A Nation's Crisis: The Plight of Philippine Education

The Philippines, a nation brimming with potential and talent, is contending with a severe education crisis that threatens to dim the aspirations of the youth and all learners. The challenges faced by Filipino students, both domestically and internationally, is a stark reflection of the deep-rooted and systematic obstacles plaguing the education sector. 

In the domestic and local level, the underfunding of education has been a relentless problem, exacerbated by the government’s affinity for prioritizing infrastructure projects and pork barrel spending, over essential social services. This chronic underfunding has resulted in dilapidated school buildings and furniture, overcrowded classrooms, lack of supplies and facilities, and a shortage of qualified teachers. There are not enough facilities to make learning comfortable for students. Environmental factors such as extreme heat due to the El Nina, in which thousands of schools in the Philippines have suspended the classes to prioritize the well-being of the students. Moreover, the curriculum often fails to keep pace with the demands of the 21st century, leaving students ill-prepared for the challenges of the modern world.

Furthermore, the legacy and consequences of colonialism continue to cast a shadow over the Philippine education system. Centuries of colonialism have left a deep indent on the country’s cultural, social, political, and economic situations. The colonial education system, which was designed to serve the interest of the colonizers, prioritized memorization or rote learning and obedience, rather than critical thinking and creativity. This colonial mindset, characterized by the hierarchical and authoritarian approach to education, has long persisted in many aspects of Philippine education today, hindering the development of a truly independent and innovative learning development. In particular, the prioritization of memorization and standards have stifled critical thinking and stunted the creativity of students, limiting their potential and ability to venture out into broader fields. 

Staggering Budget Plagued by Questionable Allocations

While the Philippines have allocated a staggering budget of P924.7 billion for education in 2024, challenges such as budget cuts, teacher shortages, inadequate facilities, and learning materials persist. Despite the significant budget allocation for education in 2024, a closer look at the distribution of funds reveals a troubling trend. While the Department of Education (DepEd) received a substantial budget, a significant portion of it has been allocated to the Office of the Secretary (OSEC). This raises concerns about the prioritization of administrative costs over actual improvements in education quality. 

Moreover, several key agencies under the DepEd, such as the National Book Development Board, Early Childhood Care Development Council, National Museum, and the National Academy of Sports, have experienced budget cuts. These cuts will undoubtedly have a negative impact on cultural preservation, early childhood education, and the development of young athletes.

Infographic by Altermidya

There is also a concerning amount of budget cuts in funding for higher education institutions. State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Philippine Science High School (PSHS), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have all experienced budget reductions. This is a troubling trend, particularly given the critical role of higher education in producing skilled professionals and driving innovation. 

Furthermore, the request for confidential funds by former Education Secretary Sara Duterte is highly questionable. The transparency and accountability of such funds are subject to scrutiny, which raises concerns about possible misuse and misallocation. 

A recent revelation from the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) in 2023-2028 indicates a very alarming education crisis. The Philippine Learning Poverty rate stands at a staggering 90.9%, meaning that more than nine out of ten Filipino children are unable to read and understand simple texts by the age of 10. This disturbing figure is significantly higher than the average for both the East Asia and Pacific region and lower-middle-income countries.

Filipino International Students

On the other hand, Filipino students who aspire to pursue education from abroad also face a myriad of challenges that significantly impacts their academic and personal experiences. While studying abroad offers a lot of opportunities, the hurdles that they encounter can be daunting. 

One of the most prominent challenges is the financial burden. Universities in developed countries, particularly in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, often charge exorbitant tuition fees. Coupled with the high cost of living in these countries, including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare, international students face considerable financial strain. Limited access to scholarships and financial aid further exacerbates this issue. 

Another is obtaining a student visa, which can be a long and expensive process with stringent requirements and eligibility criteria. For example, in Canada, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) introduced in 2018 was aimed to expedite study permit applications for international students from 14 countries, including the Philippines. However, as of November 8, 2024, Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada has discontinued the SDS. This means that all study permit applications, including those from the Philippines, must now be processed through the standard application process.

Adapting to new culture, language, customs, and social norms can be overwhelming. Filipino International Students may also face language and cultural barriers, which can make them feel lonely and isolated. In addition to cultural and linguistic differences, international students also face discrimination, xenophobia, and racism just because of their nationality and ethnicity. Experiencing racism, including xenophobic slurs, verbal and physical assault and harassment on and off campus, results in race-related stress and fear among international students. 

To address the burgeoning education crisis in the Philippines, the Philippine government must prioritize the crucial role of education in nation building and development. Increased government funding for education, improved teacher training, and curriculum reform are important steps to enhance the quality of education within the Philippines. For Filipino students in the diaspora, providing financial aid, simplifying visa procedures, and offering cultural orientation programs can aid a smoother transition to a foreign academic environment. Ultimately, the future of Philippine education relies on a collective effort to prioritize education, investing in quality teaching and supportive learning environments. It requires more than substantial increases in budget allocation, we should address the root causes of these crises. 

Sources

• Students suffer in wilting heat, thwarting education efforts. Reuters. Rappler. 2024 April 29. 
• DBM: Education gets P924.7 billion in proposed 2024 national budget; Focused expenditure on subsidies, skills development, facilities enhancement. DBM. 2023 August 7.
• 2024 education budget: When will government learn? Minerva Jane San Miguel. IBON Foundation. 2023 August 30.
• Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. GovPh. 2023
• IRCC closes the Student Direct Stream, effective immediately. Asheesh Moosapeta, Janice Rodrigues. CIC News. 2024 November 8. 
• Exploring the lived experience of international students of color at Predominately White Institutions. Soheli Farzana Jony. Grand Valley State University. 2023 April 26.