articles on education issues in the philippines

The Current Education Issues in the Philippines — and How Childhope Rises to the Challenge

• August 25, 2021

Even before COVID-19 struck and caused problems for millions of families, the country’s financial status is one of the top factors that add to the growing education issues in the Philippines. Furthermore, more children, youth, and adults can’t get a leg up and are thus left behind due to unfair access to learning.

Moving forward, such issues can lead to worse long-term effects. Now, we’ll delve deep into the current status and how we can take part in social efforts to help fight these key concerns of our country.

Crisis in Philippine Education: How is It Really?

Filipinos from rich households or living in cities and developed towns have more access to private schools. In contrast, less favored groups are more bound to deal with lack of classrooms, teachers, and means to sustain topnotch learning.

A 2018 study found that a sample number of 15-year-old Filipino students ranked last in reading comprehension out of 79 countries . They also ranked 78 th in science and math. One key insight from this study is it implies those tested mostly came from public schools. Hence, the crisis also lies in the fact that a lot of Filipinos can’t read or do simple math.

Indeed, it’s clear that there is a class divide between rich and poor students in the country. Though this is the case, less developed states can focus on learning if it’s covered in their top concerns. However, the Philippines doesn’t invest on topnotch learning as compared to its neighbor countries. In fact, many public schools lack computers and other tools despite the digital age. Further, a shortfall in the number of public school teachers is also one of the top issues in the country due to their being among the lowest-paid state workers. Aside from that, more than 3 million children, youth, and adults remain unenrolled since the school shutdown.

It goes without saying that having this constant crisis has its long-term effects. These include mis- and disinformation, poor decision-making, and other social concerns.

The Education System in the Philippines

Due to COVID-19, education issues in the Philippines have increased and received new challenges that worsened the current state of the country. With the sudden events brought about by the health crisis, distance learning modes via the internet or TV broadcasts were ordered. Further, a blended learning program was launched in October 2020, which involves online classes, printouts, and lessons broadcast on TV and social platforms. Thus, the new learning pathways rely on students and teachers having access to the internet.

This yet brings another issue in the current system. Millions of Filipinos don’t have access to computers and other digital tools at home to make their blended learning worthwhile. Hence, the value of tech in learning affects many students. Parents’ and guardians’ top concerns with this are:

• Money for mobile load
• Lack of gadget
• Poor internet signal
• Students’ struggle to focus and learn online
• Parents’ lack of knowledge of their kids’ lessons

It’s key to note that equipped schools have more chances to use various ways to deal with the new concerns for remote learning. This further shows the contrasts in resources and training for both K-12 and tertiary level both for private and public schools.

One more thing that can happen is that schools may not be able to impart the most basic skills needed. To add, the current status can affect how tertiary education aims to impart the respect for and duty to knowledge and critical outlook. Before, teachers handled 40 to 60 students. With the current online setup, the quality of learning can be compromised if the class reaches 70 to 80 students.

Data on Students that Have Missed School due to COVID-19

Of the world’s student population, 89% or 1.52 billion are the children and youth out of school due to COVID-19 closures. In the Philippines, close to 4 million students were not able to enroll for this school year, as per the DepEd. With this, the number of out-of-school youth (OSY) continues to grow, making it a serious issue needing to be checked to avoid worse problems in the long run.

List of Issues When it Comes to the Philippines’ Education System

For a brief rundown, let’s list the top education issues in the Philippines:

• Quality – The results of the 2014 National Achievement Test (NAT) and the National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE) show that there had been a drop in the status of primary and secondary education.
• Budget – The country remains to have one of the lowest budget allotments to learning among ASEAN countries.
• Cost – There still is a big contrast in learning efforts across various social groups due to the issue of money—having education as a status symbol.
• OSY – The growing rate of OSY becomes daunting due to the adverse effects of COVID-19.
• Mismatch – There is a large sum of people who are jobless or underpaid due to a large mismatch between training and actual jobs.
• Social divide – There is no fair learning access in the country.
• Lack of resources – Large-scale shortfalls in classrooms, teachers, and other tools to sustain sound learning also make up a big issue.

