2021 National Human Rights Situation Report 47 184 Among the population aged 3 to 24 years old who were attending school, students aged 6 to 9 (27.5%) posted the higher percentage, followed by aged 10 to 12 (19.7%), and 17 to 19 (14.4%).164 185 About one in every four (24.2%) persons aged 6 to 24 years old was not attending school. The top reasons mentioned were employment (22.2%), marriage (15.0%), finished schooling or finished post-secondary/college (14.6%), high cost of education/financial concern (11.9%), and reasons due to COVID-19 pandemic (9.6%).165 186 Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis-Briones cited the concerted effort of local government units (LGUs) and external partners in supporting the Department of Education (DepEd) to provide for digital learning assistance this school year. To date, over 475 partner LGUs, as well as a number of NGOs, and external partners partnered with School Division Offices (SDOs) to provide learning materials to learners, parents, guardians, and teachers and personnel. Based on the report of the Regional offices, around 1,202 donation activities of LGUs or external partners have been conducted, consisting of printing supplies, electronic gadgets, and items concerning the implementation of safety and health protocols in the region.166 187 “Sa Manila, Php 1.2-billion worth of cellphones, and digital equipment pati load ang pinamigay sa ating kabataan,” she added. Pasig likewise spent Php 1.2-billion for cellphones for learners and teachers. Quezon City spent Php 2.9-billion for gadgets for its learners. Valenzuela City is currently distributing 23,500 units of 7-inch smartphones. 164 Philippine Statistics Authority. (2021, June). 2020 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey. 165 Philippine Statistics Authority. (2021, June). 2020 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey. 166 Department of Education (2021). LGUs, external partners strengthen DepEd’s blended learning amid COVID-19 pandemic. Retrieved February 08, 2021 from https://www.deped.gov.ph/2021/01/05/lgus-external-partnersstrengthen-depeds-blended-learning-amid-COVID-19-pandemic/