Stronger Public-Private Partnership Under PBBM: Sec. Angara Expands Collaboration with Private Sector to Elevate Education

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a significant push to strengthen public-private collaboration in education, Education Secretary Sonny Angara is intensifying efforts to engage private education stakeholders through the Public-Private Complementarity Framework, following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive for stronger partnerships with the private sector.

In collaboration with the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), the Department of Education (DepEd) is developing a strategic three-year action plan to operationalize the Public-Private Complementarity Framework. This initiative is designed to tackle long-standing challenges such as overcrowding in public schools and the continuous improvement of teaching quality, aligning with the administration’s 5-Point Reform Agenda.

“As you all know, DepEd faces persistent challenges, but by working closely with our private partners, we can implement sustainable solutions that will transform our education system,” Sec. Angara stated.

Private Sector’s Role in Educational Reforms

DepEd recently convened private school leaders at the 27th National Convention and the Federation of Associations of Private Schools and Administrators (FAPSA) Haligi ng Karunungan Awards. The event highlighted the vital role of private education institutions and their integration into the national education strategy.

During the convention, Sec. Angara recognized private schools' significant contributions to the country’s education system and reaffirmed DepEd’s commitment to strengthening policies that support them.

“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector in shaping the nation’s future. His administration is committed to fostering stronger collaboration, not just in business but also in education,” Angara emphasized.

Strengthening Integrity in Subsidy Programs

As part of its commitment to upholding transparency, DepEd has initiated an investigation into reports of ghost students under the Senior High School (SHS) Voucher Program. This alleged issue involves 12 private schools across nine divisions. Both PEAC and the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) have expressed their full support for the department’s probe.

“The PEAC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the proper implementation of subsidy programs. Together, we will continue working towards a transparent, fair, and effective voucher program that genuinely serves the needs of Filipino learners,” PEAC stated.

Since its inception nine years ago, the SHS Voucher Program has supported approximately 6.1 million students. For the school year 2024-2025 alone, it has benefited 1,287,144 learners enrolled in 4,421 private senior high schools across the country.

Private Sector Mobilization for Quality Education

DepEd has been actively engaging the private sector to rally support for key initiatives, including preparations for international student assessments and enhancements to the SHS Work Immersion Program. To elevate the quality of education and assessment performance, 37 private schools have been selected to participate in these global benchmarking programs.

With the combined efforts of public and private stakeholders, Sec. Angara remains focused on ensuring that the education sector continuously adapts to the evolving demands of the future, delivering consistent, high-quality outcomes for Filipino students.

Claire Castro Claps Back: Palace Press Officer Slams Duterte’s ‘Baseless’ Dictatorship Claims

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a striking debut as the new Palace Press Officer, lawyer Claire Castro wasted no time setting the record straight. In her first media interview, she boldly called out former President Rodrigo R. Duterte for his "baseless" accusations that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is veering toward dictatorship.

"Hindi tayo pwedeng maniwala sa mga pang-iintriga lamang na walang ebidensya," Castro asserted, emphasizing that the public should rely on facts, not politically motivated narratives.

A History of Political Intrigue?

Castro went further, drawing a stark comparison to the controversial detention of former Senator Leila de Lima under Duterte’s administration.

"Siguro naman napatunayan natin ’yan sa panahon ni Senator Leila de Lima. Ano pa ba ang i-e-expect natin sa dating Pangulong Duterte? Gumawa ng intriga, magplanta ng ebidensya," she remarked, suggesting a pattern of politically driven accusations from the former president.

De Lima, a fierce critic of Duterte’s violent drug war, was arrested in 2017 on what many human rights organizations and international observers called politically motivated and fabricated charges. After nearly seven years behind bars, she was finally acquitted in June 2024, with global rights groups celebrating her release as a long-overdue correction of injustice.

Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Research, Montse Ferrer, declared, "This is full freedom and vindication, finally, for human rights defender Leila de Lima, after her nearly seven years of arbitrary detention, as well as relentless political persecution."

De Lima’s Comeback and the Political Battlefield Ahead

With her name cleared, de Lima has wasted no time in stepping back into the political arena. She has announced her intention to run as the lead nominee for the newly established Mamamayang Liberal party in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections, vowing to fight for human rights and the rule of law.

Reflecting on her ordeal, de Lima said, "I knew that eventually, truth would prevail, and that is what is happening now."

Marcos Jr.’s Stance and Duterte’s Political Jabs

The tension between Duterte and the current administration has been intensifying in recent months. Duterte, who once wielded an iron grip over Philippine politics, has been openly critical of Marcos Jr., accusing him of consolidating power in a manner reminiscent of authoritarian rule. The former president’s comments have fueled debates on whether Marcos Jr. is truly leading the country in a new direction or merely reshaping old political structures.

However, Castro’s firm response signals that the Marcos administration is determined to push back against what they see as Duterte’s "intrigues."

By referencing de Lima’s case, Castro not only discredits Duterte’s claims but also reinforces the government’s commitment to upholding due process and democratic values—an ironic twist given the Marcos name’s historical association with martial law.

The Public’s Reaction and What’s Next

Filipinos remain divided on the issue. Supporters of Duterte continue to rally behind their former leader, arguing that his allegations should not be dismissed outright. Meanwhile, Marcos Jr.'s allies insist that the country is moving forward under a more balanced and pragmatic leadership.

As political tensions heat up leading to the 2025 elections, the battle for narrative control is in full swing. Will Duterte’s claims gain traction, or will Castro’s counterarguments hold firm? One thing is clear: the struggle for power and influence in Philippine politics is far from over.

Subject: Invitation to Conduct Free Voters Education and Awareness for Our Communities

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Date: February 24, 2025

To: LENTE, COMELEC, PPCRV, NAMFREL

Dear Esteemed Partners in Electoral Awareness,

I hope this letter finds you well. As a strong advocate for informed and responsible citizenship, I am reaching out to formally invite your esteemed organizations—LENTE, COMELEC, PPCRV, and NAMFREL—to conduct a free voters education and awareness program for our communities in Pasig Housing Village, Maybunga, Pasig, and Eastwood Residences, Rodriguez, Rizal.

With the upcoming elections fast approaching, we recognize the critical role that voter education plays in fostering an informed and active electorate. Many of our community members, especially first-time voters, would greatly benefit from expert guidance on crucial topics such as:

Voter registration procedures and deadlines

Election processes and voting rights

Responsible and informed voting

How to identify and combat misinformation

Ensuring electoral integrity and transparency

Given your expertise and unwavering commitment to democratic engagement, we believe your organizations are best positioned to provide invaluable knowledge and resources that will empower our residents to make informed decisions at the polls. We would be honored to collaborate with you in organizing a comprehensive voters education session at a date and venue that is most convenient for your teams.

We are keen to coordinate with you on the logistics and any requirements necessary to facilitate this initiative successfully. Our shared goal is to promote a well-informed electorate and uphold the principles of a fair and transparent democratic process.

Please let us know your availability and any specific needs for the program. I am readily available for discussions and coordination via 09473820042 or rossdelrosario@gmail.com.

We greatly appreciate your time, effort, and dedication to strengthening voter awareness and civic responsibility. We look forward to your positive response and to working together in making this initiative a resounding success.

Thank you for your commitment to empowering voters and safeguarding our democracy.

Sincerely,

Ross Flores Del Rosario

Founder and Editor in Chief 

Wazzup Pilipinas 

Contact: 09473820042

Email: rossdelrosario@gmail.com