DepEd

DepEd, or the Department of Education, is a government department of the Philippines charged with overseeing basic education. Its mandate covers kindergarten, elementary, and secondary education, including public and private schools, as well as nonformal education and alternative learning systems. The department develops curricula and learning standards, formulates policies on instructional materials and assessment, and oversees the recruitment, training, and evaluation of teachers and school leaders. It also administers school calendars and coordinates the governance and day-to-day operations of schools through its regional and division offices, working with local government units to implement programs.

The department is led by the Secretary of Education, a Cabinet member appointed by the President, and supported by undersecretaries and assistant secretaries. The central office is located in Pasig City, Metro Manila, with regional and division offices nationwide that supervise thousands of public and private elementary and secondary schools.

A key program is the K-12 Basic Education Program, which expanded the basic education cycle by adding senior high school and introducing new tracks to prepare students for higher education, employment, or entrepreneurship. DepEd also coordinates with the Commission on Higher Education for tertiary education policy and with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for nondegree technical-vocational programs, as well as with local government units to implement education services.