The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday partnered with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) to empower public school heads and officials through leadership training.

The DepEd signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the two parties to launch the “EdLead 360: Public Education Leadership Lab” initiative through the agency’s National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP).

In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said capacitating teachers alongside continuous development in public schools will strengthen the country’s education sector.

“This program answers a very felt need in the Department to enhance professionalism and empower school leaders to make informed, data-driven decisions,” Angara said.

The agreement allows the NEAP to implement structured and career-aligned leadership programs to capacitate education officials.

The DepEd-NEAP will revive the Superintendents’ Leadership Program in collaboration with the DAP’s Graduate School of Public and Development Management.

This includes an Executive Course on Leadership and Public Finance Management for Schools Division Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents, reinforcing DepEd’s system-wide strategy to develop reform-ready leaders who can improve governance and learning outcomes.

The NEAP’s partnership with the AIM, meanwhile, will provide DepEd Division Chiefs and third-level officials with a Postgraduate Certificate in Literacy Reform and Education Policy Leadership.

At least 30 to 35 participants are expected to be part of the four-week post-graduate certification, which seeks to equip DepEd officials with strategic thinking and futuristic outlook.

It also aims to train education leaders to be driven by evidence-based systems and policy-making, in response to pressing education challenges, particularly on literacy and governance lapses.

Angara said the leadership skills enhancement is part of the DepEd’s overall efforts to promote the welfare of public school teachers, which includes increased allowances, reduced administrative workload, and professional advancement under the Expanded Career Progression system. (PNA)