Summary of publication

The Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) Program is Australia's response to the Philippine Government's request for support to implement the 2013 Enhanced Basic Education Act which adds a mandatory Kindergarten and years 11 and 12 to their 10-year education system. BEST supports this agenda in partnership with Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education to:

• improve learning achievements;
• increase attendance and completion rates; and
• strengthen DepEd governance and systems.

This Independent Progress Review (IPR) was commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) from July to December 2017 and examines the first three years of program implementation. The report provides an evidence-based assessment to determine whether the program is on track, is still relevant to Australia and Philippines policy priorities, if the program modality is effective, and assesses how BEST collaborates with other education programs funded in the Philippines. The review also considers new and emerging priorities for education in the Philippines that will inform future directions for Australia's engagement in the sector.

In the Management Response, DFAT notes the recommendations of the IPR Team and agrees in full with the four high priority recommendations, and the one medium priority. DFAT only partially agrees with the sixth recommendation relating to donor coordination.

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Philippines Basic Education Sector Transformation Program: Independent Program Review Report [DOCX 251 KB] | [PDF 512 KB]

Philippines Basic Education Sector Transformation Program: Management Response [DOCX 24 KB] | [PDF 113 KB]