U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson with DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara | Photo via DepEd
PASIG CITY, Philippines—The Department of Education (DepEd) has outlined a multifaceted strategy to sustain key USAID education programs despite temporarily suspending $94 million in funding (approximately Php 4 billion).
Education Secretary Sonny Angara wrote to U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, expressing DepEd’s appreciation for USAID’s longstanding support in improving basic education in the Philippines. At the same time, he also emphasized the profound implications of the funding freeze.
In a letter, Angara cited the longstanding education partnership between the Philippines and the U.S. and expressed hope that consideration will be given to mitigating the impact of suspending ongoing projects.
To mitigate the suspension, DepEd requested that USAID properly turn over project materials so that existing resources can be used efficiently. As part of its strategy, Angara said DepEd is exploring alternative funding sources to continue the initiatives and strengthening the capacity of the Curriculum and Teaching Strand to integrate key project interventions into existing systems.
DepEd has also accelerated the procurement of textbooks for Grades 2, 5, and 8 to ensure timely delivery for the upcoming school year, maximize its existing budget, and engage with existing and new partners to absorb key components of the projects.
The education secretary said these steps aim to ensure that learners’ education is not disrupted and that the reforms in education remain on track.
“We will exhaust all means to sustain these programs, ensuring that the education of our learners is not disrupted. DepEd will maximize its existing budget, engage with existing and new partners, and absorb key components of these projects,” Angara said.
The affected initiatives—each playing a vital role in DepEd’s 5-Point Reform Agenda—include ABC+, which enhances early-grade literacy, numeracy and social-emotional learning; ILO-Ph, which strengthens comprehensive assessment framework and policies; and Gabay, which provides specialized support for learners with special needs. Meanwhile, the ALS Tracer Study and Opportunity 2.0 programs are set for completion in February 2025, and DepEd is working to ensure that their objectives remain on track.
USAID funds several specific education programs aimed at improving educational outcomes worldwide. For example, USAID:
- Supports programs that focus on improving literacy skills in early grades.
- Works to enhance access to quality primary and secondary education.
- Invests in training teachers to improve the quality of education. It includes providing professional development opportunities and resources to help teachers deliver effective instruction.
- Supports education programs in regions affected by crisis and conflict, ensuring that children in these areas can access safe and quality education.
- Partners with universities and institutions to strengthen higher education systems and promote research and innovation.
These programs are part of USAID’s broader efforts to promote global stability and prosperity by tackling poverty, disease, and political instability through education.
The Trump administration has significantly cut USAID’s foreign assistance programs, eliminating over 90% of its contracts and reducing overall U.S. assistance by $60 billion. This move has led to the termination of thousands of grants and awards, affecting numerous humanitarian and development projects worldwide.
The administration has requested the Supreme Court intervene in a dispute involving an estimated $2 billion in foreign assistance funds. A federal district judge had ordered the administration to pay all invoices and funding requests to the State Department and USAID contractors. The situation has caused chaos and uncertainty for many aid organizations and contractors who rely on USAID funding to continue their critical work.
Chief Justice John Roberts intervened on February 26 to halt a lower court decision requiring the Trump administration to pay the State Department and USAID contractors an estimated $2 billion in foreign assistance funds. The Trump administration argued that complying with the judge’s order by the deadline was not logistically or technically feasible.
