How the Philippine Education System FAILED

Summary

The Philippine education system faces significant challenges, including high dropout rates and poor performance in international assessments like PISA. Historically influenced by colonial rule, the system suffers from inadequate facilities, under-compensated educators, and a selective approach to education. Despite constitutional mandates for free secondary education, quality education remains a privilege due to insufficient public school resources. The removal of Philippine history from the curriculum and the persistence of colonial mentality further exacerbate the crisis, while brain drain deprives the nation of its skilled workforce. Education is crucial for social change, and the script calls for the educated to use their knowledge to better the country.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Philippines faces significant educational challenges, including high dropout rates and poor performance in international assessments like PISA.
• 🏛 The roots of the current education system's issues can be traced back to historical periods of colonization, which shaped its development and left lasting impacts.
• 👨‍🏫 During Spanish colonization, education was selective and aimed at creating clerks and officials, while neglecting the broader population's needs.
• 🌐 The American colonial period introduced 'imperial education,' which increased literacy but also diminished nationalism and fostered a colonial mentality.
• 🏢 Post-independence, the Philippines experienced rapid growth, but the education system struggled to meet the rising demand for quality education.
• 📈 The Aquino administration after Marcos's dictatorship saw improvements, with a focus on making education a right, not a privilege, and increasing enrollment rates.
• 💼 The removal of Philippine history from the curriculum in 2014 sparked controversy and may have contributed to a weakened sense of national identity.
• 🧠 The issue of 'brain drain' is highlighted, where the Philippines' inability to offer competitive compensation leads talented individuals to seek opportunities abroad.
• 🏛️ The script emphasizes the importance of education in fostering democracy and the need for an educated populace to drive social change and challenge corrupt politicians.
• 🌟 It concludes with a call to action for the educated to use their knowledge to improve themselves, their communities, and the country at large.

Q & A

What is the current issue with the Philippine education system?

The Philippine education system is facing a crisis with high dropout rates, a significant number of youth out of school, and a decline in the quality of education, particularly at the elementary and secondary levels.

How does the Philippines compare to OECD countries in terms of educational performance?

In the PISA 2018 assessments, the Philippines scored significantly lower than the OECD average in reading literacy (340 points vs. 487), mathematics (353 points vs. 489), and science (357 points vs. 489).

What historical factors have contributed to the current state of the Philippine education system?

The Philippine education system's current state is rooted in its history with colonial empires, particularly the Spanish colonization era, which led to selective education and a lack of proper learning environments.

What were the effects of the American colonization on Philippine education?

American colonization introduced 'imperial education' that aimed to unify Filipinos through American culture and language, which increased literacy but also diminished nationalism and contributed to a colonial mentality.

How did the Japanese occupation impact the Philippine education system?

The Japanese occupation during World War II led to the destruction of public schools, buildings, books, and materials, causing a significant disruption in the education system.

What was the impact of the 1987 Philippine Constitution on education?

The 1987 Philippine Constitution mandated that secondary education must be free for all, leading to an increase in enrollment in elementary and secondary levels and reinforcing the idea that education is a right, not a privilege.

Why is the current state of the education system still considered selective?

Despite the constitutional mandate for free secondary education, the system remains selective due to under-compensation of educators, insufficient facilities and materials in public schools, and the perception that quality education is more accessible in private institutions.

What was the controversy surrounding the removal of Philippine history from the high school curriculum?

The removal of Philippine history from the curriculum was controversial as it was seen as a loss of cultural identity and understanding, potentially exacerbating colonial mentality and contributing to a lack of national pride.

How does the issue of brain drain relate to the Philippine education crisis?

Brain drain is a consequence of the education crisis, as capable individuals leave the country to seek better compensation and opportunities abroad, which the Philippines is unable to provide due to its current economic and educational challenges.

What role does education play in addressing the education crisis and social change in the Philippines?

Education is considered the main weapon to instigate social change. An educated population has the power to challenge corrupt politicians and authorities, and to drive the country towards growth and development.

Outlines

00:00

📚 The Decline of Philippine Education

The paragraph discusses the challenges faced by the Philippine education system, highlighting the high dropout rates and poor performance in international assessments like PISA 2018. It traces the roots of these issues back to the colonial era, detailing the Spanish colonization's selective education policies and the inadequate facilities and training for educators. The paragraph also points out the ironic similarity between historical and current issues, such as insufficient educational resources and the impact of American imperial education, which aimed to unify Filipinos but also instilled a colonial mentality that persists today.