All these add to the big picture of the current system’s growing concerns. Being informed with these is a great first step to know where we can come in and help in our own ways. Before we talk about how you can take part in various efforts to help address these issues, let’s first talk about what quality education is and how we can achieve it.

What Quality Education Means

Now, how do we really define this? For VVOB , it is one that provides all learners with what they need to become economically productive that help lead them to holistic development and sustainable lifestyles. Further, it leads to peaceful and democratic societies and strengthens one’s well-being.

VVOB also lists its 6 dimensions:

• Contextualization and Relevance
• Child-friendly Teaching and Learning
• Sustainability
• Balanced Approach
• Learning Outcomes

Aside from these, it’s also key to set our vision to reach such standards. Read on!

Vision for a Quality Education

Of course, any country would want to build and keep a standard vision for its learning system: one that promotes cultural diversity; is free from bias; offers a safe space and respect for human rights; and forms traits, skills, and talent among others.

With the country’s efforts to address the growing concerns, one key program that is set to come out is the free required education from TESDA with efforts to focus on honing skills, including technical and vocational ones. Also, OSY will be covered in the grants of the CHED.

Students must not take learning for granted. In times of crises and sudden changes, having access to education should be valued. Aside from the fact that it is a main human right, it also impacts the other human rights that we have. Besides, the UN says that when learning systems break, having a sustained state will be far from happening.

How Childhope KalyEskwela Program Deals with Changes

The country rolled out its efforts to help respond to new and sudden changes in learning due to the effects of COVID-19 measures. Here are some of the key ones we can note:

• Continuous learning – Since the future of a state lies on how good the learning system is, the country’s vision for the youth is to adopt new learning paths despite the ongoing threat of COVID-19.
• Action plans – These include boosting the use of special funds to help schools make modules, worksheets, and study guides approved by the DepEd. Also, LGUs and schools can acquire digital tools to help learners as needed.

Now, even with the global health crisis, Childhope Philippines remains true to its cause to help street children:

• Mobile learning – The program provides topnotch access to street children to new learning methods such as non-formal education .
• Access to tools – This is to give out sets of school supplies to help street kids attend and be ready for their remote learning.
• Online learning sessions – These are about Skills for Life, Life Skill Life Goal Planning, Gender Sensitivity, Teenage Pregnancy and Adolescent Reproductive Health.

You may also check out our other programs and projects to see how we help street children fulfill their right to education . You can be a part of these efforts! Read on to know how.

Shed a Light of Hope for Street Children to Reach Their Dreams

Building a system that empowers the youth means helping them reach their full potential. During these times, they need aid from those who can help uphold the rights of the less privileged. These include kids in the streets and their right to attain quality education.

You may hold the power to change lives, one child at a time. Donate or volunteer , and help us help street kids learn and reach their dreams and bring a sense of hope and change toward a bright future. You may also contact us for more details. We’d love to hear from you!

With our aim to reach more people who can help, we’re also in social media! Check out our Facebook page to see latest news on our projects in force.

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• The Status of Education in the Philippines: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Forward

Education in the Philippines has been a cornerstone of national development, with the government and various stakeholders recognizing its vital role in shaping the country’s future. Despite significant strides made over the years, the Philippine education system continues to grapple with numerous challenges that hinder its ability to provide quality education for all. This article will explore the current status of education in the Philippines, highlighting its progress, challenges, and the necessary steps to improve it.

Progress in the Philippine Education System

One of the most notable advancements in the Philippine education system is the implementation of the K-12 curriculum in 2013. This reform extended basic education from 10 to 12 years, aligning the country with international standards. The additional two years of senior high school aim to better prepare students for higher education, employment, or entrepreneurship, addressing the previous system's shortcomings in these areas.

The literacy rate in the Philippines is relatively high compared to other developing nations. This achievement is largely due to the widespread access to primary education, which has seen significant improvement over the years. Government initiatives such as the Enhanced Basic Education Information System (EBEIS) have also contributed to better data management and monitoring of educational outcomes, helping policymakers make more informed decisions.

