Highlighting that the Philippines produces over a million graduates annually from its basic and tertiary education systems, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the country's role as a "key player" in the global workforce.
“Our biggest asset is our people,” Angara said during a panel at the 4th Philippine-Singapore Business and Investment Summit (PSBIS) held at Shangri-La Singapore on Sept. 19.
“There’s a leap of faith involved in investing in the Philippines, but there are also many pleasant surprises. One of these surprises is the Filipino worker, who is immensely adaptable and a quick learner. I think that’s something we can all benefit from,” Angara added.
Producing more creative, innovative Filipino learners
In his speech at the event, Angara highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to fostering creative and innovative Filipino learners.
He underscored President Marcos' vision of improving the quality of education in the Philippines by incorporating technology and digital literacy into the curriculum.
He noted that this initiative will equip Filipino students with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, thereby developing a highly skilled and adaptable workforce.
Under Marcos' leadership, Angara said, “We are envisioning a more creative and innovative Filipino learner, which will be a significant boost to industry.”
Moreover, Angara said Marcos has introduced “new laws and policies that would really entice investors.”
Lessons from Singapore
Meanwhile, Angara also shared insights on the Philippines’ efforts to learn from Singapore — particularly its success in teaching coding at a young age.
“We are working to incorporate coding into our curriculum and are utilizing educational technology, such as analytics, to assess learners in real-time,” Angara said. “This will allow teachers to focus more on teaching and less on administrative tasks, ultimately improving the quality of education,” he added.
The PSBIS provided a platform for high-level discussions aimed at promoting sustainable growth, inclusivity, and innovation in the region, further reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the Philippines and Singapore.
The event also marked the 55th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries, highlighting opportunities for collaboration in education, technology, and workforce development.