Long Overdue

Naeumi Gonzales | Jan 26, 2024

It is no longer a gasp of surprise, but a frown of disappointment to see the results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022, as the Philippines ranked 77th out of 81 countries. Filipinos have long been accustomed to seeing such results that they no longer see them as alarming as they should be. Apart from the results, the assessment took place during the pandemic, which further excavates the root of the problem.

Shove It Deep

Even back then, the Philippines had always been behind these student assessments. In 2018, the country scored the lowest in reading comprehension, and the second-lowest in Mathematics and Science, as reported by Philstar. Comparing results from 2018 and 2022, there is, still, nothing to celebrate, nor should Filipinos feel a sense of relief despite the minimal point increase. The PISA 2022 results even showed that the Philippines did not even reach the OECD average.

Furthermore, statistics have shown significant differences between the scores of those who are socio-economically advantaged and disadvantaged, indicating a present fissure in the system. A fact sheet released by the OECD mentioned that 36% of Filipino students who participated were financially struggling, and their average score specifically in Mathematics was 344. However, looking at Turkey and Vietnam, who have similar socio-economic backgrounds, they scored higher despite their situation. Moreover, financially advantaged students in the Philippines outperformed disadvantaged students by 36 score points in Mathematics. 

Not to mention, during the pandemic, the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges estimated that approximately 50,000 students would not be able to enroll and, in addition, at the University of the Philippines, 1,600 students have no resources for online setup. This indicates the issue that the system continues to favor those who are privileged enough, and would continue to share their daisy excuses to be able to shove it deep.

Rotten Root

This dilemma is still inherently persisting today. Recently, Rappler reported that approximately 60% of the University of the Philippines’ (UP) students are from private schools. This further exhibits the disparity between the quality of education that public and private schools are receiving and how it creates a certain strata of students who, at one glance, can be distinguished whether as the fortunate or the resilient. 

“We all know – this is all evidenced – that there is a big gap between the quality of private basic elementary and high school education and public basic education and secondary education.” University of the Philippines' President Angelo Jimenez said during an interview with Rappler. 

While President Jimenez is eager to reverse this problem, sectors of education have yet to fulfill their jobs to provide quality education for all and not only for those who can afford it. Given the years of this prevailing problem, the solution is still not outside the box, and Filipinos are eagerly anticipating a bizarre action that is hopefully not confidentially hidden. If this rotten root is not removed, it will soon affect the rest of the tree.

Unripened Fruit

During the year 2022, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) estimates that 216,000 students nationwide are balancing employment and education. Also, the Philippine Statistics Authority released a report showing that there were 1.37 million working children from 2019 to 2021. This is saddening since it can affect their performance based on the research conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, where students who worked more than 20 hours per week had a substantially lower grade point average.

Moreover, some students from Antipolo City National Science and Technology High School are also noticeably having a hard time trying to keep up with all the expenses from their performance tasks and research that are required in their school, and since there is still inflation in the country, it burdens the students to come up with ways to save up to get through the day.

“Kahit pa tanggalin yung extra-curricular needs nila ay malaking dagok na yung iisipin ng students na less privileged kapag pera ang pag-uusapan para sa kanilang projects. Knowing na relevant yung scientific research sa atin, then yun pa lang malaki na ang expenses. For me, I believe na mas lamang talaga yung mga financially privileged learners sa academic tasks sa school.” The Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) President Jan Xerohj Olivo said.

If the education sector prioritizes providing quality education for all, especially for those who are financially struggling, then the students can focus more directly on their studies alone without the stress of financial burdens. On top of that, it is indicated on the PISA results that 12% of underprivileged students scored in the top quarter in mathematics achievement. They possess a fruit that should be adequately watered to ripen so that they can further unleash their full potential without restraints.

It is indeed true that Filipinos are resilient especially when it comes to academics. However, it is the responsibility of the government to provide quality education for all as stated in the Article XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. They should not run away from the seed they planted and neglect it for decades, hoping and depending on the seasonal rain and shine. Filipinos have the right to demand what they deserve which has long been overdue.