Challenges Facing the Philippine Education System

Despite these improvements, the Philippine education system faces several pressing challenges. One of the most significant issues is the quality of education. Large class sizes, insufficient instructional materials, and outdated teaching methods are prevalent in many schools, particularly in public institutions. Teacher training is inconsistent, with a notable disparity in the quality of education provided in urban versus rural areas. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the digital divide in the Philippines. Many students, especially those from low-income families and remote areas, lacked access to reliable internet and devices necessary for online learning. This digital gap has exacerbated existing educational inequalities, leaving many students behind in their studies.

Another critical issue is the high dropout rate at the secondary and tertiary levels. While enrollment rates at the primary level are high, they decline significantly as students progress through the education system. Contributing factors include poverty, the need for children to work, and geographic isolation. This dropout trend limits the country’s human capital development and hampers economic growth. Learning poverty, defined as the inability of children to read and understand simple text by age 10, is another major concern. This issue stems from the poor quality of instruction and the lack of access to early childhood education. Furthermore, many schools in the Philippines lack basic infrastructure, such as classrooms, toilets, and clean water, which negatively impacts the learning environment, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas.

Addressing the Challenges: The Path Forward

To address these challenges, several steps must be taken. First, there is a need for sustained investment in education, particularly in improving infrastructure, providing adequate learning materials, and enhancing teacher training programs. Ensuring that teachers are well-compensated, supported, and continuously trained is crucial for improving the overall quality of education. The government must also address the digital divide by investing in technology and infrastructure that enable remote learning. Expanding access to affordable internet and providing devices to students, especially those in underserved areas, will help bridge the gap and ensure that all students can participate in the digital learning environment.

Moreover, efforts to reduce dropout rates should focus on addressing the underlying causes, such as poverty and geographic isolation. This could include providing financial assistance to low-income families, implementing more flexible learning arrangements, and improving transportation and access to schools in remote areas. Addressing learning poverty requires a focus on early childhood education and ensuring that all children have access to quality education from an early age. This involves improving the quality of instruction in the early years, developing comprehensive early childhood education programs, and ensuring that children are well-prepared to succeed in primary school.

The education system in the Philippines stands at a crossroads, with significant progress made but also considerable challenges to overcome. The implementation of the K-12 curriculum and improvements in literacy rates are commendable, but issues such as quality of education, digital divide, and dropout rates continue to hinder the country’s educational outcomes. By addressing these challenges through sustained investment, policy reforms, and community engagement, the Philippines can pave the way for a more equitable and effective education system that empowers all students to succeed and contribute to the nation’s development.

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Why Filipino students performed poorly in global learning assessments

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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

PHILIPPINE EDUCATION. File photo of students at Corazon Aquino Elementary School in Quezon City during the opening of classes in August 2023

Jire Carreon/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Before the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022  rankings were released in December 2023, the Department of Education (DepEd) had already said it was not expecting “good results.”

It seemed to be the agency’s way of controlling the narrative and minimizing public backlash, if not lowering public expectations. After all, the DepEd had already faced a string of controversies in only two years of Vice President Sara Duterte’s leadership. Critics hit Duterte for what they called “misplaced priorities” in the department – from red-tagging to alleged misuse of hefty confidential funds.

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“To be honest, we’re not expecting good results. So right now, we’re really focused in learning recovery. And that is why we requested that if there were realignments to be made, it should be realigned to the NLRP (National Learning Recovery Program),” DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa said in November 2023 .

Poa was right. The Philippines, once again, ended up among the countries that produced the lowest proficiency for 15-year-old students in reading, mathematics, and science, as indicated by the PISA rankings. The country ranked 77th out of 81 countries globally.

The country scored Level 1a to 1b on mathematics, reading, and science. This means that students had below minimum proficiency in all three subject areas.

At level 1a for reading, students can understand only the literal meaning of sentences or short passages. At level 1b for mathematics, they can perform only simple calculations. Lastly, at level 1a for science, they can recognize only simple scientific phenomena.

The latest PISA result begs the question: why do Filipino students continue to lag behind other countries in global education assessments?

Just ‘memorization’

At a Senate hearing on the 2022 PISA results on Wednesday, February 7, Senator Nancy Binay asked the DepEd if the questions in PISA were taught in schools in the country. “Paano maisasagot ng mga student ang questions kung hindi siya naituturo as part of the curriculum ?” (How can the students answer the questions when these are not being taught as part of the curriculum?)

