Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara on Tuesday underscored the need for collaboration to advance reforms within the education sector.

“As constituents of the Department of Education, we know that educational excellence is a collective journey. Lahat po tayo rito [ay] may (Everyone of us has a) contribution,” he said in a statement.

Angara urged stakeholders to take part in Central Luzon following the 2024 Education Week in Baler, Aurora.

Angara cited areas of improvement including the lack of adequate school resources; teachers’ welfare and development; and challenges among learners in terms of learning continuity such as malnutrition and poverty.

He said collaboration is “crucial” to ensure that learners are molded in the right way for their future.

“Transformative education is not just the act of teaching. It is creating a culture, a culture which engenders growth, collaboration, and empowerment among educators and learners,” he said.

The 2024 Education Summit in Aurora, Baler, meanwhile, featured various activities including consultative assembly, mental health and resiliency talk, sports festival, youth jam, heritage visit, outreach activity, performances exhibit, and networking booth to showcase schools’ best practices and innovation, among others. (PNA)