Lack of textbooks, untrained teachers highlight PH education issues, according to study | ABS-CBN

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Lack of textbooks, untrained teachers highlight PH education issues, according to study

Lack of textbooks, untrained teachers highlight PH education issues, according to study

Jeck Batallones,

ABS-CBN News

 | 

Updated Mar 20, 2024 02:35 PM PHT

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Students of Pinyahan Elementary School, supervised by their respective teachers, initiate their 'Catch-up Fridays' program by reading storybooks inside their classrooms on January 12, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN NewsStudents of Pinyahan Elementary School, supervised by their respective teachers, initiate their 'Catch-up Fridays' program by reading storybooks inside their classrooms on January 12, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- A Philippine commission tasked to undertake a comprehensive national assessment of the country's education sector is urging a re-evaluation of how the Philippines should educate future generations, as it released highlights of significant flaws in the country's educational systems.

Quoting the EDCOM 2 Year One Report, EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Yee underscored the persistent inequality in accessing quality education, and highlighted a textbook shortage during a discussion with UK Ambassador Laure Beafils.

"We found out that between 2012 to 2022, only 27 titles have been delivered successfully to schools. Ang realidad sa mga schools natin, Grades 5 and 6 lang ang may kumpletong libro for all subjects. Yung sa iba for the past decade, wala gamit," he said.

(We found out that between 2012 and 2022, only 27 titles have been successfully delivered to schools. The reality in our schools is that only Grades 5 and 6 have complete books for all subjects. For others, there have been no usable books for the past decade.)

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The report also stressed the urgent need for teacher professional development and support, as many educators face heavy workloads and tasks beyond teaching, such as managing school canteens and libraries.

Daycare teachers are also underpaid, averaging P5000 a month.

Yee stressed: "In the Philippines, we have 70 thousand daycare workers and teachers. Eighty-nine percent of them are non-permanent so mga job order contractual or honorarium based."

Aside from being underpaid, the study showed that some daycare workers and educators are untrained or incompetent.

"The irony is that this is the most important level of education because it is foundational. But it is where we are least invested in. Daycare teachers have no training, there are no pathways in TESDA or CHED to prepare them to become such," he said.

UK Ambassador Laure Beafils expressed commitment to supporting the Philippines' education sector.

"Education is an important priority we’ve done a lot of work on education over the years we’ve worked on technical education we worked on tertiary education. We supported lots of children and young people through scholarships and continues to be a priority," Beafils said.

The EDCOM 2 Year One Report calls for action from policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to address systemic failures and prioritize equity and innovation in our educational systems, aiming for a more inclusive and effective education landscape.

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Transportation chief Dizon to meet with groups on PUV Modernization Program

Transportation chief Dizon to meet with groups on PUV Modernization Program

Pia Gutierrez,

ABS-CBN News

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Mang Rodolfo, a jeepney driver for 20 years, prepares to ply his route on the Pasig-Taguig area in January 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN NewsMang Rodolfo, a jeepney driver for 20 years, prepares to ply his route on the Pasig-Taguig area in January 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — New Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon says he will meet with transport groups on their concerns on the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

Dizon, who took his oath of office on Friday, said that while there is no question that the country’s public transport system needs upgrading, it is also important for government to acknowledge the sector’s issues to find the best way forward.

“Naniniwala naman po ako na ang ating mga jeepney operators, hindi nila hahadlangan ang pag-unlad, hindi nila hahadlangan ang modernisasyon. Pero kung mayroon din silang lehitimong concerns na kailangang pakinggan ng gobyerno,” he said.

(I believe that our jeepney operators are not against development, they are not against modernization. But if they have legitimate concerns, the government needs to listen)

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Among the concerns raised by transport groups like Manibela and Piston, which have mounted protests against the program, are the cost of new units and the low subsidy offered by government to buy them.

Some operators have argued their units are still roadworthy or can just be upgraded instead of being replaced with the imported mini-buses that are  now on the road.

Groups also oppose the  requirement to consolidate PUV franchises under a corporation or cooperative. Single-unit and small fleet operators fear this will mean they will no longer own vehicles and will be left with nothing if the cooperative loses money.

Dizon said, however, that the program, which includes the eventual replacement of traditional jeepneys, also has to move forward.

“[H]indi puwede ding iwanan na lang natin sa kinagisnan natin iyong ating mga jeepneys at iba pang nandiyan sa kalye natin. Kailangang mag-improve iyon.”

(We cannot leave things as they are — the jeepneys and other PUVs — We need to improve them)

Manibela earlier urged Dizon to suspend the implementation of the jeepney modernization program and restore the franchises of unconsolidated jeepney operators.

The group said it hopes to restart the dialogue with government on PUV modernization under the new transportation chief.

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