Make education reform a key priority, midterm candidates urged

As the midterm elections approach, an advocacy group on Saturday, Feb. 15, urged candidates to prioritize education reform, emphasizing its significance for students, teachers, and the future workforce.

In a statement, the industry-led advocacy group Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) called on midterm election candidates to “disclose their plans to address the learning crisis” and commit to making education a top priority.

“Candidates must be vocal and proactive about their education platforms to address the systemic failures plaguing the Philippine education system, which remains in deep crisis,” PBEd Executive Director Justine Raagas said.

“As we work toward solutions, future leaders should present concrete plans to improve conditions for all education stakeholders, including teachers, students, parents, local governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations,” she added.

Campaign period

The official 90-day campaign period for senatorial and party-list candidates began on February 11, while the 45-day campaign period for local candidates, including those running for the House of Representatives, will start on March 28.

PBEd noted that candidates have only until May 10 to share their platforms and plans with their constituencies.

“Our public servants must realize that education is an investment,” Raagas said. “Every peso spent on improving literacy helps build a more skilled workforce, while greater commitment to education opens doors to better economic opportunities for the next generation,” she added.

Addressing the learning crisis

PBEd pointed to the recently released Year Two from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which underscores the urgency of addressing the country’s “deep-seated educational challenges.”

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/2/philippine-education-system-needs-urgent-fixing

The report, based on research studies, consultations, school visits, and public hearings, examines early childhood education through higher education and lifelong learning.

In basic education, findings revealed that most Grade 3 learners were one to two years behind curriculum expectations yet were still promoted to Grade 4. These learning gaps widened over time, with Grades 8 and 9 students still struggling with basic subtraction and multiplication.

While participation rates in higher education remain high, attrition is a major concern, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where only one in ten students complete college. Key barriers include financial difficulties, employment obligations, and lack of interest.

Additionally, the report highlighted that college courses are reviewed and updated only once every 11 years on average, limiting their alignment with current socioeconomic needs.

Call for concrete reforms

Given these findings, PBEd stressed that while economic and political strategies are crucial, “long-term and sustainable progress for the Filipino people hinges on concrete education reforms.”

The group urged lawmakers, local chief executives, and aspiring leaders to prioritize policies that strengthen the education sector if they aim to create a lasting impact and meaningful legacy.

“This is also the time for Filipinos to critically evaluate candidates. We should elect leaders who champion education—those who can rebuild an education system worthy of our nation’s potential,” Raagas said.

— Merlina Hernando-Malipot

RELATED STORY: https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/29/ph-education-in-crisis-1