House appropriations chair pushes for strategic education reforms

MANILA – Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co on Monday underscored the need for strategic reforms and increased support to the country's education sector.

The chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations made the call during the budget briefing for the Department of Education (DepEd), as he welcomed newly appointed Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

"It's deeply concerning that Filipino students are lagging behind global standards in science and math," Co said, citing the alarming results of the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), where the Philippines ranked third from the bottom in science and sixth from the bottom in both mathematics and reading among 81 countries.

"These results are a wake-up call. We cannot afford to let our students fall further behind. We must act now to address these learning gaps and provide our children with the education they deserve," he said.

The Ako Bicol Party-list lawmaker, echoing the sentiment expressed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his third State of the Nation Address last July, said the education system is in "urgent need of strategic calibration."

"It's not just about literacy; it's about equipping our youth with problem-solving skills and critical thinking that are essential for tomorrow's challenges. We need an education system that does more than just teach – it must inspire and empower," he said.

Co also highlighted the importance of reducing dropout rates and providing the necessary resources to remote and marginalized communities, as well as teachers who are the "second parents" of students.

"There should be enough educators to teach the over 23 million enrollees in elementary and high school for school year 2024-2025," he added.

With a proposed budget of P748 billion, Co said the DepEd represents the largest allocation in the National Expenditure Program, marking the government's commitment to education as an investment in the nation's future.

"This substantial budget is a reflection of President Marcos' vision to strengthen the country's education system and ensure that Filipino students are well-prepared for challenges ahead," Co said.

"Let's support the President's vision by helping the new Secretary fulfill his mandate, through endorsement of the Department of Education's proposed 2025 budget," he added.

Meanwhile, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Representative France Castro called for an immediate review of the Matatag Curriculum, noting that its implementation was rushed and problematic.

Matatag was implemented by former DepEd Secretary, Vice President Sara Duterte. It stands for Make the curriculum relevant to produce job-ready, Active and responsible citizens, TAke steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education services and provision facilities, TAke good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusiveness learning, and positive learning environment; and, Give support for teachers to teach better.

"Iniwanan kayo ng nakaraang administration ng ganitong problema, ngayon 'yung mga teachers talaga natin problematic dito, sobrang pahirap itong Matatag curriculum (The previous administration left you with this kind of problem, now the teachers are really problematic here, this Matatag curriculum is a too much burden)," she said.

She said Matatag is one of the challenges inherited by Angara from the previous leadership.

Castro said the curriculum has placed significant strain on high school teachers, who are now handling seven to eight teaching loads per day, with each class lasting 45 minutes.

Angara earlier said the Matatag Curriculum will stay despite mounting calls to remove it.

He, however, said it is to be adjusted so as not to burden the teachers excessively.

"Nakikinig po kami sa hinaing ng mga teachers (We are listening to the grievance of the teachers)," he said during the budget hearing. (PNA)