According to the Bank’s website, the Project Development Objective is to improve the foundational literacy and numeracy of primary education learners, as well as the learning outcomes in reading and mathematics of lower secondary education learners in public schools nationwide.

The proposed Project would support the implementation of selected Department of Education (DepEd)'s programs aimed to improve the quality of public elementary and lower secondary education (junior high school) nationwide. It would support DepEd's education reform agenda including decentralization programs. By the end of the implementation of the proposed Project, it is expected that Philippines' learners would perform better in national and international assessments of learning outcomes than currently observed, as well as learning gaps of K-6 learners would be addressed.

The proposed Project would finance activities that would be implemented according to both centralized and decentralized implementation arrangements. It would be structured around clusters of system-level interventions (or activities), targeted interventions, as well as activities on monitoring and evaluation of the proposed interventions. The system-level interventions to be financed through the proposed Project would include:
(a) implementation of learning acceleration or recovery programs;
(b) evidence-based support to the continuous professional development of teachers, including those of the Alternative Learning System;
(c) improvement of assessments of learning outcomes;
(d) improvement of teaching and learning conditions; and
(e) support to the teaching and learning of learners with disabilities.

The targeted interventions would be implemented according to decentralized arrangements by selected regional offices of DepEd and their schools, and would include activities such as:
(a) capacity enhancement;
(b) tailored support to teachers including through school-level training;
(c) provision of specific teaching and learning resources to schools; and
(d) tailored support to learning acceleration or recovery at the school level.

The proposed Project will not finance construction, renovation or rehabilitation of schools or classrooms. It would be implemented over six years starting in 2026.

The project support some activities that may have potential adverse risks to and impacts on human populations and/or the environment although these are likely to be minimal or negligible. Component 1 and 2 activities may pose environmental risks related to the procurement and disposal of electronic devices and ICT equipment. The purchase of electronic devices and ICT equipment may contribute to increased electronic waste (e waste) if not properly disposed of at the end of the life cycle.

The Project component activities are not expected to result in widespread, complex or irreversible risks and negative impacts as they mainly relate to implementation of learning programs, enhancement of the assessments for measuring education outcomes, and strengthening borrower capacity. Social risks associated to these activities include resistance or lack of ownership because of possible lack of meaningful consultation or limited involvement, undermining of traditional decision-making structures which may lead to internal conflict, mis-alignment with cultural values, and unauthorized use of IP intellectual properties. Another social risk identified is sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment (SEA/SH) concerns during the capacity building activities of the Project due to close interactions between training providers and trainees. However, these risks are considered low given that training teachers is a core function of the DepEd and the agency has substantial experience in managing trainings. Consequently, the social risk is assessed as Moderate.

Total Project Cost: US$ 661.50 million
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development: US$ 600.00 million
Borrower/Recipient: US$ 61.50 million

CONTACT POINT - World Bank

Task Team Leader: janssen Edelweiss Nunes Teixeira
Title: Senior Education Specialist
Email: jteixeira@worldbank.org

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

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ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF THE WORLD BANK

The World Bank Inspection Panel is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by a World Bank-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the Inspection Panel, they may investigate to assess whether the World Bank is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. You can contact the Inspection Panel or submit a complaint by emailing ipanel@worldbank.org. Information on how to file a complaint and a complaint request form are available at: https://www.inspectionpanel.org/how-to-file-complaint