Education, while often overlooked, plays a vital role in our lives and fosters the growth of our Philippine economy. By bringing opportunities for everyone to acquire knowledge and develop critical thinking, education will undoubtedly be one of the primary proponents of our country’s social and economic stability.
Unfortunately, as the world experiences a viral outbreak, the Philippines' educational system is also experiencing its own set of problems. Because of the quarantine, fewer students can attend school, and many have yet to reach the ideal standards of proper education.
In a recent episode of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB), teen housemates were asked what Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora are better known as. Unfortunately, instead of “GOMBURZA,” the PBB teen housemates answered “MaJoHa.” This prompted numerous complaints about our educational system's shortcomings.
Before the pandemic, several studies have previously indicated the lack of attention given to the education system. According to the Public Business For Education (PBEd), numerous students have struggled to understand basic concepts of education. Some have difficulties keeping up with the pace of teaching, and others have failed to meet the learning objectives for their respective grades level. In the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2019 report, the Philippines ranked last among 58 countries and had a significantly low score compared to the other countries. In Mathematics, only 19% of Filipino students reached the low benchmark, while the rest failed to reach this level. In the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, the Philippines ranked the lowest out of 79 countries. Filipinos scored an average of 340 in Reading compared to the OECD average of 487. For Mathematics and Science, the Philippines scored 353 points and 357 points, respectively, against a 489 OECD average for both categories. Given these figures, educational reform must definitely be prioritized by the government.
Election day is approaching, with candidates stressing all of their programs, targets, and aspirations for the country's development. So with that, what plans do they have to improve our education?
ISKO MORENO
Aside from building better school facilities, Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno-Domagoso wants to enhance the teaching techniques of this generation by training teachers to improve Philippine education. By investing in teacher education, teachers can master their skills and better teach students. Moreno also aims to invest more in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses.
“We will continue to invest in STEM so that we will be competitive with Singapore and other countries. We will go in that direction,” Moreno states.
PING LACSON
Presidential candidate Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson believes the government should not only focus on reforms to improve the quality of education but should also address the needs of children who drop out of school due to poverty and other concerns.
“Cutting the country’s dropout rate is a key goal for Lacson-Sotto under Edukasyon Plus to reverse a disturbing trend and give Filipinos the quality education they deserve,” Lacson said in a town hall meeting last February.
He also wants a higher "connectivity load" for the Department of Education's (DepEd) teachers and employees. Thus, he proposed raising the DepEd's maintenance and other operational expenses budget from P2.3 billion to P3.3 billion.
BONGBONG MARCOS
Former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. suggested restoring the budget cuts in the education sector. He pointed out that without the necessary budget, the DepEd will not function properly in developing the education sector. Marcos believes restoring the budget cut may enable the Philippines to keep up with international education standards and make Filipino graduates globally competitive.
"Education is a very important weapon toward economic recovery in the face of the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic," Marcos asserted.
MANNY PACQUIAO
Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Dapidran Pacquiao Sr. plans to pursue a “one gadget per student” program. Due to the pandemic, schools turned to distance learning. However, the majority of public school students cannot afford a gadget. Pacquiao said government savings from corruption is sufficient to fund the devices for the students. Pacquiao also aims to improve the internet connection in the country by partnering with telecommunications companies. Another plan of Pacquiao is to strengthen the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
“Why don’t we strengthen TESDA and let it train those who were not able to finish their studies but would like to learn,” Pacquiao suggested.
LENI ROBREDO
In the forum The Education President: Interviews with Presidential Aspirants on Philippine Education held last April 8, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Gerona Robredo noted that education difficulties have gotten worse in the country, especially during the pandemic. She acknowledged the current education crisis and mentioned that it is one of her top priorities if elected as president.
“Angat buhay sa edukasyon,” she advocated.
Robredo believes that to improve the quality of education in the country, the education budget should be increased from 3% to 6% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
She went on to say that one of the measures the government can take to increase access to education is to bridge far-flung communities to schools.
LEODY DE GUZMAN
Leodegario “Ka Leody” Quitain de Guzman plans to push for a Students' Magna Carta, which is to support children's right to free and accessible education, academic freedom, and safe spaces for women, LGBTQ+, and persons with disabilities. He also plans for a safe return to face-to-face classes and sets aside a budget for online learning. In addition, de Guzman also aims to create programs to improve the TESDA and to enable fresh graduates and young workers to have future job opportunities.
The value of education is often disregarded by several people nowadays–yet, it plays a critical component in our lives and country. In voting for the 17th president of the Philippines, the goals and plans of the future executive are essential factors to consider.
Comments