A YOUTH-led multi-level accountability initiative aimed to forward a more evidence-based assessment of the country’s basic education was launched online.

At least 800 representatives of various organizations attended the virtual launch of the Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking and the Government Watch’s Multiply-Ed Philippines or X-Ed on Monday, February 7.

Multiply-Ed, a first-of-its-kind project in the country, is a multi-level accountability initiative that aims to help improve the Department of Education’s Learning Continuity program, making it resilient to the Covid19 pandemic and other crises.

CYAN Executive Director Jeza Rodriguez said Multiply-Ed hopes everybody would help accomplish various activities for education resiliency.

“We hope that we can forward a more sound, scientific, and evidence-based assessment on the state of Philippine Basic Education,” Rodriguez said during her speech at the Discovery Suites in Pasig City and online via Zoom.

The event featured messages from Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Risa Hontiveros and Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio.

San Antonio, who spoke on behalf of Education Secretary Leonor Briones, lauded the youth’s initiative to push these kinds of causes as these are opportunities for the government to listen and partner with more education stakeholders.

He added that the Department of Education is doing its best to cope with the challenging times and is looking for ways to make the learning system resilient during the pandemic.