In response, educational psychologist and University of the Philippines professor Lizamarie Olegario said that the learning curriculum in the country is too much focused on mere “memorization” or the low ordering thinking skill, while PISA questions require analytical thinking.

“Hindi talaga siya natuturo sa classrooms natin. ‘Yung mga questions sa PISA ay practical real-life situations. Kasi dapat ‘yung tinuturo natin ay solving real-life problems, authentic learning dapat tayo,” she explained.

(They are really not being taught in our classrooms. The questions in PISA were practical real-life situations. Because what we should be teaching them are about solving real-life problems. We should teach them about authentic learning.)

Olegario said that teachers should veer away from telling students to just memorize math formulas and read fictional books. “In reading, students are so much exposed to fiction. In math, more on memorizing formulas. But in PISA, they need to analyze problems. In science, basically the experiments only ask them to follow steps. But in PISA, they have to imagine. They have to do experiments in their minds.”

Olegario also attributed the dismal performance of students to the failed implementation of the K to 12 program. “The K to 12 is not being implemented to the fullest. The task performance is still on the lower order of thinking skills [which] should be the application side or problem solving.”

Even before K to 12 was launched in 2012, many were already clamoring against the additional two years of basic education. Despite a classroom shortage, lack of textbooks, tables and chairs, the ambitious program was implemented. Policymakers and proponents of K to 12 marketed it to the public as a curriculum preparing “graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.”

But former DepEd director for curriculum and development Joyce Andaya refuted Olegario’s claim. She said that “nowhere in the review did it come out that we focused on the lower level thinking skills.”

“In fact, in the review, there were very important findings. Number 1, there were overlapping. Number 2, there were misplaced competencies that should have been in grade 4 but perhaps in grade 7, and cognitive demands. There’s also high cognitive demands, meaning the curriculum has leaned towards high level than low thinking skills,” she said.

But what Andaya failed to point out was whether the teachers were teaching the way lessons should be taught. The DepEd is the biggest employer of teachers having some 900,000 teaching personnel across the country.

“From our initial discussions, we just found out that our learners and teachers are not familiar with the type of tests that are given by PISA,” Andaya said. She said that there’s need to strengthen “formative tests” in classrooms to match the PISA questions.

In an interview with Rappler on Wednesday, Philippine Business for Education’s Justine Raagas said that there were two major factors why Filipino students lagged behind other countries in PISA. These are lack of resources and the quality of teachers the country has.

Lack of resources

Raagas said that the Philippines is allotting only 3% to 4% of its gross domestic product for its education budget while the global standard is 6%. “We perform poor, and we spend less,” she said.

For one, Raagas pointed out the perennial problem of classroom and textbook shortage. “We’re hounded by problems. We lack classrooms. Learners now still share textbooks.”

In 2023, the DepEd was able to build only 3,600 new classrooms. DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas said that Philippine public schools lacked some 159,000 classrooms before school opened in August 2023. At this rate, the government would be able to address the classroom shortage in 40 years, and by that time, more problems in the education sector would have come up.

Ironically, on the lack of textbooks, the DepEd left some P3 billion worth of learning materials sitting in warehouses from 2021 to 2023. A Rappler investigation revealed that the learning materials were held hostage by logistics firm Transpac due to non-payment of fees, among other things. The materials were later released after Rappler published its report in December 2023.

Teacher quality

“Teachers are the biggest inputs to classroom learning. It’s important to have high quality teachers who are knowledgeable,” Raagas said, stressing the crucial role of teachers for some 28 million basic education students.

According to a World Bank study in 2016 , the knowledge of teachers and the method they use to teach a subject were “important determinants of student learning outcomes in the Philippines.” The study showed that “knowledge of subject matter among elementary and high school teachers is low in most subjects.”

For instance, the World Bank study revealed that a mathematics teacher in high school was only able to answer 31% of the questions “completely correctly,” far from even half of the questions.

“Since the tests are closely aligned with the curriculum, the results suggest that teachers face significant challenges in teaching a considerable portion of the current K to 12 curriculum,” the study said.

How can students learn to analyze math equations if their teachers themselves are having a hard time answering them?

But Raagas said teachers shouldn’t be overburdened by the problems because they are overworked with administrative tasks rather than just teaching. “They need to be supported,” she said.

