend the reach of key programs, including school-based feeding, learning recovery, and the Alternative Learning System, particularly for out-of-school youth and other marginalized learners.

He also cited the expanded School-Based Feeding Program, now covering all Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners nationwide, as an example of DepEd responding to evidence linking nutrition and learning.