Manila: 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.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos highlighted several initiatives, including the expanded school-based feeding program (SBFP), which is expected to benefit 4.5 million Kinder and Grade 1 learners, along with those in need of proper nutrition from Grade 2 and above. He stressed the importance of a whole-of-society approach to ensure the safety and well-being of learners, urging society to take collective responsibility.
The administration plans to hire at least 10,000 school counselor associates (SCAs) to provide mental health services to young learners. Additionally, more than 80,000 teachers and school administrators are set to be promoted under the Department of Education's (DepEd) Expanded Career Progression program, allowing educators to focus more on teaching by reducing administrative burdens. Supplementary teaching materials, including Smart TVs, laptops, tablets, free mobile data, and lapel microphones, have been distributed to enhance teaching strategies.
Marcos also emphasized the continuous enhancement of the Senior High School (SHS) curriculum to ensure the employability and competence of basic education graduates. He mentioned that more than 1,500 SHS graduates were hired on-the-spot during the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fairs in March. The administration is also providing upskilling opportunities through higher education and 'ladderized' options under Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) skills training, with the progressive 'Tech-Pro' track under the strengthened SHS curriculum.
The National Certificates (NC) from Technical and Vocational Education and Training graduates can be used for continuing education to attain a college diploma. Conversely, college graduates may secure NCs to expand career opportunities. The Office of the President has allocated about PHP100,000 in funds for five learners in each barangay nationwide, considered 'presidential scholars' eligible for support in higher education programs.
In higher education, Marcos lauded the world-class performance of state universities and colleges (SUCs), noting that 140 colleges have entered the World University Rankings, with more than half belonging to SUCs where tuition is free. This marks a significant increase from 2022, when only 12 colleges were ranked in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).