To address this, the DepEd recently released an order removing administrative tasks from teachers so they could focus on teaching. Raagas, however, said that if the DepEd would hire only 5,000 administrative staff every year, it would take years for the agency to solve the problem.

“We have to remember that we have over 47,000 schools…. Do the math, if only 5,000 year-on-year, it would take years to be completed. In the next years, we would still have overworked teachers,” Raagas said. (READ: Overworked teachers among causes of high learning poverty level in PH – experts )

For years, teachers have complained that paperwork piling up hinders them from preparing lessons.

What does the DepEd need now? Raagas said the agency needs a strong leader.

“We need a strong leadership that [will say,] ‘hey all these things need to be done.’ And the fact is that many of the reforms have to be done simultaneously,” she said.

Many critics disagreed with Duterte’s appointment as education chief. She is not an educator, and some people questioned her qualifications. But the Vice President said her experience as a mother and her background in local governance are enough. Will she take the rest of her term to learn the job? – Rappler.com

As Marcos-Duterte clans clash, should Sara resign from the Cabinet?

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I appreciate the candidness of Philippine Business for Education’s Justine Raagas, who stated that the agency (DepEd) needs a strong leader. However, using the adjective “strong” may be less appropriate compared to plainly stating that she lacks the experience and educational qualification to lead DepEd. It is said that VP Sara Duterte defended herself by declaring that “her experience as a mother and her background in local governance are enough.” Unfortunately, such experience and background are insufficient or appropriate for such a position. Why should an official maintain her position when not qualified or experienced? The highest responsibility belongs to President Marcos Jr. He should urgently act on this and not prolong the suffering of affected students, teachers, and parents.

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Philippine Education Today: Statistics, Challenges, Opportunities

Education isn’t solely about academic achievement; it’s a powerful catalyst for poverty reduction, social equality, and holistic national development. The Philippines’ commitment to enhancing its education landscape echoes its aspiration to unlock the potential of every citizen, regardless of their background.

Since time immemorial, education in the Philippines has played a vital role in building the backbone of society— its leaders. Through education, the country produces its top economists, researchers, politicians, lawyers, teachers, anthropologists, and artists. It’s a cornerstone of national development, contributing to growth, social progress, and stability.

In this article, we delve into important education statistics, enrollment trends, literacy rates, and both global and local challenges, underscoring the Philippines’ commitment to empowering its citizens.

The Philippine Educational Landscape: Trends and Statistics

For the first time in two years, enrollment dropped below the pre-pandemic levels, with only 26.6 million students registered for the 2023-2024 school year. ( philstar ).

The Department of Education (DepEd) noted a decline in registration for the 2023-2024 academic year, marking the end of a two-year growth trend since the onset of the pandemic.

Several factors may be attributed to this decline, including weather disturbances that disrupted the registration process and the ongoing effects of COVID-19. In 2020, the pandemic also led to a drop in enrollment, with the number of enrolled students decreasing from 27.03 million to 26.23 million.

These fluctuations raise concerns about potential learning loss and underscore the challenges in achieving educational stability amid ongoing disruptions.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has projected an attrition rate of 35.15% for universities and colleges in the 2023-2024 academic year. ( Inquirer )

The projections represent a slight decrease from the previous year’s rate of 40.98%.

The COVID-19 pandemic, along with the rising cost of living and an assistance gap, played significant roles in the increase in attrition rates over the past years, particularly affecting private schools where many students halted their studies due to financial constraints. 

The decrease to 35.15% indicates a positive trend post-COVID, but it calls for a review of the support students need in universities and colleges.

While 49% of the wealthiest segment attends higher education, this figure drops to only 17% for the least affluent. ( Philippine Business for Education )

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines struggled with educational issues, including having equitable access to quality education. This issue remained elusive, with low secondary and tertiary education completion rates.

The pandemic further exacerbated these problems, leading to school closures and a transition to blended learning and online classes, which required access to tablets and laptops. This left over a million students unable to enroll.

Despite the presence of scholarships and support programs, they often fall short of bridging the financial gap. These disparities are interconnected with broader societal inequalities, including healthcare, nutrition, and living conditions, further impeding access to higher education for the less affluent.

