TECH4GOOD
The bicameral committee’s recent decision to slash education budgets, including those of DepEd and CHED, and the allocations for free college education, has sparked a loud outcry from all sectors. I seldom write about issues related to legislative budget decisions, but this time, I cannot help but join the chorus.
I am saddened by this development, especially its impact on our aspiration to make basic education comparable to global standards in the country. Bicam has decided to slash by ₱12 billion the budget the President proposed for DepEd for next year, most of which should be allocated to fast-track the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP). In a recent X post, Secretary Sonny Angara said the cut could have funded thousands of computers/gadgets for public school children and teachers.
The Bicam members may have noticed the low budget utilization of the DCP. In addition, there were controversies related to the procurement of PCs under the previous administration. This could have led them to reduce the project budget to pressure DepEd to fix all those procurement-related bugs, which was the main reason for the low budget utilization. But they are sending out the wrong message. They should have given the current DepEd leadership the benefit of carrying out much-needed procedural reforms while proceeding with the implementation in double cadence.
Several studies have shown that access to modern resources and technologies has allowed countries to achieve better educational outcomes. In today’s digital age, access to modern learning resources and technology is crucial for effective education. That goes for both the students and teachers. Many schools in the Philippines, especially rural areas, lack basic educational materials such as textbooks, libraries, computers, and internet connectivity. This digital divide exacerbates educational inequalities and leaves many students at a disadvantage.
A higher budget allocation for basic education would allow for procuring up-to-date learning materials, educational software, and digital devices. It would also support the establishment of computer labs and libraries, providing students with the tools they need to succeed in a knowledge-based economy.
The absence of modern learning and teaching technologies can significantly impact students and teachers. For students, no devices, access to the internet, digital libraries, and online resources means limited access to vital learning information. They will be restricted to traditional textbooks, which may not cover the latest developments and research. Modern technologies like educational apps and multimedia materials can make learning more engaging and interactive.
Students in schools with access to modern technologies have a significant advantage over those without, especially in public schools in the countryside. This digital divide can widen educational inequalities, as students without access miss out on valuable learning experiences. Also, proficiency in digital tools and technologies is crucial in today’s job market. Students without access to modern learning technologies may miss out on developing these essential skills, potentially affecting their future career prospects. Technologies like adaptive learning software and personalized learning materials can cater to individual learning needs and paces. Without these, students may struggle to receive the tailored support they require to succeed.
Philippine teachers have lately complained about their administrative workloads, preventing them from effectively carrying out the mission. Modern teaching technologies, such as AI-enabled learning management systems, can streamline teacher administrative tasks, such as grading and lesson planning. Teachers face increased workloads without these tools, leading to burnout and reduced effectiveness. Without access to digital tools, teachers are restricted to traditional teaching pedagogies, which may not cater to the diverse learning styles of today’s students. Access to technology will also allow teachers to stay updated with the latest teaching trends and best practices.
Reallocating portions of the DCP budget to other equally critical areas of basic education is acceptable. However, a budget cut in education sends the wrong message to Filipinos, considering that the budgets for ayudas and infrastructure have been significantly increased. Most Filipinos connect both to political influences and patronage, especially since 2025 will be an election year. I do not subscribe to that idea, but I believe there is something wrong with the messaging.
The current DepEd leadership is trying its best to bridge the gap. The private sector is also doing its part. I have read that the agency has even entered into a tie-up with the IT industry for PC donations.
We should have learned our lessons from the pandemic when we became overwhelmed by its magnitude. Access to technology is the shot in the arm that our education system needs. I recently read a social media post that asked, “Where is the priority in nation-building when the future of education is being left behind?”I hope the President can rectify this before he signs the 2025 budget into law.
The author is an executive member of the National Innovation Council, lead convener of the Alliance of Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), vice president of the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines, and vice president of the UP System Information Technology Foundation. ([email protected])