ChildFund Philippines continues to move from community-based impact to national influence as it actively takes part in shaping the Department of Education’s (DepEd) policy direction on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). In partnership with SEAMEO INNOTECH, ChildFund participated in a series of high-level consultation meetings from May 28 to June 26, 2025, to help develop comprehensive policy guidelines for SEL integration in basic education across the country.

Led by DepEd’s Bureau of Learning Delivery–Teaching and Learning Division (BLD-TLD), the consultations brought together representatives from key DepEd bureaus, academic institutions, regional offices, and development partners. At the core of the discussion was the ExSELLEnT framework, a culturally grounded and context-responsive model co-developed by ChildFund and SEAMEO INNOTECH. This framework, shaped through consultations with learners, parents, and teachers in ChildFund-supported communities, served as a key reference for the proposed policy.

ChildFund’s leadership played an active role in the sessions. Country Director Anand Vishwakarma and Board President Dr. Grace Dalisay-Aguiling joined education leaders in emphasizing that SEL should not be seen as a side program. Instead, it should be embedded in everyday teaching practice, school systems, and family life—where learning extends beyond academics and supports children’s emotional and social growth.

Drawing from years of grassroots experience, ChildFund shared practical insights on how SEL can be implemented effectively in schools and communities. We also affirmed our commitment to support the capacity-building and systems strengthening needed to make SEL a lasting part of Philippine education.

For ChildFund Philippines, this is not just about contributing to policy. It is about helping create a national learning environment where every child is seen, heard, and supported to grow—not only in knowledge, but also in confidence, connection, and care.