Quezon City sets up learning recovery trust fund

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government will set up a separate trust fund for cash donations supporting various learning recovery programs to be implemented in the city’s public schools.

Mayor Joy Belmonte has approved the enactment of an ordinance establishing a Learning Recovery Trust Fund, the city government said yesterday.

“A crisis of this magnitude requires all stakeholders to adopt a unified focus in prioritizing the needs and interests of our children. Our approach should be comprehensive and coordinated, which would demand the participation of multiple stakeholders including educators, parents, policymakers and private organizations,” she said.

Belmonte said the establishment of a dedicated education trust fund will promote collaboration and partnership between the city and other stakeholders.

She urged businesses and associations to invest in students as their future workforce.

“The current learning crisis is a disturbing phenomenon that ultimately affects our youth. Our strategy among other initiatives is to provide targeted remediation to students who need it most, focusing on foundational skills, such as Reading and Math, which are essential for success in other subjects,” she added.

A recent World Bank report estimated that the Philippines has a learning poverty rate of 90.9 percent, one of the highest in the world.

Recent studies also underscored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global education crisis.

The Quezon City government said it has been working closely with the Department of Education’s Schools Division Office to map out and implement concrete plans and programs that will address the needs of every student.

Those who wish to support the city government’s education recovery programs may contact [email protected].