Education In The Philippines

A Brief History

Pre-Colonial Regime
Their was already an existing system of writing known as the ALIBATA. With the existence of that system of writing, similarly the system of education is co-existent with it, known as the Three R( Arithmetic, Reading and Writing).

Spanish Regime
The main objective of education during their reign was to teach morals and religious objects using Spanish language as the medium of Instruction. Their method of learning was memorization with the punishment of whipping to those who fail to do their duties. Religion is the center of all their teachings

American Regime
During their reign, the emphasis on Christianity and transmission of the Spanish culture shifted to the development of new social patterns. Education was extended to everyone and English was imposed as the medium of instruction.

Educational Decree of 1863

Provided for the establishment of complete education. Separate schools for girls and boys. Compulsory education for children ages between 7 to 12 was prescribed. Boys should take agriculture while Girls needs to take needlework.

Educational Act of 1901

Organized the general system of public instruction and authorized the establishment of private schools.

Educational Act of 1982

Took into account the recommendation and findings of the Presidential Commission to Study Philippine Education (PCSPE) that the college graduates doesnt satisfy the needs in the job market.

Three Coordinate Systems:

Since the Philippine educational system is a bureaucratic structure under the supervision of the state there are three coordinates systems: *Department of Education (DEPED) for elementary and secondary levels. * Commission on Higher Education (CHED) * Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)

Key Issues in Philippine Education

* Upgrade the salary scale of teachers to attract more good students to train as teachers.

* Budget per region is based on participation and unit costs; this system favors the more developed regions. Amendments should be made so that the system will allocate more to the regions in need.

* Expand the scholarship program to poor students in both public and private tertiary schools. This is seen as the better option than increasing the subsidies to state universities.

* Encourage the participation of the business and industry sector in higher education. This can ease the problem regarding the incongruence of enrollment in certain programs and the job markets.

* Development of a rationalized apprenticeship program by the private sector. Control of technical schools should be transferred to industry groups.