The Department of Education (DepEd) said Wednesday it would prioritize the review of the Special Curricular Program and other priority reform agendas in the education sector to realize system reforms.
The DepEd announced its plans during the National Planning Conference, citing recommendations from the Final Report of the 2nd Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II).
For 2026, DepEd seeks to prioritize the review and consolidation of its special curricular programs while sustaining the implementation of the revised curriculum in Senior High School (SHS), including the expansion of Grade 12 elective offerings.
Learners will also be provided with clearer post-K to 12 pathways through the rollout of the National Entrepreneurship Challenge.
“Para sa taong ito, kinakailangan nating ilatag ang ating mga prayoridad upang masigurong bawat sentimo sa ating 2026 budget ay magagamit nang wasto (For this year, we need to lay down our priorities to ensure that each centavo under the 2026 budget would be spent properly),” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement.
“We owe it to our teachers and learners to deliver the highest quality education possible.”
These efforts will be part of the agency’s target to enhance the DepEd Learning System through the integration of curriculum, teaching and learning strategies, assessment, resources, training, and other alternative learning deliveries.
The majority of textbooks, meanwhile, have already been procured and are expected to be delivered in June, in support of the Strengthened SHS curriculum and the upcoming school year.
Besides curriculum implementation and development, the DepEd also reiterated its priority to boost staffing in public schools nationwide.
Under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System, more than 100,000 public school teachers are set to receive their “long overdue” promotions.
On top of the target promotions, the DepEd will also hire 32,916 new teaching positions; 6,000 Principal I items; 11,268 Administrative Officer II items; 5,000 Project Development Officer I items; and 10,000 School Counselor Associate I items.
Artificial Intelligence or AI-powered platforms are expected to support the agency’s workforce development in terms of planning, assessment of school head applicants, deployment, and streamlining of school forms.
Support to school heads, teachers, and other DepEd staff was also assured under higher Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses, now at PHP60 billion, up from PHP48 billion in 2025.
Moreover, learning recovery and continuity efforts will be intensified to prevent learning loss due to various challenges, including natural calamities, classroom congestion, bullying, absenteeism, or malnutrition. (PNA)