THE DEPARTMENT of Education has joined forces with the Development Academy of the Philippines and the Asian Institute of Management to boost the leadership capacities of public school administrators.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed on Tuesday at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City, launching the “EdLead 360: Public Education Leadership Lab” initiative under DepEd’s National Educators Academy of the Philippines.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted that building leadership skills among educators is vital for improving professionalism and driving data-informed decision-making in schools.

“This program addresses a key need in the Department to strengthen school leadership and empower officials to make decisions backed by evidence,” Angara said.

Through the agreement, NEAP will roll out structured, career-aligned leadership programs. Among these is the Superintendents’ Leadership Program, revived in partnership with DAP’s Graduate School of Public and Development Management. This includes an Executive Course on Leadership and Public Finance Management for Schools Division Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents, equipping them to enhance governance and learning outcomes.

Meanwhile, the collaboration with AIM will offer DepEd Division Chiefs and third-level officials a Postgraduate Certificate in Literacy Reform and Education Policy Leadership. The four-week program, accommodating 30–35 participants, is designed to develop strategic thinking, evidence-based policymaking, and forward-looking approaches to pressing education challenges, particularly in literacy and governance.

Angara emphasized that leadership development is part of DepEd’s broader plan to advance teacher welfare, including higher allowances, reduced administrative duties, and expanded professional growth opportunities under the Expanded Career Progression system.