Education Reforms Beyond 6-Year Terms: A Call for Lasting Change
Despite numerous policy adjustments over the years, the education crisis in the Philippines remains unresolved. The need for education reforms beyond 6-year terms has become increasingly urgent, as short-term political cycles fail to address deep-rooted challenges affecting learners nationwide.
Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) recently emphasized that sustainable solutions require commitment that transcends individual administrations. “With Edcom 2 (Second Congressional Commission on Education) ending soon, the risk of losing momentum on education reform is very high,” said PBEd Executive Director Hanibal Camua. He added, “We need an education reform that transcends and goes beyond administrations. A six-year term is not enough to solve generational problems.”
Long-Term Vision Over Immediate Gains
PBEd President Chito Salazar echoed the call, urging politicians to prioritize long-term educational goals over short-lived political wins. He highlighted the K-12 curriculum as an example, explaining that its benefits would only be fully realized 12 to 15 years after implementation.
“What we need are brave politicians who are willing to implement long-term changes and reforms, even if those won’t be immediately recognized,” Salazar noted. “So we’re challenging our politicians to make long term changes. Kasi yun po ang kailangan ng sistema.”
Decentralizing Education Governance
PBEd also advocates for decentralizing education governance. Recognizing that educational challenges vary across regions, localizing decision-making allows tailored solutions to address specific needs more effectively.
Camua explained, “Solutions must come from those who understand the context best—our school leaders, our local government units. That’s why decentralization is not just an option, it is a necessity.”
Shifting responsibility to local governments increases accountability, motivating them to actively improve education quality in their communities.
Aligning Curriculums with Industry Needs
Another critical reform involves adjusting school curriculums to match current job market demands. Camua stressed the growing gap between graduates’ skills and industry requirements.
“If the senior high school and college curricula are not aligned with the demands of the industry, that’s where the job-skills mismatch widens,” he said. “Even if someone graduates, if their skills don’t match what the industry needs, it becomes difficult for them to find a job.”
Prioritizing Early Childhood Education
Salazar underscored the importance of early childhood education. Establishing strong foundational skills early helps learners progress more effectively through their academic journey.
“If our children can read properly from Grades 1 to 4, everything else becomes simpler. And when students can’t read well, they fall behind,” he explained.
Enhancing Teacher Quality and Support
Improving teacher quality remains vital. Salazar emphasized the need to provide educators with adequate training and support to ensure they can deliver quality instruction.
“No matter how much we change the curriculum, what matters more is the quality of the teacher. That’s why we need to uplift both the quality of our teachers and their overall well-being,” he said.
A Whole-of-Society Approach to Education
Camua also called for a collaborative effort involving private sectors and other stakeholders to address persistent gaps, such as classroom shortages and teacher backlogs.
“This can be achieved by cooperating with various sectors and finding out how they can contribute in addressing the gaps in the country’s education system,” local leaders noted.
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