Lifelong Learning Law Enacted
President Marcos Signs Lifelong Learning Development Framework Act
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed the Lifelong Learning Development Framework (LLDF) Act into law, marking a significant step in promoting functional literacy across all levels of society. The new law, Republic Act 12313, was signed on October 23 and made public recently. It aims to ensure that every citizen has access to basic and functional literacy, as well as foundational and transversal skills.
The LLDF Act emphasizes inclusivity, stating that no individual, regardless of ability, sex, social background, language, ethnicity, religion, or culture, should be excluded from participating in the lifelong learning system. This law not only supports early childhood care and education but also promotes equity in education by mandating access to formal education from primary to tertiary levels.
Moreover, the law encourages access to adult education and technical-vocational education, ensuring that underrepresented and marginalized groups are not left behind. "Lifelong learning shall not be confined to educational or business settings but shall also include learning within families and local communities," the law states.
Recognition of Outstanding Educators
Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed his appreciation for the various organizations that honor outstanding Filipino teachers. He emphasized that these recognitions boost teacher morale and affirm the nation’s respect for their work. "When we recognize our teachers, we remind the nation that progress begins in the classroom. Through these partnerships, we not only uplift educators but also strengthen the foundations of Philippine education," he said.
President Marcos recently led the awarding of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos in Malacañang, recognizing 10 exceptional teachers, soldiers, and police officers who embody the spirit of the Bagong Pilipino. The Department of Education (DepEd) also honored Lea Domingo of Luzong Elementary School in Ilocos Norte, who was named this year's Philippine recipient of the Princess Maha Chakri Award. Domingo was recognized for her innovative pro-environment and sustainability projects.
Additionally, the Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Gintong Parangal Para sa Edukasyon awarded 18 outstanding education workers. The recognition program was inspired by the long-running “Value of Hard Work and Discipline” advocacy campaign, which is jointly spearheaded by Fortune Life Insurance Co. and Marylindbert International.
Support for Teachers and Educational Institutions
The DepEd also acknowledged the Gabay Guro Foundation, a long-time partner in empowering and supporting teachers. The foundation recently concluded its Grand Gathering of Teachers in Pasig City, highlighting the importance of collaboration in improving education.
The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) recommended that the DepEd review its policy on the establishment of school division offices. An EDCOM 2 study found significant disparities in the number of schools supervised and supported by each School Division Office (SDO), leading to uneven resources, personnel, and support available to schools nationwide.
EDCOM 2 noted that among large SDOs, Leyte manages 1,363 schools, while Caloocan City, also considered large, manages only 319. Cebu, the largest division in the country, supervises as many as 1,346 schools, compared to the smallest division office, Batanes, with 28 schools.
Under Section 7 of RA 9155, a "division shall consist of a province or a city which shall have a schools division superintendent" with wide-ranging responsibilities, including the hiring and evaluation of all division supervisors, schools district supervisors, as well as teaching and non-teaching personnel.
Legal and Legislative Considerations
DepEd Undersecretary for legal and legislative affairs Filemon Javier stated that RA 9155 restricts the department from creating new divisions, even if provinces or cities have increased in terms of student population or the number of schools established within their jurisdictions.
EDCOM 2 commissioner and Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo asked the DepEd to submit its recommendations on how to amend the law, as well as budgetary support needed, to the commission.
Mental Health and Education
Meanwhile, an official of the Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines (CEAP) highlighted the deep connection between mental health and education amid the growing mental health challenges among students and educators. This underscores the need for a holistic approach to education that addresses both academic and emotional well-being.