A recent statistic shows that the Philippines has reached an impressive 97% literacy rate. ( Esquire )

Recent statistics show that in 2020, the literacy rate was slightly higher among females (97.1%) than males (96.8%), with the National Capital Region (NCR) boasting the highest literacy rate at 98.9%.

Various factors have contributed to this rise, including government-supported free college tuition, benefitting 4.1 million student enrollees in 2022, as reported by ABS CBN News . 

Enrollment trends have shown a preference for courses in high-demand fields, including criminology, engineering, technology, IT-related disciplines, and social and behavioral sciences, indicating Filipinos’ strong desire for education. 

However, while enrollment has increased, graduation rates have remained stagnant, and dropout rates persist at about 34%. This underscores the need to address challenges beyond access, focusing on retention and graduation rates.

DepEd has set classroom-to-student ratios at 1:35 for primary school and 1:40 for junior and senior high school. ( Rappler )

The significant deficit of 91,000 classrooms for the 2023-2024 school year highlights the need for innovative solutions and investments in educational infrastructure. Government institutions can explore public-private partnerships and modern construction methods and utilize available spaces more efficiently to bridge this considerable gap.

Moreover, this situation emphasizes the importance of revisiting classroom-to-student ratios, potentially leading to more optimized and flexible teaching environments.

Challenges in the Philippine Educational System

Amid these opportunities, several persistent challenges continue to hinder the delivery of quality education. Here’s a list to remember:

Insufficient funding 

Insufficient funding has a far-reaching impact on school facilities and teachers’ salaries. Budget-strapped schools struggle to provide resources, scholarships, and tech access. This hampers their ability to implement essential reforms and effectively update curricula.

In the academic year of 2020–2021 , close to four million students could not enroll. Alarmingly, around 50% of out-of-school youths belonged to families within the bottom 30% of the income distribution.

Reduced per-pupil funding rates can lead to a shortage of educators, resulting in imbalanced teacher-to-student ratios, overcrowded classrooms, and decreased interactions between teachers and students.

Educational disparities

The lack of more uniform funding can cause educational disparities, highlighting a stark urban-rural divide and showcasing significant variances in academic quality. The educational gap can also be seen in the courses offered, as rural universities often can’t provide specialized programs like BS Tourism Management due to a lack of proper facilities and resources.

In universities in the Philippines, the lack of funding typically shows that urban areas enjoy better-funded and more technologically equipped schools, offering a broader range of educational opportunities and extracurricular activities. On the other hand, students and schools in rural regions face resource limitations, inadequate facilities, and a scarcity of qualified teachers.

The lack of funding means an inability to purchase more up-to-date equipment. Moreover, it deters the inflow of educators to these areas because they know they won’t be compensated well. This discrepancy perpetuates unequal opportunities for students, ultimately impacting their learning outcomes and prospects.

Curriculum and teaching issues

The Philippines grapples with an outdated curriculum that often fails to align with the job market’s and society’s evolving needs. This leaves students ill-prepared for the demands of the modern world.

Additionally, conventional teaching methods emphasize memorization and teacher-centered instruction when the system could explore many more teaching methods. Focusing on these teaching methods hinders critical thinking and creativity , impacting students’ ability to adapt to a rapidly changing world. 

Digital divide

The reliance on online learning during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaping disparities in digital access. Students in remote regions often lacked internet connectivity and devices, forcing educators to explore unconventional means to reach them.

This digital divide is detrimental to university students, especially those pursuing technology-related courses like BS Information Technology, as they require access to advanced technology and uninterrupted internet connectivity.

Teacher shortages

The Philippines faces a severe teacher shortage driven by high student-to-teacher ratios, budget constraints, and sluggish hiring procedures.

DepEd Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organization Development Gloria Jumamil-Mercado noted that they ideally aim for a student-to-teacher ratio of 30 students per teacher. However, she shares, “Our shortage right now is at 86,000 teachers, and for 2024, we have an allocation of 20,000. The ratio that we have currently is still 1:40.”

This scarcity of educators disproportionately impacts private schools, mainly due to the extended basic education program (K-12). Competent teachers are increasingly drawn to public schools, affecting teacher retention and limiting educational resources in remote areas.

