The Philippine vice president, who is also the secretary of education, presented a report according to which 81% of the students “cannot solve mathematical problems” and “have difficulties in understanding texts of moderate length.” A plan was put in place that also includes more support for teachers.
Manila () – With her usual frankness, but also with a realism that is often denied in official statements, the Philippine Vice President and Secretary of Education, Sara Duterte, highlighted in recent days the difficulties of the education system in the archipelago. The data from the Report on Basic Education 2023 -prepared by her ministry- indicates a much harsher reality than is usually shown. Without privileging the advances in the face of the many limitations, the daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte did not hesitate to point out the shortage of classrooms and infrastructure, the lack of personnel, the irregular management practices and, in particular, the deficiencies of the compulsory school program .
In particular, the difficulties faced by students subjected to “emotional violence, exhaustion and psychological stress” were highlighted. While 81% of them “do not know how to solve mathematical problems” and “have difficulties understanding texts of moderate length”, for their part, 78% “are unable to give explanations about scientific phenomena or draw conclusions from them”.
According to the vice-president, this situation is partly due to the conditions of their teachers, who need more support, “especially with regard to the ability to teach critical thinking and the ability to solve difficulties”, essential skills in the 21st century, together with the learning of higher level knowledge. Duterte made it clear that he did not want this to attack the teachers – “whose dedication, integrity and commitment to the service of Filipino youth and our country reinforces our common commitment to achieving shared dreams for our students” – but to highlight the points critics. To these is also added the absent but essential coordination between the worlds of production, work and education.
To respond to these problems, the Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa (Youth Nation, Youth for the Nation) program was conceived and implemented, which will be led by the Ministry of Education and all parties involved in educational activities for the next few years. There are four specific objectives: to adapt the study plans to form competent, employable, active and responsible citizens; accelerate the development of essential educational institutions and services; improve attention to students by promoting their well-being through an inclusive education and a favorable learning environment; and support teachers to improve their skills.
