Final answer:
The DECS was renamed to DepEd by Republic Act No. 9155, which was aimed at improving the management and quality of education in the Philippines.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option : a
The Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) was changed to the Department of Education (DepEd) by virtue of Republic Act No. 9155, also known as the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001. This change symbolized a shift in focus, consolidating education functions solely under the umbrella of what is now known as DepEd.
This legislative action was in line with a global movement towards strengthening educational systems and addressing educational needs more directly. In the Philippines, this act sought to improve the management and delivery of education in the country by streamlining the responsibilities and resources to target key areas such as curriculum development, educational standards, and teacher training. These efforts paralleled international educational reforms, such as the United States' efforts during the 1960s under President Lyndon Johnson with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act that aimed to combat poverty through education.