Limited resources and low teacher salaries lead to issues in education, including increased dropout rates, more out-of-school youth, and bureaucratic inefficiencies impacting the overall quality of education.

Opportunities in the Philippine Educational System

Despite the challenges, the Philippine educational system presents a promising landscape with opportunities for transformation and progress. Here are some of these opportunities:

Investment prospects

The Philippine education system offers investment opportunities to improve facilities, create new teaching positions, develop human resources, and acquire learning tools.

These investments not only foster educational improvement but also offer financial returns. More investments mean more opportunities for students to attain quality education, including in-demand degrees like BS Business Administration, with reduced financial concerns.

Strengthening public-private partnerships

Joint initiatives that bring together the strengths of both the public and private sectors can significantly improve funding for education. By bridging the gap between these sectors, the government can ensure equal opportunities for students and teachers, regardless of their chosen sector.

By combining resources and expertise, public-private partnerships drive innovation and address critical challenges in the Philippine education system, improving accessibility and quality.

Exploration of varied teaching methods

Diversifying teaching approaches opens opportunities for a more inclusive and effective education system with meaningful learning experiences . These diverse teaching methods include peer learning, case-based learning, team-based learning, active learning, problem-based learning, and experiential learning.

Adapting instruction for diverse learning styles and student needs improves engagement, supports educators, and enhances the learning experience.

Comprehensive technology integration 

Though relatively new , technology integration is poised to steer the Philippine education system to a more long-term and effective road. Technology enables remote learning, making education accessible even in remote areas.

Furthermore, technology-driven innovations can enhance teaching methods, as discussed in the previous point, and engage students effectively—making education more adaptable, interactive, and practical.

Improvement of system-teacher relations

By fostering a stronger connection between the education system and teachers, schools can cultivate a more supportive environment. This, in turn, has the potential to elevate job satisfaction among teachers, with positive ripple effects on student learning outcomes. 

Such an approach enhances teachers’ well-being and job performance. It fosters harmony, empowering all sectors toward a more refined education system.

Walk the Path to Educational Excellence

Knowledge is the cornerstone of progress and the transformation of lives. In the Philippines, many universities offer diverse programs, including sought-after degrees like BS Biology, BS Medical Technology, and BS Accountancy, reflecting the commitment to accessible, high-quality education.

With how many universities are in the Philippines and the boundless opportunities that await, it’s only fitting to align yourself with a school that speaks the same advocacies of achieving feats and fostering multiple intelligences.

The Trinity University of Asia is committed to guiding your academic journey. Our extensive list of educational degrees and programs is designed to empower aspiring students to reach their academic achievement and help them make their mark on their own stories.

Join us in shaping a better tomorrow. Contact us today to take the first step toward your future!

Related Links

– Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management – Bachelor of Science in Biology – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

For research

– https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/12/2295783/deped-enrollmentdips-lower-pre-pandemic-levels-266-million-students – https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1839954/dropout-rate-in-universities-colleges-at-35-15-in-sy-2023-2024-says-ched – https://www.pbed.ph/blogs/47/PBEd/State%20of%20Philippine%20Education%20Report%202023 – https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/11/education-an-instrument-of-progress – https://www.rappler.com/nation/deped-report-classroom-shortage-school-year-2023-2024/ – https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/lifestyle/literacy-rate-philippines-a00289-20230710 – https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/06/19/2106653/isangkilosbayan-pursuing-inclusive-education-rural-areas – https://pids.gov.ph/details/the-philippine-education-system-in-crisis – https://pids.gov.ph/details/news/in-the-news/educational-challenges-in-the-philippines – https://edcom2.gov.ph/villanueva-flags-unfilled-positions-teacher-shortage-in-deped/ – https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/reports/philippines/2017-report/economy/a-thorough-examination-substantial-reform-has-brought-with-it-a-variety-of-challenges – https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/29/22/how-can-the-philippines-improve-its-educational-system – https://arowanaimpactcapital.com/education-in-the-philippines/ – https://cei.umn.edu/teaching-resources/inclusive-teaching-predominantly-white-institution/pedagogy-diversifying-your-teaching-methods-learning-activities-and-assignments – https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/796871601650398190/pdf/Philippines-Digital-Economy-Report-2020-A-Better-Normal-Under-COVID-19-Digitalizing-the-Philippine-Economy-Now.pdf

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Filipino children continue missing education opportunities in another year of school closure

Together with four other countries, the philippines has kept its schools closed nationwide since the covid-19 pandemic.

