OBLIQUE OBSERVATIONS
By Atty. Gilberto Lauengco, J.D.
A recent study and data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has shown that Filipino student
proficiency is in critical decline. While 30.52 percent of Grade 3 learners in 2024 were barely sufficient in key subjects, the figure drops to nearly zero by Senior High School. PISA 2022 results showed the Philippines ranked 6th to the last in reading and mathematics and 3rd to the last in science among 81 countries. Filipino students score in reading (347), science (357) and math (353) remain well below OECD average of 472-485. Our students ranked 60th out of 62 countries in creative thinking. Another study showed that GEN Z students is the first generation to show a lower IQ than their previous generation. The numbers don’t lie, our human resource asset, which we rely heavily on for overseas employment and dollars, is losing its quality.
Other studies point out to lack of foundational mastery and even grasp of basic literacy and numeracy in early elementary school is creating a snowball effect on our students as they go to the higher grades. Lack of training in teachers, brain drain, pitiful learning resources, poor classroom conditions are also being blamed. Many, however, point to the ‘no student left behind’ policy or a blind misapplication of the automatic pass-through system as the main culprit. With no pressure to learn, students just glide through school with some notable exceptions.
Perhaps an overly progressive and libertarian approach to education is to blame. The idea that schools should consider other factors other than fulfilling academic standards has probably led to the lowering of quality. There may be a need to bring back draconian policies in education. Physical exercises like arms raised while doing math and with extreme recitation pressure should be brought back. Fear and intimidation as modes of teaching may be the answer to this educational crisis. Limiting AI use for children could also be the answer, as going back to old school in testing is fast becoming a necessity to curb ChatGPT cheating.
When I was part of a city government, we realized that education was key to progress for any LGU. Kids who stay in school and learn lead to less time for crime and gangs. Opportunities for personal and community development also had a high correlation with education. As such, this educational crisis needs drastic solutions now. Who will step up to the plate?