05:07

🏛️ Colonial Legacy and Education Crisis

This paragraph examines the lasting effects of American colonial education on the Philippines, including the imposition of English language and culture, which has led to a colonial mentality among some Filipinos. It discusses the Japanese occupation's destruction of educational infrastructure and the post-independence challenges of rapid population growth and urbanization, which the education system has struggled to keep pace with. The paragraph also notes the failure of proposed educational reforms and the ongoing issues of under-compensation for educators and inadequate facilities, which contribute to the perception of education as a privilege rather than a right.

11:28

🌐 The Impact of Colonial Mentality and Policy on Education

The third paragraph delves into the impact of colonial mentality on the perception of education in the Philippines, with a focus on the preference for English language and foreign brands. It discusses the removal of Philippine history from the curriculum and its potential consequences on national identity and nationalism. The paragraph also addresses the issue of brain drain, where skilled workers leave the country for better opportunities abroad, and the role of education in fostering democracy and social change. It emphasizes the need for educated individuals to use their knowledge to improve the country and overcome the challenges posed by historical and current educational policies.

16:32

🔥 The Power of Education for Social Change

The final paragraph serves as a call to action for those who are educated to use their knowledge to drive social change and improve the country. It emphasizes the importance of education in liberating the nation from its colonial past and in empowering citizens to hold their leaders accountable. The paragraph concludes with an impassioned plea for the educated to act as a force for positive change, suggesting that through education and collective action, significant strides can be made towards addressing the education crisis and fostering a more equitable society.

Keywords

💡Education

Education, as discussed in the video, is the process of imparting knowledge, skills, and values to individuals, enabling them to contribute effectively to society. It is central to the video's theme, as it highlights the challenges faced by the Philippine education system and its impact on society. The script mentions the decline in quality and the high dropout rates, emphasizing the urgency for educational reform.

💡Colonial Empires

Colonial Empires refers to the historical period when foreign powers controlled the Philippines, shaping its educational and cultural landscape. The video connects the current state of education to the legacy of Spanish and American colonization, illustrating how past policies continue to influence present-day issues such as selective education and undercompensation of educators.

💡Dropouts

Dropouts are individuals who leave the educational system before completing their studies. The video points out that the Philippines has one of the highest dropout rates in ASEAN, with 1.4 million youth out of school. This term is crucial as it underscores the failure of the education system to retain students and prepare them for productive roles in society.

💡Quality of Education

Quality of Education refers to the effectiveness and efficiency of an educational system in providing knowledge and skills. The script laments the significant decline in the quality of Philippine education, particularly at the elementary and secondary levels, as evidenced by poor performance in international assessments like PISA.

💡Imperial Education

Imperial Education is a term used in the video to describe the American approach to education during their colonization of the Philippines. It was used as a tool for cultural assimilation and control, teaching American values and language. The video argues that this form of education has lasting effects on Filipino identity and perceptions of intelligence and success.

💡Nationalism

Nationalism is the sentiment of loyalty and devotion to one's country. The video suggests that American Imperial Education diminished Filipino nationalism by promoting American culture and language over local traditions and values. This has led to a colonial mentality where foreign is often perceived as superior.

💡Brain Drain

Brain Drain refers to the emigration of educated and skilled individuals from their home country to other nations, usually for better opportunities. The video connects this phenomenon to the Philippines' inability to provide competitive compensation, leading to a loss of human capital and hindering the country's growth.

💡Policymaking

Policymaking is the process of creating and implementing laws and regulations. The video identifies policymaking as a key factor in the education crisis, citing examples such as the removal of Philippine history from the curriculum, which has been criticized for diminishing national identity and awareness.

💡Colonial Mentality

Colonial Mentality is a psychological state where individuals internalize the superiority of colonizers' culture and values over their own. The video argues that this mentality persists in the Philippines, influencing perceptions of intelligence, language proficiency, and consumer preferences, and is a result of the country's colonial history.

💡Education Reform

Education Reform refers to changes made to improve the educational system. The video discusses various attempts at reform, such as proposals for longer school days and additional years of basic education, which have not been implemented. It emphasizes the need for effective reform to address the systemic issues plaguing the Philippine education system.

💡Social Change

Social Change is the process of transformation in society's structure, institutions, and values. The video concludes by advocating for social change driven by education, suggesting that an educated populace has the power to challenge corrupt practices and drive progress, highlighting education as a tool for empowerment and societal improvement.

Highlights

The Philippines has one of the highest dropout rates in ASEAN, with 1.4 million youth out of school.

A significant decline in the quality of Philippine education is evident, especially at the elementary and secondary levels, where students perform poorly in national and international assessments.

In the 2018 PISA results, Filipino students scored significantly lower than the OECD average in reading literacy, mathematics, and science.

