Current Issues Surrounding the Philippine Education Department

The Philippine education system has seen significant progress over the years, but it continues to face numerous challenges that hinder its ability to provide quality education for all. Here are some of the most pressing issues currently affecting the Department of Education (DepEd):

Internal Issues

1. Infrastructure Learning Resources

One of the most critical challenges is the lack of adequate school infrastructure and learning resources. Many schools, especially in rural areas, suffer from overcrowded classrooms, insufficient instructional materials, and outdated facilities. According to the Basic Education Report (BER) 2023, only a fraction of the school buildings are in good condition, with many requiring minor to major repairs.

2. Quality of Education

The quality of education remains a significant concern. Large class sizes, outdated teaching methods, and inconsistent teacher training contribute to the disparity in educational outcomes between urban and rural areas. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the digital divide, with many students lacking access to reliable internet and devices necessary for online learning.

3. High Dropout Rates

High dropout rates, particularly at the secondary and tertiary levels, continue to be a major issue. Factors such as poverty, the need for children to work, and geographic isolation contribute to this trend. This limits the country's human capital development and hampers economic growth.

4. Curriculum and Employability

The K-12 curriculum, implemented in 2013, was a significant reform aimed at aligning the Philippine education system with international standards. However, challenges remain in ensuring that the curriculum meets the needs of students and prepares them for higher education, employment, or entrepreneurship. There is also a need to address the gap between the skills taught in schools and the demands of the job market. There should be a discussion or talk on the profiling of hires for senior high school graduates.

5. Teacher Training and Support Inadequate teacher training and support are prevalent issues. Many teachers lack access to professional development opportunities, which affects their ability to deliver quality education. There is also a notable disparity in the quality of education provided in urban versus rural areas.

6. Inclusivity and Access

Inclusivity in education remains a concern, with significant disparities in access to quality education between different regions and socioeconomic groups. The decline in enrollment figures in private schools and the closure of many private institutions during the pandemic have further exacerbated this issue. 

Path Forward

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. The government and various stakeholders must work together to improve school infrastructure, provide adequate learning resources, and ensure consistent teacher training. Additionally, efforts should be made to bridge the digital divide and make education more inclusive and accessible to all Filipino learners.

Current Political Issues 

1. Leadership and Governance

Vice President Sara Duterte, who also serves as the Secretary of Education, has been at the forefront of addressing the education crisis. Her leadership has been both praised and criticized, particularly regarding her approach to reforming the K-12 curriculum and addressing infrastructure deficiencies. The dual role she holds has also sparked debates about the concentration of power and potential conflicts of interest.

2. Budget Allocation and Underinvestment

A significant political issue is the persistent underinvestment in the education sector. Compared to neighboring countries, the Philippines allocates a smaller percentage of its GDP to education. This underfunding has led to inadequate school facilities, insufficient learning materials, and a lack of support for teachers. The government has been criticized for not prioritizing education in its budget, which has long-term implications for the country's development.

3. Corruption and Procurement Practices

There have been allegations of corruption within DepEd, particularly concerning procurement practices. Issues such as overpricing of materials and favoritism in awarding contracts have been highlighted. These practices not only waste public funds but also delay the delivery of essential resources to schools.

4. Curriculum Reforms and Implementation

The implementation of the K-12 curriculum has faced numerous challenges. Critics argue that the curriculum has not effectively prepared students for employment or higher education. The ongoing review and potential overhaul of the curriculum have become a contentious political issue, with various stakeholders advocating for different approaches to education reform.

5. Teacher Workload and Support

Teachers in the Philippines often face heavy workloads and insufficient support, particularly in the health and maintenance aspect. The current system burdens them with administrative tasks, leaving less time for actual teaching and professional development. This issue has been a focal point in political discussions, with calls for better support and resources for teachers to improve the quality of education. With the heavy workloads and number of students to attend to, teachers are vulnerable to physical and mental illness. Support from the government for their health maintenance is badly needed as most of them rely heavily upon their own resources for their physical and mental well-being.

Moving Forward

Addressing these political issues requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. Transparency in governance, increased investment in education, and a focus on effective curriculum reforms are essential steps towards improving the Philippine education system. By tackling these challenges, the DepEd can work towards providing a better future for Filipino students.

Understanding Marital Status Changes: Legal Separation, Annulment, and Divorce

When a marriage encounters irreconcilable differences, couples may consider changing their marital status. The terms "legal separation," "annulment," and "divorce" often come up, but they are not interchangeable. Each represents a different legal process with distinct implications for the couple's relationship and obligations. Let's explore these differences.

Legal Separation

Legal separation allows a married couple to live apart without ending the marriage legally. It's a court-approved arrangement where the couple remains legally married but may live separate lives. The grounds for legal separation can include physical abuse, drug addiction, infidelity, and other severe issues that render cohabitation impossible.

Key Points:

•  The marriage bond is not dissolved.

•  Couples cannot remarry.

•  Children born during the separation are considered legitimate.

Annulment

An annulment is a legal decree that a marriage is null and void, essentially declaring that the marriage never legally existed. This can be granted on several grounds, such as psychological incapacity, fraud, coercion, or impotence that existed at the time of the marriage and persists.

