Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Wednesday, Dec. 6, called on all education stakeholders to “pull our efforts together” to help improve the learning outcomes of Filipino students as reflected in the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
“PISA has provided us with valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of our education system,” said Duterte in the PISA National Forum organized by the Department of Education (DepEd) where the results of the latest cycle of the international assessment were discussed.
READ: How did PH learners fare in the 2022 PISA?
Duterte noted that the current state of education in the Philippines is “reflected by the recent results” of the PISA.
“The PISA results may bear uncomfortable truth,” Duterte said.
READ: PISA 2022: No significant improvements seen in PH students’ performance
“It has shown that a significant majority of our boys and girls fall below the proficiency level required for full participation in society and contributing to nation-building,” she added.
Based on the 2022 PISA results, Filipino students aged 15 years old were still lagging in terms of mathematics, science, and reading.
“The PISA results are not merely a reflection of our education system,” Duterte said. “It is a mirror reflecting our collective efforts, investments, and most importantly our commitment to education and the future we envision for our children,” she added.
Given this, Duterte issued a “call to action” and for a “collective responsibility as a nation.”
On the part of DepEd, Duterte mentioned the “significant strides” forward to address the issues of learning among Filipino children.
In particular, Duterte explained that DepEd has introduced the MATATAG Curriculum or the revised curriculum for Kinder to Grade which is currently being piloted this year and will be implemented in select grades starting next school year.
DepEd, she added, has also implemented the national reading, math, and science programs and initiated the “Catch-up Fridays” for learners and teachers.
Recognizing the important role of teachers, Duterte said that DepEd has expanded the teacher career progression.
DepEd also pushed for transparent educational programs and practices and started digitalization among its schools, Duterte said.
Despite this, Duterte said DepEd needs all the support it can get.
“We need every stakeholder to join us in this journey moving forward,” she said. “We may approach the solution differently, but we all agree on the destination. Everyone’s efforts are counted and everyone is accountable for our children’s future,” she added.
Duterte also underscored the importance of the “transformative power” of parental support provided to children. In the PISA results, it was emphasized that parental support contributed to the performance of students in schools.
“The kind of support we provide to our children’s learning can make a significant difference in their success,” she added.
Meanwhile, Duterte also recognized the “relentless efforts” of teachers. “Despite the challenges of school closures during the pandemic, our children speak of your unwavering support, making their remote learning experiences more positive,” she added.
Duterte also called on education leaders, to support teachers so they can continue to support the learners.
She also appealed to teacher training institutions to help in producing teachers “who are not only intelligent, but also passionate and compassionate.”
“Your preparation of empowered and passionate educators is crucial for the future,” Duterte said.
Duterte noted that schools and communities can also contribute to creating a safe, inclusive, supportive, and connected school climate.
“We must act to bring back our school-aged children and prevent long-term absenteeism, protecting them from exploitation due to their socioeconomic conditions,” she added.
Duterte also urged all education stakeholders to support DepEd in its goal to have a “more resilient MATATAG education system” which is an “education system that aims to improve learning outcomes, prioritize student and teacher well-being, and promote accountability to close remaining disparities.”
Moreover, Duterte urged education partners and stakeholders to find ways to “perform better” despite the limited resources.
“Other educational systems have done it, and so can we,” she said. “With your help, we aim to ensure equitable access to learning resources, especially for our vulnerable and disadvantaged children,” she added.
RELATED: ‘We’re hopeful’: DepEd eyes improved learning outcomes of Filipino learners
— Merlina Hernando-Malipot
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
