Peñalosa, Vjor Beatriz Lai SED221 Synthesis Paper
Combatting the Educational System in the Pearl of the Orient Seas
The development of the Philippine education system represents the construction
of a nation. Amid various challenges, particularly financial constraints and historical
periods of subjugation, the Philippines has historically found itself in a position of
dependency on other nations. However, with the establishment of a Philippine-centric
education system, the country is now liberated and actively enhancing its own socio-
economic landscape. The evolution of education is not only shaping the populace but also
fostering a conducive and enriching learning environment, allowing individuals to
personalize their learning experiences over the years. Various scholarly journal scrutinize
the intricacies of how education functions in the Philippines. Recognizing that the
trajectory of a nation's history and identity is significantly influenced by its educational
system, these researches highlight the pivotal role of education as a crucial source of
knowledge for both national advancement and economic stability. A commitment to
providing high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment serves
as a catalyst, inspiring Filipinos to unlock their utmost prospect.
The study of Orbeta & Paqueo (2022), accentuates that the nation still maintains
high attendance rates across all education levels when compared to countries with similar
levels of development. This observation is not unexpected, considering the historically
exceptional attendance rates the country achieved in the 70's relative to its development
status. Despite consistently producing high-quality graduates who have successfully
integrated into the global labor market over the years, a persistent challenge exists in
maintaining overall education quality at a satisfactory level. Moreover, the issue of
education outcomes being closely tied to students' socioeconomic status rather than
functioning as an equalizer poses a significant concern. The paper also notes that the
abrupt transition to remote learning, necessitated by the pandemic and undertaken
without adequate preparation, has exacerbated existing problems in the education
system. To address these challenges, the nation must draw lessons from these
experiences, prioritize data-driven decision-making, and establish robustly validated
evidence to discern effective strategies for enhancing the educational system.
Recognizing the context sensitivity of educational outcomes, it is crucial to build on the
country's unique experiences to inform future improvements.The educational landscape
in the Philippines is currently undergoing significant transformations, accompanied by
substantial challenges. Post-independence in 1946, the educational system underwent
further modifications, with the government enacting laws to ensure that education is
accessible to every Filipino, regardless of their economic status. The 1987 Philippine
Constitution emphasizes the right to quality education for all citizens and commits to
making education accessible across all levels. Regrettably, systematic evaluation of
learning during the pandemic was lacking, hindering a comprehensive understanding of
the impact of distance learning. While any form of learning is preferable to none, it's
essential to consider the potential disparate effects of distance learning delivery. The
historical narrative underscores the selective nature of education during the Spanish
colonization of the Philippines, portraying it as a privilege rather than a universal right.
Limited educational opportunities created a stark divide between the elite illustrados,
including figures like Jose Rizal and the Luna brothers, who endured discrimination but
were able to access education, and the masses who remained largely uneducated. The
gap between the educated illustrados and the uneducated majority fostered a complex
dynamic during the Spanish era. However, as the desire for freedom persisted, the
uneducated majority eventually took up arms against Spanish rule in the Philippine
Revolution of 1896. Spanish policies neglected native education and suppressed the
growth of indigenous leadership. Despite attempts at educational reforms, the restive
minds and passionate hearts of the natives were not appeased (Catalan & Durban, 2012).
Education during the American period brought both progress and shortcomings. While it
played a role in transforming an initially ignorant population into a literate one, it failed to
cultivate the necessary moral and political leadership, leaving the Philippines with
enduring challenges. The legacy of education during this era reflects the complexities of
historical development, where progress and setbacks coexist.
Primary setbacks that compromise the Philippine education system is not only the
elevated risk it faces but also the prevalent financial constraints, leading to a situation
where many Filipinos are unable to acquire quality education for their children,
contributing to unemployment. This predicament also affects teachers and educators
adversely. However, in the era of rapid advancements in science and technology, there
arises a crucial necessity for educators to acquire proficiency in utilizing state-of-the-art
equipment to augment their teaching capabilities. Recognizing that teachers play an
important but complex role in molding the minds of future leaders, it becomes imperative
for the government to make significant investments in these developments which the
Philippines lack. To create a framework of all these contemporary perspectives and
multifaceted challenges facing the Philippine education system, it is immensely crucial to
address current issues and build a robust future. The nation must draw takeaways from
these encounters; Furthermore, filipinos should opt to consider prioritizing data-driven
decision-making, and recognize the context sensitivity of educational outcomes which the
country highly lacks. It is crucial to integrate these conforming insights into ongoing efforts
to enhance the educational system, ensuring its adaptability and relevance in an ever-
evolving features.
References
Durban, J. M., & Catalan, R. D. (2012). Issues and concerns of Philippine education
through the years. Asian Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 1(2), 61-69.
Orbeta, A. C., & Paqueo, V. B. (2022). Philippine education: Situationer, challenges, and
ways forward. Philippine Institute for Development Studies