Key Points:

•  The marriage is considered void from the beginning.

•  Parties may return to single status and can remarry.

•  Division of property, child custody, and alimony may be involved.

Divorce

Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage by a court. It acknowledges that a valid marriage existed but has been irretrievably broken. However, in the Philippines, divorce is generally not permitted, with an exception for Filipino Muslim citizens under the Code of Muslim Personal Laws.

Key Points:

•  The marriage is legally ended.

•  Parties can remarry.

•  Division of marital assets and child custody arrangements are settled.

Philippine Absolute Divorce Bill

The Philippine House of Representatives recently passed the Absolute Divorce Bill (House Bill No. 9349) on its third and final reading. This bill aims to reinstitute absolute divorce as an alternative mode for the dissolution of marriage, providing a legal option for couples in irreparably broken marriages.

The bill received 131 affirmative votes, 109 negative votes, and 20 abstentions. It now awaits approval from the Senate before it can be sent to the President for final approval or veto.

If passed, the bill will allow divorce on grounds such as physical violence, moral pressure, and attempts to corrupt or induce the petitioner or their children into prostitution.

Key Provisions:

1. Grounds for Divorce: The bill outlines several grounds for divorce, including physical violence, moral pressure, attempts to induce the petitioner or their children into prostitution, and irreconcilable differences.

2. Legal Process: It establishes a legal process for filing and obtaining a divorce, including mandatory counseling and a cooling-off period.

3. Support and Custody: Provisions for spousal support, child custody, and property division are included to ensure fair treatment of both parties.

4. Protection Orders: The bill allows for the issuance of protection orders to safeguard individuals from domestic violence during the divorce process.

Conclusion

Understanding the nuances between legal separation, annulment, and divorce is crucial for couples considering changes in their marital status. Each option carries different legal and personal implications that can significantly impact one's life. It's advisable to consult with legal counsel to navigate these complex processes and make informed decisions.

Presidential, Parliamentary, & Federal - What Are They?

     The Philippine National Election on May 9 has shown that people are becoming excited about who would win the election and the changes that might occur once the popular becomes the president. People are clamoring for changes and sensitivity that they wanted from someone in authority who would overturn the increasing crime, yet approachable that can be easily reached and mindful of the people's plight. Questions as to "would he stand by his promise, when is he going to do it, and how he would do it" are being asked by people. What could be his first task at hand?

     One declaration that elected President Rodrigo Duterte had stated during his campaign, is to change the present form of the Philippine government. There are as numerous as a public classroom students list varied forms of government in the different parts of the world. We mostly hear the anarchy, oligarchy, communist, socialist, Marxist, imperialist, parliamentary, and federal, to name a few. Actually, the different systems or forms of government are being taught as early as grade 4 or 5.

     At present, the Philippines is a republic with a Presidential form of government. Under the Presidential form, our country is divided into three (3) branches with equal powers but separate from each other, as illustrated below.

1) Legislative Division is responsible for making laws and altering or repealing them. The Senate and the House of Representatives or Congress are under this division. Elected by people.

2) Executive Division is responsible for executing and implementing the laws. The President and his Vice President, along with the mayoralty are under this division and elected by the people. The President, however, appoints his own cabinet members (department secretaries) as granted by the Constitution.

3) Judiciary Division is responsible for settling controversies that are legally demandable and enforceable. The Supreme Court and Lower Court are under this division. It has also the power as granted by the Constitution to declare a treaty, international or executive agreement, law, presidential decree, proclamation, order, instruction, ordinance, or unconstitutional regulation. Appointments are made by the President based on a list submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council under the supervision of the Supreme Court.

Parliamentary on the other hand consists of two organizing bodies that are closely related and dependent upon each other. The two organizing body share their powers. See the illustration below:

1) Legislature may either be called an assembly, congress, or legislators. It is the law-making body of a government that has the power to amend and repeal public policy; observes and steers governing actions in a government system. Depending on certain countries or states, it may be in the form of unicameral or bicameral.
2) Executive consists of the head of state, it may be a President or Monarchy. As the case may be, they are the head of state but not the head of the government. The majority party that wins the election for Legislature is appointed Prime Minister, also called Premier or Chancellor. The Prime Minister possesses much greater power and status than the other ministers. The President or Monarchy appointed Cabinet Ministers with the advice of the Prime Minister. However, the Cabinet of Ministers is responsible to the legislature for all its activities and policies. The President is elected while a Monarchy is inherited.

A federal system of government is a division of power between a central national government and local governments that are connected by one another by the central national government. See the illustration below to have a clear grasp of how federalism works.

     There are powers designated to the Central/National government and powers reserved for the Regional/State government, but there is also the same shared power depending on what the constitution states. Each regional/state government elected a governor aside from its mayoralty. And just like in the presidential system, the central national government has Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary divisions with separate powers. The idea behind Federalism is to better suit the needs of each area in the country. The smaller branches of government from each region/state could deal with true things that need to be changed.

** images are created by Emily for April Brews, send a message for permission to use.

LINKS for more info:

http://www.bloomp.net/articles/benefits_federalism.htm

http://www.gov.ph/about/gov/

http://www.importantindia.com/12408/features-of-parliamentary-form-of-government/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federalism_in_the_Philippines