Walk the talk: Improving the quality of PH education

The Manila Times

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Education (DepEd) to continue
improving the quality of education in the country as the government continues to address key issues in
the sector. Prime among these is the poor performance of Filipino students in recent global
assessments.
Speaking during the celebration of National Teachers' Day at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon
City last Thursday, Marcos said his administration has drawn up measures to transform the lives of the
country's 860,000 public school teachers, provide them with resources and ensure their career growth.
"As we lay down the groundwork for a more resilient sector, I enjoin Secretary Sonny Angara to
continue improving the quality of education, uphold the rights of our teachers, and adapt to the ever-
evolving needs of our academic landscape," the President said.
Marcos gave the directive months after the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA)
reported that Filipino 15-year-old students are six years behind their foreign counterparts in learning
competencies. The Philippines was also in the bottom 10 out of 81 countries in mathematics, science
and reading comprehension based on the 2022 edition of the assessment.
Moreover, in June, Filipino students got the second-lowest score out of 64 countries and
economies in a PISA test that measured creative thinking.
The President also recognized the efforts and sacrifices of teachers and enumerated some of the
policies aimed at uplifting their welfare. He cited the signing of the implementing rules and regulations
of Executive Order 174, which seeks to provide teachers more opportunities for career advancement
and professional development.
Congress has allocated some P912 million — or P1,000 each for the country's 912,000 public
school teachers — as an "incentive" for the observance of World Teachers' Day.
"Congress earmarked P912 million to fund the World Teachers' Day incentive at P1,000 per
public school teacher, payable on October 5. This allocation is itemized in the 2024 General
Appropriations Law," Makati City 2nd District Rep. Luis Campos Jr. disclosed.
Salary increases and stricter implementation of the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers are
on top of the wish list of the teachers' group, Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC).
The TDC is currently pushing for the passage of Senate Bill 2743, which seeks a P15,000 across-
the-board salary increase divided into three tranches over three years.
All well and good, but what are the other ways by which the DepEd can improve its teaching and
learning delivery?
One of the most pressing issues is the relevance of the curriculum. While the K–12 program has
expanded access to basic education, it must be updated to reflect the changing global landscape.
Incorporating critical thinking, problem-solving and digital literacy into the curriculum will better
prepare students for the workforce and global citizenship. A focus on local contexts — such as
indigenous knowledge and regional languages — can also enrich the learning experience and foster a
sense of identity.
Teachers are the backbone of any educational system. Investing in comprehensive training
programs that emphasize both pedagogical skills and emotional intelligence is vital. Continuous
professional development should be mandatory, ensuring that educators are updated on innovative
teaching methods and technologies. Moreover, improving compensation and providing adequate
resources can motivate teachers and reduce burnout, ultimately enhancing the quality of education.
Moreover, the physical learning environment plays a crucial role in education. Many schools still
face overcrowding, lack of basic facilities and inadequate access to technology. The government must
prioritize investment in infrastructure, ensuring that every school is equipped with essential resources
— libraries, laboratories and reliable internet access. A commitment to building more classrooms and
improving existing facilities can create an environment conducive to learning.
Inclusivity in education should be a top priority. Programs designed to support students with
disabilities, as well as those from marginalized communities, must be expanded. This can include
training teachers in inclusive practices and ensuring that curricula are adaptable to diverse learning
needs. Emphasizing equity in education is not just a moral obligation; it is crucial for harnessing the full
potential of our youth.
Current assessment methods often emphasize rote memorization over critical thinking. The
DepEd must adopt a more holistic approach to evaluation, incorporating formative assessments that
promote ongoing learning and development. By focusing on students' strengths and areas for growth,
we can create a more supportive and effective educational experience.
It's still early days, and the journey is long, but we wish the DepEd the best of luck in
overhauling a system that has stopped working.
Instruction: Based on the article read, answer the following questions below. Write the letter
of your answers on your formal theme. (Walk the talk: Improving the quality of PH education
by The Manila Times)

______1. What is the main focus of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s order to the Department of
Education (DepEd)?
A. To increase teacher salaries C. To reduce the number of schools
B. To improve the quality of education D. To introduce a new grading system
______2. How many public school teachers are there in the Philippines according to the article?
A. 912,000 B. 860,000 C. 500,000 D. 100,000
______3. What global assessment highlighted the poor performance of Filipino students in
math, science, and reading comprehension?
A. TIMSS B. PISA C. SAT D. IELTS
______4. What is the proposed salary increase for teachers under Senate Bill 2743?
A. P10,000 B. P12,000 C. P15,000 D. P20,000
______5. How much incentive will each teacher receive for World Teachers' Day?
A. P500 B. P1,000 C. P2,000 D. P1,500
______6. What was the Philippines' rank in the recent PISA creative thinking test?
A. 10th B. 64th C. 2nd lowest D. 5th lowest
______7. What was the occasion where President Marcos spoke about education reform?
A. Independence Day B. National Teachers' Day C. Constitution Day D. Labor Day
______8. Which organization allocated P912 million for the World Teachers' Day incentive?
A. Senate B. Teachers' Dignity Coalition C. Congress D. Department of Education
______9. What is one of the major concerns raised about Filipino students' performance in
global assessments?
A. Lack of discipline in school
B. Falling behind six years in learning competencies compared to other countries
C. Excessive use of technology in classrooms
D. Too much focus on sports
______10. What specific areas did Filipino students score poorly in during the 2022 PISA
assessment?
A. Science, history, and physical education
B. Mathematics, science, and reading comprehension
C. Language arts, physical education, and science
D. Music, art, and physical education
______11. According to the article, what is one of the critical updates needed for the K–12
curriculum?
A. Introducing more advanced mathematics
B. Focusing on critical thinking and problem-solving skills
C. Reducing the number of subjects taught
D. Increasing the focus on physical education
______12. What global test measured Filipino students' creative thinking?
A. TIMSS B. SAT C. PISA D. TOEFL
______13. Who was tasked with improving the quality of education by President Marcos?
A. The Secretary of Education C. The Teachers' Dignity Coalition
B. The Secretary of Labor D. The Senate President
______14. What is the name of the Filipino students' organization mentioned in the article?
A. Teachers' Dignity Coalition C. Student Rights Coalition
B. Philippine Student Union D. None mentioned
______15. What is the purpose of Executive Order 174 mentioned in the article?
A. To reduce the number of schools C. To increase students' test scores
B. To provide career advancement for teachers D. To promote digital literacy