Philippines Education System

Importance of education in the Philippines …… it is the primary avenue for upward social and economic mobility.

Education from Ancient Early Filipinos

During Spanish Period (1521-1898) Members of Christian community (friars) controlled the Christian education. Missionaries served as teachers. Aim of education: Teach Catholic religion (Christian doctrine, reading of Spanish book and little of the native language, Latin instead of Spanish) from Primary to Tertiary level. Science and Mathematics not very much taught. Education during Spanish regime was privileged only for Spanish student.

In 1863, by virtue of Education decree, required to provide school institutions for boys and girls in every town. Spanish schools started accepting Filipino students who belong to wealthy family. Intellectual Filipinos emerged like Jose Rizal. School for boys and girls were separated. Under Spanish regime, many colleges and universities were established in Manila and Cebu. ‘Beaterio’ school was opened for the girls who could not afford to educate themselves. Subjects taught were housekeeping, cooking, sewing, and embroidery-making.

During American Period (1898-1946) Americans emphasize the importance of education to the Filipino, thus it started the free education in public school (In accordance with 1935 constitution) Filipino soldiers served as teachers until US teachers came in 1901 Aim of education: love for country, spread of democracy, formation of good citizens, learn English language Taught: vocational, household housekeeping, good manners and discipline, rights and responsibilities Religion is not part of curriculum.

Filipinos excel in reading and writing. Excellent students become scholar to study in the US to become expert of their chosen field. Adult education exist Many colleges/universities opened from 1901-1908. In 1941, private schools were established. Schools were also built in non-Catholic areas like Sulu, Mindanao, and the Mountain Provinces.

Changes in Education during the Japanese Occupation To stop depending on western countries like the US, and Great Britain To be aware of the materialism to raise the morality of the Filipinos To spread elementary and vocational education. To develop love for work.

Educational System in the Present Period Classes start in June and end in March College semesteral calendar is from June – October (1st sem), November – March (2nd sem) Elementary – 6 years High School – 4 years (6 years now) Technical and vocational – to enhance practical skills. These are government owned institution.

Tertiary with two classifications: Public tertiary Education – non sectarian entities Private tertiary institution – combination of sectarian and non-sectarian Other schools – private schools, preparatory schools, international schools, science high schools and several foreign ethnic groups like Chinese, British, Americans, Koreans and Japanese

K-12 Issue – started this year as approved by the president. As seen in the education outcomes of Filipino students and the comparative disadvantage of the Philippines with regards to “other countries.” The only country that has 10 in both elementary and high school years National Achievement Test (NAT) results were not getting satisfactory – poor performance Graduates are not ready for higher education or employment Other countries do not consider our graduates as professionals abroad

New Curriculum (K-12) Focused more on the learners and not on the teacher meaning less memorization and more encouraging for critical thinking Graduates will be more matured when they enter college or that they will be ready for work Produce productive, responsible citizens with the essential competence and skills for both life-long learning and environment

MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS!