Philippine Government and Education

Keneth S. Tolentino

Countries around the world view education as a leverage for the prosperity of their nation and economy in particular. Thus, each country through their government put much attention in their education sector. Constitutional and ministrant functions of the government are the propellers in realizing the achievement of quality education in the country. Constitutional functions are mandatory, this means that focus on education is one of the priorities of every country in order to ensure that people have access to quality education. By the ministrant function, the education system is being strengthened and enhanced through alterations, reforms and implementation of various educational programs to make the education system more competitive, effective and efficient in producing graduates who will be then a productive and responsible citizen of the society. This priority to education is also in adherence to Education for All (EFA) which encourages every country in the world to provide access to education for all individuals.

In the country, the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides the legal, philosophical and moral foundations of the education system, whereas, Article XIV Section 1. The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all. This is to ensure that Filipinos will be functionally literate as they will be given an equal opportunity to have the access to education. Making education free in the basic education and later on the collegiate level through the Republic Act No. 10931 or the Free Higher Education act providing for free tuition and other school fees from different Higher Education Institutions as well as the grant of scholarships and loan programs to students. Moreover, the goal of the state is the promoting the right to quality education at all levels through a quality education system that is responsive and relevant to their needs, best interest and demands of the society. The education sector is also inclusive, wherein every type of learners from different walks of life, culture, ethnicity, gender and age are given the opportunity to pursue their academic endeavors. Hence, different modalities were implemented in order to deliver education based on the situation of the learners.

In response to the advocacy of the government, the Department of Education (DepEd) was institutionalized in order to administer and manage the programs of the government in providing and promoting the basic education for learners, teachers and school administrators. The significant milestone and achievement in the basic education was the implementation of the RA 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education of the Philippines which legalized and institutionalized the education system in the basic education. Provision of salient features which are based on the learner’s need in terms of culture and relevant national standards and competency. Furthermore, it added two more years in the secondary (SHS) which anchored the country’s basic education in the international standard of having at least 11 to 12 years preparation in the basic education. And prepare students to work, business and pursue collegiate studies. The education system was integrated in nature, thus the creation of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) through Republic Act No. 7796 and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) by the virtue of Republic Act No. 7722. TESDA is mandated to provide technical and vocational skills among learners for the industry, while CHED is responsible for the regulation of the HEIs in providing academic learning experiences to students who will become experts and professionals. Also, the education sector is being given with the highest allotment from the National Budget every year for appropriations, disbursement and operations, this is through the Republic Act (RA) 9155, also known as the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001, provides the overall framework for principal empowerment by strengthening principal and leadership goals, and local school based management within the context of transparency and local accountability.

Local governments are also in support of the education program as they supply the inadequacy of the national government on the programs related to education. Also, the contribution of the community and stakeholders in the realization of the goals in the education sector.

Generally, the country is working hand in hand in order to improve the education system in the country by providing access to education, implementing programs in the curriculum, providing the needs of all learners and addressing the concerns of teachers and school administrators. The government invest much of its resources to education as a nation with functionally literate individuals, responsible and educated citizens will make the country progressive because of its return of investments through its people

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The author is Teacher

III at Planas High School