IN his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 24, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that the government has “renewed hope” in providing the best for students as learning recovery will be at the forefront of the education agenda.

Taking in the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said that alternative delivery modes and blended learning methodologies have been adopted to ensure “unhampered learning.” He mentioned that the shortage of classrooms and facilities will be “addressed” — the problem which Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte considered as the most pressing problem of basic education. Adding that these facilities are being made “ready for the future,” such as for hybrid and high-tech learning and being climate-ready. 

The President also highlighted the Department of Education’s (DepEd) MATATAG Agenda which focuses on the "relevance of the curriculum, rapid and responsive delivery, and the welfare of both learners and teachers."

President Marcos mentioned that the K-10 curriculum is being recalibrated to be at par with international standards and remain relevant and responsive. "Literacy and numeracy skills need to be strengthened," he said and added that there will be an integration of the values of good citizenship and a sense of community into the curriculum.

Marcos endorsed the success of technical-vocational education and training (TVET) describing it as an “empowering educational intervention.” He said that many of its graduates have gone on to secure competitive technical jobs. Since last year, millions of Filipinos have graduated from the program, one-third of whom were scholars of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Lastly, on tertiary education, the President praised the 52 Higher Education Institutions included in this year’s World University Rankings. Marcos said that he will not let financial constraints hinder students’ education which will remain free for qualified students in state universities and colleges as per the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Program.