In today’s day and age where information is power, transparency in governance needs to be strongly upheld to foster accountability, build public trust, and ensure that institutions are fulfilling their mandates to the public. The Department of Education (DepEd), in its continued efforts to promote better transparency in the education sector, rolled out its open data initiative named Project Bukas that discloses datasets on assessment results and school characteristics.
“Gusto natin sa panig ng DepEd, dapat transparent, pinapakita natin saan ginagastos ang pera ng taumbayan. First time sa kasaysayan ng DepEd na ibibigay sa publiko ang lahat ng datos. Kung anong alam namin sa Central Office, sa regional office, yun din ang malalaman ng publiko,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara during the program’s launch.
Stakeholders can utilize the datasets on the Paaralang Bukas dashboard to identify potential areas for partnerships in the basic education level, analyze trends in literacy and other performance indicators, monitor resource gaps, and as a basis for educational reforms. Machine-ready files containing these datasets can also be downloaded.
Representatives from the public and private sectors and civil society conveyed their support for Project Bukas, highlighting the value of accessible data in better understanding assessment data and forwarding educational policies and reforms.
“In an era where data drives progress, Project Bukas ensures that information is no longer confined to offices but is shared openly, responsibly and meaningfully,” said Aurelio Montinola III, Vice-Chairman of the Philippine Business for Education during the launch event. “We express our whole-hearted support for this initiative and look forward to the transformative opportunities it will unlock for the education sector.”
The Evidence for Education (E4E) Coalition described Project Bukas as a crucial step towards transparency, accountability, people empowerment, and responsible decentralization in our education system. “Change begins with integrity to acknowledge the challenges faced by the system. DepEd has set a powerful example for all government agencies to follow. The courage to be open is the first step to solving a problem.”
Similarly, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) manifested its support to the program that “aims to create a platform for NGOs, private entities, including private schools, to share feedback, insights, suggestions, and assistance regarding DepEd’s continuous initiatives and strategies concerning open government.”
Non-profit organizations such as the Ayala Foundation and Gokongwei Brothers Foundation also shared how Project Bukas can positively impact the implementation of their education initiatives.
“Data-driven decision-making is crucial to our programs. With the transparency and insight provided by Project BUKAS, we can better align our initiatives with DepEd’s priorities and ensure that our collective efforts translate into lasting benefits for students, teachers, and communities,” said Ayala Foundation President Antonio Lambino II.
“DepEd’s transparency portal will provide non-profit organizations like us an access to reliable data to help us further refine and develop our programs aimed at improving student learning outcomes—particularly in our focus areas of science, math, and, more recently, reading remediation,” said Grace R. Colet, Executive Director of Gokongwei Brothers Foundation.
Lastly, the Center for Educational Measurement, Inc. (CEM) expounded on the importance of opening access to key education indicators through the dashboard. “Project Bukas strengthens the foundation for more effective measurement of learning across schools and regions and a deeper understanding of where learners are, where gaps exist, and what interventions are working, thereby enhancing the relevance, responsiveness, and equity of education efforts,” said Dr. Grace H. Aguiling-Dalisay, President and CEO of CEM.
This initiative ultimately reiterates DepEd’s commitment to good governance and empowering stakeholders to be more actively involved in matters within the sector, making way for collaborative and inclusive action towards quality basic education for Filipinos.
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