THE DEPARTMENT of Education signed five separate agreements with its partners to collaborate on curriculum programs focused on health, reading, and learning sustainability.

These partners include Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Philippines, Inc., Quipper Ltd., OMNIPAY, Inc., and World Vision Development Foundation, Inc.

During the ceremonial signing, Education Secretary Leonor Briones lauded the organizations for supporting the department in its initiatives and advocacies.

“Education is a shared responsibility. Sabi nga ng Minister of Education ng Singapore [sa kamakailang 51st SEAMEO Council Conference], ‘we need everybody’s help.’ Sila mismo gano’n na ka-advance, gano’n na sila kasikat sa mga worldwide and global assessments, pero sinasabi nila na humihingi [pa rin] sila ng tulong sa private sector and they get what they have to offer, what the advances are,” Briones said.

Pledges from the organizations include the provision of learning resources on mental health, oral hygiene kits, education materials, and reading enrichment and remediation programs.

Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships, and Project Management Service Tonisito Umali underscored the importance of these partnerships.

“Ang ginagawa po natin ngayon ay alinsunod sa sinasabi ng Article 14, Section 1 ng ating Saligang Batas na may kinalaman [sa mandato ng] ating Kagawaran ng Edukasyon na magbigay ng dekalidad na edukasyon at sisiguraduhin na may ginagawa po ang estado para maging abot po ito ng lahat ng mamayang Filipino,” he said.

External Partnerships Service Director Edel Carag thanked the organizations for their assistance, which he said will greatly contribute to the implementation of the Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan.

“Through the signing of MOA today, we have taken a huge step in achieving the goal of the department,” she said.