MANILA (June 16)—The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed support for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) introduction of the “Basic Education Development Plan 2030” (BEDP 2030) which will serve as a framework for improving the delivery and quality of basic education in the Philippines for the next decade.
The DepEd said the BEDP 2030 aims to alleviate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, address access gaps, and build resilience.
In a statement, lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia, CHR executive director, said the commission recognizes this effort of DepEd to enhance access, equity, quality and resiliency of the Philippine education system through structured goals and long-term plans.
De Guia said CHR appreciates the agency’s responsiveness to the existing and emerging issues in education, especially those that were compounded due to the pandemic.
She noted that the online distance learning scheme surfaced several concerns in education, such as the participation of students who lack the resources needed for online learning, the limits in the learning ability of students in a remote setup, mental health issues, and many more.
Many experts also fear the long-term effects of student disengagement from the traditional school system and potential learning loss that may impact their prospects, De Guia added.
“With the launch of BEDP 2030, we are hopeful that this long-term framework will ensure that every Filipino student is afforded quality education,” De Guia said, adding that it is crucial that the current generation of students, especially the vulnerable ones, can catch-up to the fast-evolving times through inclusive education.
She said the CHR urges the incoming administration to ensure that no child is left behind through the efficient implementation of the BEDP 2030.
“To ensure our sustainable recovery, every child must acquire the knowledge and skills that will guarantee equal opportunities and will enable them to meaningfully contribute to nation-building,” De Guia said. LEANDER C. DOMINGO