THE DEPARTMENT of Education has implemented learning recovery plans that include the hiring of teachers and administrative officers this year, the Office of the Press Secretary said.

In a statement on Sunday, the OPS said the move aims to address the “learning losses” of Filipino students under administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following the closures of schools and the shift to distance learning.

“In its accomplishment report presented to Malacañang, the DepEd said it had prepared the National Learning Recovery Plan to guide regions, divisions and schools in addressing learning deficiencies due to pandemic-related disruptions,” the OPS said.

“DepEd data indicated that the proposed policy is anchored on learning remediation and intervention, professional development, health, safety and mental wellness,” it added.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Ruby Torio earlier said the learning recovery plan includes extending the school calendar, establishing a learning support center in schools and community-based learning spaces, conducting summer learning remediation and intervention programs and hiring additional learning support aides.

Data from department’s year-end report showed that 11,580 teachers were hired and 5,000 administrative officer items were created to unburden teachers from administrative loads.

Meanwhile, 15,331 teachers and school leaders received graduate scholarships while 17,636 were trained in early-grade language literacy.

Moreover, 161,700 teachers completed the National Educators’ Academy of the Philippines subsidized teaching courses and 31,700 others underwent Teacher Induction Program.

Marcos earlier cited the importance of supporting teachers and not “scrimping on the amount” for the children’s education as the country’s future lies on them.

“Our children must be equipped with the best that we can possibly provide. We cannot scrimp on the amount. Lahat ng maaari nating ibigay sa kanila, ibibigay natin sa kanila so that they get the best quality of education that we can afford without being wasteful,” he said during a meeting with the Filipino community in New York in September.