Programs and Projects Third Elementary Education Project (TEEP) 1. The TEEP was conceived to curtail the threat of illiteracy, accelerate the learning achievement and completion rate of schoolgoers in 26 poverty-plagued areas. As programmed, the beneficiary provinces are Ifugao, Benguet, Antique, Guimaras, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Romblon, Masbate, Negros Oriental, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Zamboanga del Sur, North Cotabato, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Mountain Province, Batanes, Aurora, Capiz, Eastern Samar, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan. 2. Mindanao Basic Education Development Project (Mbdep) (2000-2007) Unlike other DECS package programs, MBEP is primarily geared towards providing an educational system that is fitting to the diverse culture and needs of learners in Mindanao. This proposed package of assistance shall benefit children and youth in Mindanao within seven years. 3. Decentralization of Basic Education Development Project (DBEM) The DECS Decentralization Task Force is responsible for developing a ten-year strategic plan for the decentralization of basic education management. 4. Mindanao - Basic Education And Community Needs This AusAid assisted project aims to improve the quality of teaching and learning in Mindanao and will also address basic education needs of Madaris and Indigineous communities. 5. Early Childhood Development Program Under this six-year program (1998-2004), DECS is providing an eight-week refresher course for grade 1 entrants in their first two-month-stay in school. Aside from DECS, the Department of Health and Social Welfare and Development will be jointly delivering services to the school children. 6. Secondary Education Development and Improvement Program (SEDIP) (2000-2007) The SEDIP is a 6.8 billion worth package of assistance which will benefit high school students in 26 low-income provinces within seven years. The program involves the construction of new school buildings; improvement of school facilities; provision of textbooks, manuals and instructional aids; and extensive in service training programs for teachers and school administrations. 7. Education Sector Study/Review The Education Sector Study was prompted by the need to identify and prioritize educational issues and prepare policy alternatives in the light of recent changes in education and its enabling environment. 8. Fifth Country Program For Children (CPC) The program is geared towards building models of Children Friendly System (CFSS) that will meet the basic learning needs of families, including illiterate parents, care-givers and out-of-school children and youth. 9. Canadian International Development Agency - Policy Training And Technical Assistance Facility II The 5-year program will enhance the capability of DECS to formulate plans, manage programs/projects and support policy reforms. 10. Belgian Integrated Agrarian Reform Support System The project aims to improve and uplift the economic well-being of farmer beneficiaries in the 33 Agrarian Reform Communities (ARC's) in Region VII and 60 ARC's in Region IX by providing them with a package of services designated to upgrade their productive capabilities.