MANILA,25 August 2021-- A child's first day of school—a landmark moment for the youngest students and their parents around the world—has been delayed due to COVID-19 for an estimated 140 million young minds, UNICEF said in a new analysis released as summer break comes to end in many parts of the world.

The Philippines is one of the five countries in the world that have not started in-person classes since the pandemic began, affecting the right to learn of more than 27 million Filipino students. While new variants are causing a rise of infections, UNICEF is advocating for a phased reopening of schools, beginning in low-risk areas. This can be done on a voluntary basis with proper safety protocols in place.

"The first day of school is a landmark moment in a child's life—setting them off on a life-changing path of personal learning and growth. Most of us can remember countless minor details—what clothes we wore, our teacher's name, who we sat next to. But for millions of children, that important day has been indefinitely postponed," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. "As classes resume in many parts of the world, millions of first graders have been waiting to see the inside of a classroom for over a year. Millions more may not see one at all this school term. For the most vulnerable, their risk of never stepping into a classroom in their lifetime is skyrocketing."

For an estimated eight million students around the globe—who should have been in the first grade— the wait for their first day of in-person learning has been over a year and counting, as they live in places where schools have been closed throughout the pandemic.

The first grade sets up the building blocks for all future learning, with introductions to reading, writing, and math. It's also a period when in-person learning helps children gain independence, adapt to new routines, and develop meaningful relationships with teachers and students. In-person learning also enables teachers to identify and address learning delays, mental health issues, and abuse that could negatively affect children’s well-being.

“In 2020, schools globally were fully closed for an average of 79 teaching days, while the Philippines has been closed for more than a year, forcing students to enroll in distance learning modalities.  The associated consequences of school closures – learning loss, mental distress, missed vaccinations, and heightened risk of drop out, child labour, and child marriage – will be felt by many children, especially the youngest learners in critical development stages,” UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov says.

While countries worldwide are taking some actions to provide remote learning, at least 29 per cent of primary students are not being reached. In addition to lack of assets for remote learning, the youngest children may not be able to participate due to a lack of support using the technology, a poor learning environment, pressure to do household chores, or being forced to work.

Studies have shown that positive school experiences during this transition period are a predictor of children’s future social, emotional and educational outcomes. At the same time, children who fall behind in learning during the early years often stay behind for the remaining time they spend in school, and the gap widens over the years. The number of years of education a child receives also directly affects their future earnings.

Unless mitigation measures are implemented, the World Bank estimates a loss of $10 trillion in earnings over time for this entire generation of students. Existing evidence shows the cost of addressing learning gaps are lower and more effective when they are tackled earlier, and that investments in education support economic recovery, growth and prosperity.

UNICEF urges governments to reopen schools for in-person learning as soon as possible, and to provide a comprehensive recovery response for students. Together with the World Bank and UNESCO, UNICEF is calling for governments to focus on three key priorities for recovery in schools:

• Targeted programmes to bring all children and youth back in school where they can access tailored services to meet their learning, health, psychosocial well-being, and other needs;
• Effective remedial learning to help students catch up on lost learning;
• Support for teachers to address learning losses and incorporate digital technology into their teaching.

"Your first day of school is a day of hope and possibility—a day for getting off to a good start. But not all children are getting off to a good start. Some children are not even starting at all," said Fore." We must reopen schools for in-person learning as soon as possible, and we must immediately address the gaps in learning this pandemic has already created. Unless we do, some children may never catch up."

In the following weeks, UNICEF will continue to mobilize its partners and the public to prevent this education crisis from becoming an education catastrophe. Online and offline campaigns will rally world leaders, teachers, and parents around a common cause: reopen schools for in-person learning as soon as possible. The future of the world’s most vulnerable children is at stake.

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About unicef.

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in the Philippines, visit www.unicef.ph .

Follow UNICEF Philippines on Facebook ,  Twitter and Instagram .

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