The current issues in the Philippine education system are deeply rooted in its colonial history, beginning with Spanish colonization, which implemented a selective education system for Filipinos.

The introduction of the 1863 Educational Decree under Spanish rule aimed to reform education, but it remained selective and primarily served colonial administrative needs.

The inadequacies of the education system, such as lack of facilities and undertrained teachers, have persisted from the Spanish colonial period to the present.

American colonization brought about 'imperial education,' which increased literacy but also fostered colonial mentality and diminished nationalism among Filipinos.

The post-World War II era saw the destruction of schools and materials during the Japanese occupation, but after independence, rapid economic growth outpaced the education system’s ability to cope with rising demand.

Despite reforms in the 1987 Constitution, which mandated free secondary education, the education system remains unequal, with public school teachers undercompensated and facilities lacking.

There is a perception that private institutions provide higher quality education, creating a divide between those who can afford it and those who cannot.

In 2014, Philippine history was controversially removed from the high school curriculum, leading to concerns about national identity and awareness.

The lingering effects of colonial mentality persist, with many Filipinos preferring foreign products and viewing English proficiency as a marker of intelligence.

Brain drain is a significant issue in the Philippines, as skilled workers seek better compensation abroad due to inadequate opportunities at home.

The education crisis, exacerbated by colonialism and government negligence, is used by corrupt politicians to maintain power, highlighting the need for an educated population to drive social change.

Education is seen as the primary tool to empower individuals and the nation, emphasizing the responsibility of educated citizens to foster positive social transformation.

Transcripts

Education is a way to cultivate individuals with moral integrity, knowledge, skill, and capability to become a functional and a productive member of the society

However, the country of the Philippines is producing a counterproductive results, especially in the recent years.

The Philippines has one of the highest numbers of dropouts in ASEAN

1.4 million youth are out of school

The significant decline in the quality of Philippine education is specifically apparent in elementary and secondary levels.

A huge portion of the student’s population failed to even reach the average score in NAT and NCAE

When PISA 2018 was conducted, it thoroughly exhibit the astounding disparity between Filipino students and those who were subjected to the international standards.

In reading literacy, OECD countries had an average score of 487 points, while the Philippines scored 340 points.

In Mathematics, OECD countries still performed better by reaching an average score of 489 points, while the Philippines scored 353 points

OECD Countries also performed better than the Philippines in science by scoring 489 points, which is a few points higher than The Philippines’ 357.

So, how exactly did we get here?

The current state of the Philippine education system is heavily rooted in its vast history with colonial empires

It is the byproduct of the country’s historical struggles

During the first phase of the Spanish colonization, most native Filipinos were not allowed to receive the same education that Spaniards are receiving.

They were treated as essentially servants, labor workers, and a second-rate citizen even within the jurisdiction of their own lands.

However, when the second phase arrived, particular global changes caused by specific major events, such as the introduction of the Suez Canal,

the french revolution, and the opening of the Philippines to world trades and commerce, created an opportunity for various illustrados to educate themselves and their children in European nations

Education during Spanish colonization were selective

Although the Spanish monarch implemented the educational decree of 1863 in order to reform the selective, colonial Philippine education system

and make it more accessible to the masses, it was merely done for the sake of cultivating individuals to become clerks and officials under the Spanish rule

On November 10, 1900, The Philippine Commission reported to the US War Department the state of education that was established by the Spaniards

This report entails various critical points that became the catalyst for the inadequacy of the education system

First, the schools lack the necessary facilities to mold a proper learning environment.

It was even mentioned that it wasn't unusual to see classrooms where some students do not have and chair to sit on

Second, quality education was concentrated on honing the capability of selective individuals, rather than focusing on the mass; therefore, creating a selective form of education

Lastly, educators were not trained enough or compensated enough. The report mentioned that they are housed in unsanitary places.

It is somehow ironic that the current state of the education system that we have right now is suffering from the exact same issues that they had during the Spanish colonization era.

When Spain left the country, the United States of America became the new colonizer

Unlike the previous colonizer, the United States of America put immense importance on education, or what Benjamin Justice considered as imperial education

This is a form of education that was forced upon the Filipinos at the end of a gun, while the colonizer claims that they have reached the pinnacle of freedom and rationalism

The Americans used education as a way to unify the Filipino natives. They taught them American geography, history, culture, and language

The American education exponentially increases the literacy and knowledge of the Filipinos while slowly diminishing nationalism

The remnants of this phenomenon are still apparent even today. Many individuals possess the colonial mentality.

For instance, some believe that being able to speak the English language means one is more intelligent than others.

Foreign brands are also more attractive in their eyes than local products.

These results and consequences validate the fact that American Imperial Education is a successful colonial instrument.

