President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed optimism that his administration’s ongoing education reforms will continue even after his term ends.
In the sixth episode of his podcast aired Thursday, Marcos emphasized the need to build more classrooms, boost support for teachers, and improve access to technology.
Marcos hoped that the existing programs aimed at strengthening the education sector would be sustained by his successor, stressing that education should be treated as a right that future governments must preserve.
“The education is one of those things that I hope we can get started in such a way na kahit wala na ako dito, kahit nawala na kami dito (that even when I am or we are no longer here), my administration is no longer here, that this will continue, masanay ang tao (people will get used to it) so that it becomes a right. And if it is taken away from you, you can demand for it to be brought back,” he said.
“Huwag niyong tatanggalin ‘yan (Do not remove it). And that’s what I want to instill in everybody. That’s what I want to instill in government. That’s what I want to instill in the people that it is a right. You can demand it. It is a right,” Marcos added.
Marcos cited classroom shortage, limited access to the internet and technology, and declining academic performance as among the challenges the government aims to correct through increased investments in basic education.
Marcos said he intends to fast-track the establishment of new classrooms, provide additional support to teachers, and enhance the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum.
“Nadismaya ako (I was disappointed) to see the results of the Philippines in the grading ng STEM, especially STEM subjects. Eh we’re in a technological world now. We’re living in a technological world, highly technological world,” Marcos said.
“You give Filipinos a good opportunity, they’ll shine. That’s why it’s important na ayusin natin ang education para lahat ng Pilipinong magagaling mabigyan ng pagkakataon na sumikat sila (to improve education so that all skilled Filipinos are given the chance to succeed), whether at home, whether in government, whether abroad, anywhere.”
Marcos also vowed continued support for the state universities and colleges, noting that the government has allotted PHP185 billion for their maintenance and operations. (PNA)