The appointment of Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara as the next Secretary of Education has received broad-based approval by dint of his excellent credentials. He was one of the leaders of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2) that has proposed wide-ranging reforms in the educational system. Miseducation: The Failed System of Philippine Education, is the title of the Edcom 2 report. Edcom 1’s report, released in 1991, was entitled Making Education Work: An Agenda for Reform.
Secretary-designate Angara’s mission – as embodied in President Marcos’ marching orders – is clear: Lead the education sector in making the Philippines globally competitive.
In the 2022 World Bank Learning Poverty Report, the Philippines posted one of the highest learning poverty levels in Asia at 90.7 percent, higher only than Laos and Brunei in the ASEAN region. This means that nine out of 10 Filipinos aged 10 years old need to be taught how to read and to understand what they read. Also well-known is the fact that in the latest Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) Report released in 2022, the Philippines ranked number 77 out of 81 countries.
As a seasoned legislator, Secretary-designate Angara is keenly aware that despite getting the largest slice of the government’s budget every year, the country is investing only three percent to four percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is half of the global norm as reported by Philippine Business for Education (PBed), a leading advocate for education reform.
Priority one is addressing learning poverty. This was exacerbated by prolonged school closures during the Covid-19 pandemic. Early childhood education in foundational literacy and numeracy skills set the stage for lifelong learning and success. Resources must be allocated to train teachers in effective literacy instruction. Equally vital are adequate learning materials and monitoring mechanisms to track students' progress.
Priority two is improving teacher quality. Teacher training programs must equip educators with the skills needed for modern, student-centered teaching. Mandatory and continuous professional development should focus on both subject matter expertise and pedagogical techniques. Additionally, teacher compensation and working conditions need to be improved to attract and retain talented individuals in the profession.
Priority three is curriculum reforms and relevance. This involves integrating digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and values education. The curriculum must also be culturally responsive, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of Filipino students. Streamlining the curriculum to focus on core competencies while allowing flexibility for local adaptation can help make learning more meaningful and engaging for students.
While focusing on these top priorities, the new secretary must also seek to provide equitable access to quality education. Infrastructure and resource allocation must prioritize students’ access to safe and conducive learning. Technology integration – through digital tools and internet connectivity – is essential in bridging the educational divide. Finally, governance and accountability need to be strengthened. Local officials must be made responsible for attaining targeted educational outcomes. Transparent and data-driven decision-making processes should also be institutionalized to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
The nation stands squarely behind Secretary-designate Angara’s appointment as this is a crucial step toward fast-tracking priority reforms.