A coalition is pushing for the expansion of the school voucher system which will pave the way for students to have a choice in their education.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Feb. 1, Student First Coalition discussed the importance of giving Filipino students a choice when it comes to their education by expanding the government’s voucher system.

“There should be a fair distribution of subsidy between public and private school students,” said Vicente Paqueo, a distinguished fellow of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). “We need to treat the students in public and private schools equally,” he added.

During the event, Paqueo also discussed the gaps in education — particularly the learning crisis in the country.

“The Philippines is over-performing in regard of the number of years of education completed relative to its global peers but its student learning achievements on average is low and stagnating,” Paqueo said.

With Filipinos ranking last or near last in education assessments, Paqueo noted that the crisis demands a whole-of-nation approach with the government utilizing resources and expertise from both public and private institutions.

“There is a need for re-thinking basic education policies,” he added.

Meanwhile, Student First Coalition Convener Victor Limlingan underscored the importance of having a student-centered education agenda.

In particular, Limlingan welcomed the Basic Education Report (BER) 2023 of the Department of Education (DepEd) as well Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.

“The approach of the government is quite refreshing,” he said.

The coalition, which is a network of advocates who believe that all students should have a choice on the type of education they receive, welcomed the BER 2023 and PDP 2023-2028 and commended the government’s strategy to address the education crisis.

Limingan lauded the BER and PDP particularly for including the expansion of education vouchers. He noted that vouchers will enable students and their families to choose the type of education they will receive regardless of their socioeconomic status or background.

For Limlingan, public and private complementary in education is the “key to improving education outcomes.

Also present during the event was student representative Hya Bendana who shared her experiences as a scholar.

Coming from a poor family, Bendana underscored the importance of having choices in education regardless of their background.

The newly-formed coalition is seeking the government's recognition to promote students' interests, ensuring their voices will be heard and their choices on the education that determines their future are guaranteed.

This, the group said, can be achieved through an equitable, expanded school voucher system.