Education remains the government’s top priority, according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
During his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Marcos cited sustained investments in basic and higher education.
“Edukasyon pa rin ang siyang pangunahing nagtataguyod ng kakayahan, kung kaya ito pa rin ang nangunguna sa listahan ng administrasyon (Education remains the top driver of skills. That’s why this ranks first on the administration’s list),” he said.
Among these key efforts is the expanded school-based feeding program (SBFP), which is expected to benefit 4.5 million Kinder and Grade 1 learners, as well as learners in need of proper nutrition from Grade 2 and above.
He also noted that the responsibility to uphold the overall safety and well-being of learners requires a whole-of-society approach.
“Kailangang mamulat ang buong lipunan at akuin ang responsibilidad. Pag-ibayuhin natin ang ating paggabay at pag-aruga sa ating kabataan (Society must be enlightened and take responsibility. We should further strengthen our guidance and care for our youth),” Marcos said, as he expressed his sincerest sympathies to the victims of recent school violence incidents in select public schools in the country.
At least 10,000 school counselor associates (SCAs) are expected to be hired to provide young learners with mental health services.
Besides SCAs, Marcos also mentioned the promotion of more than 80,000 teachers and school administrators under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Expanded Career Progression program.
This allows educators to focus more on teaching, considering eased administrative tasks.
Supplementary materials have also been distributed to boost teaching strategies, such as Smart TVs, laptops, tablets, free mobile data, and even lapel microphones.
More opportunities
The Chief Executive mentioned the continuous enhancement of the Senior High School (SHS) curriculum to ensure employability and competence of basic education graduates.
“Sa mga isinagawa nating Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fairs nitong Marso, mahigit isang libo’t kalahating Senior High graduates ang hired on-the-spot (From the past Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fairs in March, more than 1,500 SHS graduates were hired on-the-spot),” Marcos said.
He, likewise, mentioned a wide array of upskilling opportunities in both higher education and “ladderized” options under Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) skills training.
This pertains to the progressive “Tech-Pro” track under the strengthened Senior High School Curriculum.
The National Certificates (NC) of Technical and Vocational Education and Training graduates may also be used for continuing education to attain a college diploma, while college graduates may also secure NCs for expanding career opportunities.
For the Office of the President (OP) alone, about PHP100,000 in funds have been allocated for five learners in each barangay nationwide.
They are considered “presidential scholars” who will be eligible for support in higher education programs.
In higher education, Marcos also lauded the world-class performance of state universities and colleges (SUCs), citing growing numbers in globally-ranked higher education institutions (HEIs).
“Ngayon, 140 kolehiyo na ang pumasok sa (Now, 140 colleges have entered the) World University Rankings,” Marcos said.
“Lagpas kalahati sa kanila ay nasa state at local universities and colleges, kung saan libre ang matrikula (More than half of them are from SUCs, where fees are free),” he added.
In 2022, Marcos said only 12 colleges have been ranked in World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). (PNA)