The Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking (CYAN) in the Philippines, empowered by the Education Out Loud (EOL) program, has embarked on a transformative journey, redefining its strategic approach toward educational advocacy. 

The education system in the Philippines faces several significant challenges that affect both schools and students. Key issues include an inadequate education budget, resulting in insufficient resources for teachers, infrastructure, and learning materials. 

While looking back at the COVID-19 pandemic it strained the system further, exposing gaps in the accessibility and quality of education, especially in remote and underprivileged areas. The immediate crisis has subsided, but the pandemic's effects continue to exacerbate the need for enhanced psychosocial support and mental health services for both students and teachers, which remain an issue today.

CYAN is working to address these challenges and to fight for better education and improved quality in the schools. With support from Education Out Loud, CYAN is now fighting for change.

Leizl Adame, Executive Director of The Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking (CYAN), emphasises the crucial role of Education Out Loud’s support in advancing educational advocacy in the Philippines.

"EOL's support has been a game-changer for us. It has not just funded our initiatives but also catalysed a profound shift in how we engage with learning as a tool for systemic change. This isn’t just about financial backing; it's about embracing a philosophy where learning and strategic reflection are integral to our mission". 

- Leizl Adame, Executive Director of CYAN

Transforming Education: CYAN’s Vision for Education in the Philippines 

CYAN aims to see schools that are well-resourced, with modern infrastructure, ample teaching materials, and adequately compensated teachers who are empowered with continuous professional development opportunities. Ideally, students would not only excel academically but also receive robust psychosocial support, fostering their mental health and overall well-being. In this envisioned future, the education environment would be characterised by active community involvement, transparent and efficient governance, and a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation to meet the ever-changing needs of the society it serves.

CYAN is working hard to lead the way and to strengthen and support the school system, for it to develop and improve in the future. 
Recently, a strategic planning workshop was organised to address the current situation. CYAN outlined future innovations and strategies under the EOL initiative, emphasising the crucial role of learning in guiding action amidst the evolving educational landscape of the Philippines. 
Central to CYAN’s methodology are also its national sharing sessions. These platforms do not only foster engagement with government officials and volunteers, but also serve as critical venues for scrutinising the Education Department’s learning continuity programs. 

"Through the consolidation and presentation of data, we've managed to create an impactful dialogue with policymakers, enhancing our policy advocacy efforts substantially" 

– Leizl Adame, Executive Director of CYAN

This approach has been instrumental in identifying allies within the Department of Education, thereby amplifying community engagement and advocacy concerning critical issues such as budget accountability, mental health services, and procurement processes. The mental health services that were included in this project, were designed to promote psychological well-being among students and address mental health issues.  The services encompass a range of support mechanisms, including community-based mental health programs, psychosocial support, and efforts to enhance the accessibility of mental health care in educational settings.

A Strategic Push for Educational Reform and Governance in the Philippines

As the Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking forges ahead with plans for an international learning exchange to expand its collaboration and knowledge-sharing horizon, the emphasis on social accountability and vertical integration as focal points of discussion, underscores the strategic intent behind these initiatives.

Strategic engagement with education governance, driven by a deep analysis and an effective advocacy strategy, has marked a new chapter in CYAN's journey. Leizl Adame explains,

"Our ongoing dialogues to finalise agreements and support specific policies underscore the tangible impact of EOL's support on our operational and strategic capabilities". 

- Leizl Adame, Executive Director of CYAN

This endeavor, coupled with the commitment to enhancing school governance councils and promoting shared governance models, highlights the strides made in fostering robust community and governmental relations.

CYAN's initiatives have empowered local communities and volunteers, championing a participatory approach to an educational reform in the Philippines.  Leizl Adame finally states,

"EOL’s contribution extends beyond mere project support; it fosters an environment where documenting and monitoring learning outcomes become the cornerstone of project management and strategic planning". 

- Leizl Adame, Executive Director of CYAN