On December 8, 1941, ten hours after the attack on pearl harbour, the Japanese military invaded the Philippines.

The Filipinos fought side by side with the Americans

The Japanese military destroyed public schools, buildings, books, and materials.

The Japanese occupation ended on September 2, 1945 when they were defeated by an army led by General MacArthur

On July 14, 1946, the United States of America formally recognized the independence of the Philippines through the enactment of

the Tydings McDuffie law or the Philippine Independence Act.

The U.S. surrendered its sovereignty over the country.

The total liberation of the country from its colonizers quickly led to rapid economic growth.

Philippine population and urbanization increased exponentially. As a result, the demand for higher and greater social services also increased.

Amidst the apparent success they were experiencing, one thing became clear.

The current state of the public education system will never be able to capitalize on the rapid economic growth,

fulfill the demand for social services, and accommodate the demand of the rising population

The Joint Committee of Congress on Educational Reform understood the vitality of this situation;

hence, they submitted a report stating that the Philippine public education system is in crisis.

The committee proposed a solution, including the recommendation for a whole day of school sessions and the addition of one year in basic education.

Unfortunately, these proposals did not materialize.

As we can see, the education crisis that plagues the Philippines culturally stems from the tradition of education the colonizers brought into our lands

We identified earlier that most issues faced by the Philippines during the Spanish colonization era are similar to some issues we are currently facing,

such as the under-compensation of the educators and the insufficient facilities, tools, and materials.

The rise to power of the Aquino administration after the fall of the Marcos Dictatorship led to various positive changes in the education system.

For instance, the idea that education is a right, and not a privilege, were encouraged.

During former president Cory Aquino’s term, enrollees in elementary and secondary levels of education increased

This became possible due to the 1987 Philippine Consitution, in which it was mandated that secondary education must be free for all.

Now, although i have mentioned that the mandate of the 1987 constitution allowed the reinforcement of the idea of education being a right more than a privilege,

I would argue that due to some issues, the current state of the education system is still selective

Why do I say that? Consider this:

Public school educators are often not compensated enough in terms of salary and other benefits

This circumstance, even though it may not include every single educators, can discourage some of them and kill their enthusiasm to impart knowledge;

hence, decreasing the quality of education.

In addition, the lack of necessary facilities and materials in some public schools can also lower the quality of education.

This is precisely the reason why some people still patronize private institutions.

They have this connotation that quality education is more certified in these institutions.

According to the data reported by Quacquarelli (QS), there are top 15 best universities in the Philippines.

One thing to note in this list is the fact that there are only six public universities included in the top 15.

And only those who possess a relatively stable and higher income can usually afford the education being offered by these private institutions.

Due to these considerations, we can definitely make an argument that education, at least quality education, is still a privilege

It should be obvious by now that policymaking is a huge contributing factor in resolving the education crisis.

In 2014, philippine history was removed from the curriculum of high school students. This decision became a controversial issue.

In one of the episodes of Pinoy Big Brother, the housemates’ general knowledge of the history of the Philippines was challenged

Some of them were not able to answer even the rudimentary history questions

Netizens argued that this is the direct consequence of removing the Philippine history from the curriculum of the secondary level

The history of the country is a huge part of the identity of its citizens.

It cultivates general awareness, understanding, appreciation of one's culture and homeland, and nationalism.

Therefore, we can definitely say that the impact of the removal of the Philippine History in secondary education may be greater than what they expected.

The issue of colonial mentality may even be heightened due to this

As we have discussed earlier, the presence of US culture has been totally assimilated into Filipino society.

They use their language on day to day basis. And many of them patronize western products, or anything foreign.

We can also identify instances where some people are discriminated against and bullied for lacking the capability to speak English proficiently.

In correlation to this matter, the issue of brain drain is also something that hinders the overall growth of the country.

Due to the incapacity of the Philippines to provide sensible compensation for workers,

some capable individuals decide to allow other nations to utilize their skills and talents in exchange for higher compensation.

These factors immensely prove that the Philippines is certainly undergoing a learning and education crisis that has been implanted

due to colonialism, culture, and the government’s negligence and incompetency.

Democracy is the power that liberated us from the colonizers,

but it is also the tool being utilized by corrupt politicians to exploit the education crisis.

Possessing the capacity to choose the right leaders requires education.

A small educated population may not have the power to surpass the authority and power of seated officials that hinders the country’s growth,

a big population of educated masses can move even mountains.

Education is our main weapon

If you are privileged enough to be educated, use it to better yourself, your fellow citizens, and the country itself

Let’s use our knowledge to instigate the social change that we need.

We have suffered enough.