On January 30, the government of the Philippines and the U.S. government signed a new Bilateral Assistance Agreement for Basic Education that will help boost literacy in the Philippines. U.S. Embassy Manila’s United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Gloria D. Steele and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC signed the Agreement which was witnessed by the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Brian L. Goldbeck.

The five-year Agreement pledges approximately Php580 million ($12.9 million) in U.S. assistance through USAID for basic education programs throughout the Philippines.

In close partnership with the Department of Education and various partners in the education sector, this bilateral agreement will improve reading skills for one million Filipino children. The assistance also aims to increase access to quality education for vulnerable populations, such as children with disabilities, pre-primary students, out-of school youth and persons in conflict and crisis areas.

The United States will also support initiatives on education governance by strengthening the capacity of officials from the Department of Education, local government units, and members of the school governing councils such as parents-teachers associations and civil society.

“This bilateral education agreement will sustain and reinvigorate our combined efforts to ensure that the Philippines continues its rise as a regional and global leader in this new century,” remarked DCM Goldbeck. “It also symbolizes the continued partnership between our two nations that began over a century ago with the arrival of about 500 American “Thomasite” teachers.”

Secretary Luistro said, “In the last year and a half of this administration, we have been targeting those who are difficult to reach. And while we have made headway with out-of-school youth and those in remote areas, the help that we will receive through this assistance will go a long way.” He added that together with the K to 12 reform and other interventions, he is optimistic that the Philippine Government can ensure quality education for all.

The U.S. government works with the government of the Philippines through the bilateral Partnership for Growth to help put the Philippines on an accelerated growth trajectory that benefits the majority of its population. By strengthening education, the nation can cultivate a highly literate workforce, unlocking individuals’ potential to compete globally while uplifting their own communities.

“This bilateral education agreement is an excellent example in which our countries work together toward the shared goal of broad-based, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth,” concluded Goldbeck.