The Department of Education (DepEd) has introduced the “Basic Education Development Plan 2030” (BEDP 2030), which will serve as a framework in improving the delivery and quality of basic education in the Philippines for the next decade. The BEDP 2030 aims to alleviate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, address access gaps, and build resilience.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) recognizes this effort of DepEd to enhance access, equity, quality, and resiliency of our education system through structured goals and long-term plans. CHR appreciates the agency’s responsiveness to the existing and emerging issues in education especially those that were compounded due to the pandemic.

The online distance learning scheme surfaced several concerns in education, such as 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 traditional school system and potential learning loss may impact their future prospects.

With the launch of BEDP 2030, we are hopeful that this long-term framework will ensure that every Filipino student is afforded quality education. It is crucial that the current generation of students, especially the vulnerable ones, are able to catch-up to the fast-evolving times through inclusive education.

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. ###