Initiatives like extensive language programs, curriculum revisions, AI training, and international collaborations aim to prepare Filipino students for global competitiveness, aligning with the country’s socio-economic transformation goals. These reforms are a strategic response to the challenges highlighted by the global assessment and seek to uplift the overall standard of education in the Philippines.
Facing the stark revelations of the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment results, lawmakers and education authorities in the Philippines have launched a pressing initiative for sweeping educational reforms.
With a focus on bolstering language proficiency and elevating teacher quality, the strategic overhaul aims to address the nation’s education system’s deep-rooted challenges, as illuminated by the global assessment.
Multilingual proficiency
Bohol Representative Kristine Alexie Besas Tutor’s recent proposition underscores the urgency to prioritize multilingual proficiency in Philippine higher education. Recognizing the declining English proficiency among Filipinos, Rep. Tutor advocates for the introduction of extensive language programs in colleges and universities. This initiative focuses on European and Asian languages, including Arabic, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and various European languages, to prepare graduates for a diverse array of opportunities in the global market, particularly in business process outsourcing and overseas employment sectors.
This shift in educational focus complements the existing system, which currently faces challenges in English proficiency at the senior high school level. Rep. Tutor believes that emphasizing multilingual skills will harness the country’s human resource strengths, driven by an expanding middle-class population. The importance of governmental investment in higher education is also emphasized, advocating for increased subsidies to make college education more accessible to young Filipinos, with specific mention of the Tertiary Education Subsidy and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education.
Holistic educational reform
The Philippines’ performance in the 2022 PISA highlighted significant educational challenges. The country ranked low among 81 participating countries in science, mathematics, and reading, reflecting deep-rooted issues in the education system. In response, the Commission on Higher Education, in collaboration with the Department of Education, is taking decisive action to improve learning outcomes and address teacher quality issues.
Efforts include the creation of a technical working group and the development of guidelines for monitoring and evaluating teacher education programs. Additionally, CHED plans to phase out teacher education programs in underperforming institutions and enhance teacher training. These reforms are part of a broader effort to address learning challenges, including curriculum revisions and targeted educational initiatives.
National Education Vision
The national education vision, as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028, aims to realize the full potential of Filipino learners, aligning with the country’s socio-economic transformation goals. Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, also serving as DepEd Secretary, assures efforts to enhance the education system. Initiatives like the MATATAG Curriculum, national reading, math, and science programs, and digitalization initiatives are key steps towards improving learning outcomes for Filipino children.
In embracing technological advancements, CHED is implementing AI training for teachers and students, recognizing the growing relevance of AI across various industries. Collaboration between the government and the private sector is vital for upskilling the workforce in AI and other emerging technologies.
International collaboration
A recent partnership between the United States (through USAID) and the Philippines’ Second Congressional Commission on Education aims to improve education quality and outcomes. This collaboration involves policy research, capacity building, and technical assistance, marking a positive step towards addressing the educational challenges in the Philippines.
The PISA scores represent a call to action for policymakers and educational leaders in the Philippines. Learning from higher-performing nations, adopting innovative teaching methods, improving teacher training programs, and investing more in educational infrastructure are essential. Equally important is addressing socio-economic barriers to ensure equitable education for all students. With these concerted efforts, there is hope for a brighter future in Filipino education, ensuring the next generations are well-prepared for global competitiveness.
