Education in the Philippines: Challenges and Dilemma

by: Jean Paolo G. Lacap

 “The best and the brightest of every generation should go into education precisely because we are building a nation.” This statement came from Prof. Randy David of the University of the Philippines and this is the biggest challenge in the academic institutions in the Philippines right now.

In order for our country to produce quality workforce, we need to have world-class academic institutions, where future business and government leaders are being molded, and top-notch educators whose primary role is to provide a learning environment conducive to holistic formation of students’ mind and soul. Thus, Filipino educators are vital forces in attaining economic prosperity in our country.

After I finished my baccalaureate degree at the University of the Philippines, I immediately joined the academe. I knew from the start that I am destined to be in the academe. I started my teaching stint in 2006, teaching business and economics subjects for college students. Since I am teaching college students, I pursued a master’s degree in Business Administration which I successful finished in 2010. And in September 2013, I obtained my doctorate degree in Business Management at the age of 28. And after 7 years, I am proud to say that I am still in the field of teaching.

Despite the fact that I finished my doctorate degree at an early stage of my life, I know that I still have so many things to learn and relearn. With the integration ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member nations in 2015, every educator need to equip himself/herself with the right academic qualifications and at the same time excel in three areas namely teaching, research, and community extension. These threefold functions are necessary for educators to be at par with other ASEAN educators. Borderless education by 2015 requires every Filipino educator to be world-class teachers. It is not enough now that a university professor is good in teaching. It is not enough that the university is extending community work. Doing quality researches is also a must. Producing quality researches are very important simply because they provide new learning and solutions that are indispensable in the fast changing landscape of the society. Each educator must start learning and appreciating the value of doing research papers. In order for our academic institutions to be recognized abroad, there should be quality research output.

Aside from the ASEAN integration in 2015, what are the other challenges that the education sector faced? How to attract the best and the brightest to be part of the academe is the real score. Many of the graduates now aspire to work abroad and want to earn huge salary. We cannot blame them because the amount they will be receiving in the Philippines if they will work here is significantly much lower as compared if they will be hired abroad. The saddest part of the story is, the best and brightest teachers are also migrating abroad because of greener pasture. Being a teacher in the Philippines is not really financially rewarding thus this problem poses a huge challenge in the education sector of our country.

With all these challenges and dilemma, I am still optimistic that one day, the best and the brightest will be joining the academe. I believe one day, more and more universities and colleges will be recognized abroad because of their achievements in teaching, research, and community extension. I know in the near future, the products of the academic institutions of this country will positively change the landscape of this nation. And wholeheartedly believe that I have a huge role in attaining these goals. Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” With the collective efforts of Filipino educators, I know we can change the Philippines into a better country where each of us will contribute to the advancement of this nation. One day, this country will be a great country because of its great people.

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This article was originally published at Sun Star Pampanga, Volume 17, Issue 348, March 2, 2014