Manila, June 30 -- Local government units (LGUs) have a crucial role in helping enhance the quality of learning outcomes among basic education learners in the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday said.

This came as the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) is set to launch the "Bayang Bumabasa: Mayors for Literacy" on July 1.

With the EDCOM 2 initiative, mayors nationwide will be urged to take part in pushing for the elevation of foundational literacy in their respective LGUs.

"Improving the quality of education is a marching order from the President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.), and we believe LGUs have a critical role to play," DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement.

Angara made the rema...