UNICEF pushes for learning recovery as school year begins

As the new school year commences, UNICEF Philippines is hopeful for a renewed emphasis on learning recovery and inclusive education.

UNICEF’s optimism is driven by the new leadership at the Department of Education (DepEd) and aims to foster a robust transformation in the education system, ensuring quality learning for every child despite ongoing health, protection, and climate-related challenges.

Recent events, such as Typhoon Carina and the Southwest Monsoon, have impacted over 19,500 schools, leading to delays in the start of the school year for hundreds of institutions, according to DepEd.

With more typhoons expected, students remain at risk of missing in-person classes.

The climate crisis is worsening the existing learning challenges in the Philippines, where many young children miss early learning opportunities and primary school students fall short in reading and math proficiency.

“We call on the new Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara to ensure no child is left behind, to address the well-being and socio-emotional needs of learners, and to support our teachers. We are ready to collaborate across sectors to tackle issues such as malnutrition, violence against children, and the impacts of climate change,” said Edgar Donoso Paz, UNICEF Philippines Country Representative a.i.

UNICEF commends the appointment of Senator Sonny Angara as the new education chief, recognizing his longstanding support for education legislation and finance.

The UN children’s agency acknowledges the progress made through initiatives such as learning recovery programs, curriculum retooling to focus on key competencies and foundational skills, and the employment of teacher aides.

UNICEF’s contributions to children’s education include generating data and evidence, developing lesson exemplars, advocating for teacher hardship allowances, supporting out-of-school youths and adolescents, enhancing the capacity of education actors to prepare for and respond to emergencies, and equipping learners with skills to adapt to climate change.

Increased collaboration with national-level bodies such as the Early Childhood Care and Development Council and regional agencies like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Ministries on Basic, Higher and Technical Education, and Social Services and Development is essential for improving learning outcomes and helping all children thrive.

“It’s encouraging to see and hear the commitment of the local government to ensure children receive not only the infrastructure for studying but also a quality education. Attending school is not enough; the quality of education they receive is far more important,” said Gary Valenciano, UNICEF Philippines National Ambassador.

Valenciano, along with UNICEF officials, participated in the Brigada Eskwela school preparation at Lydia D. Villangca Trade School in San Rafael, Bulacan.

UNICEF also praised President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address, which directed DepEd and partners to increase resources for education, bridge the digital divide, accelerate the production of instructional materials, and ensure that teachers can focus on teaching.