The Department of Education (DepEd) is rolling out its expanded “Kaagapay” program to address mental health concerns among elementary and high school learners.
Under a memorandum issued on Friday, the agency has formally invited parents and guardians to share in the responsibility of caring for learners’ well-being.
“The Kaagapay program taps parents and guardians as co-educators who help reinforce values formation, positive discipline, and learner well-being at home,” the agency said in a press statement on Monday.
The intensified Kaagapay program, whose allocation now stands at P100 million, aims to translate existing school policies into workable solutions that can be applied at home.
“These sessions use participatory and experiential methods, enabling parents to better understand learner behavior, socio-emotional needs, and the early signs of bullying or distress,” the agency added.
The agency also encouraged families to review their respective home contexts to develop sustaining positive practices throughout the sessions.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara recognized the role of parents in raising their children, saying the program would further help families.
“When families and schools work together in shaping values and understanding what children go through, learners are better protected and teachers’ work becomes easier,” Angara said in a statement.
The Kaagapay program is open to all parents and guardians of learners and may be conducted face-to-face, modularly, or asynchronously.
“DepEd is strengthening learner protection and well-being by ensuring that parents are not bystanders but active partners in creating safe, supportive, and inclusive school environments,” the agency said.
