Why education should be an election issue

During Philippine elections, public schools serve as a bridge of civic duty, connecting Filipino voters to the core of their democratic responsibilities. Schools are indeed the most accessible space in the community, serving not only thousands of voters during elections but also housing millions of Filipino children daily. This is why those who seek to truly serve the country should focus on improving schools, where their efforts can impact not just many students but also countless future generations.

Several elections have taken place in the schools, yet the very system remains to be overlooked. This neglect has resulted in alarming outcomes: poor Filipino student performance in reading, math, and science, high learning poverty with nine out of 10 children unable to read at age 10, and a persistent job-skills mismatch in the workforce.

These failures underscore the urgent need for educational reforms that extend beyond the election cycle and tackle the core issues in the system. Our children deserve an education that prepares them for the future; failing to provide this is an injustice to them and the country as a whole.

Given the profound and far-reaching effects of the learning crisis, we call on those who are running for public office to discuss clear, actionable plans and commitments on improving the quality of education in the country. Their platforms for education must also include plans to continue any positive reforms already in place.

Just as some leading senatorial candidates are banking on their tough, no-nonsense approach to drive reforms, we hope to see this same commitment applied to education. Rather than relying on public spectacle, the focus should shift toward meaningful policy changes, involving key education stakeholders to create meaningful and lasting impact.

Recently, there have been significant advancements in education, including the passage of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning program law, aimed at providing targeted interventions for struggling learners. We are also hopeful that the proposed amendments to the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act will be approved, offering greater support for teachers’ licensure and improving the quality of instruction.

Additionally, the bill on expanding the Career Progression System for teachers not only promotes teachers’ growth but also enhances classroom effectiveness and student achievement. Complementing these efforts, the enterprise-based education and training bill seeks to empower the youth by offering company-led training programs, incentivizing businesses to participate, and equipping workers with essential skills for better employment opportunities.

The reforms aforementioned—whether already passed and being implemented or still pending in the legislative—will take years to bear fruit. These initiatives require ongoing, consistent efforts to fully succeed. Unlike roads or bridges, which are quick-win projects that are immediately noticeable and politically advantageous, education reforms don’t provide instant results but instead focus on long-term impact that go beyond administrations.

That’s why our call to all candidates—national and local—is to focus on the people first if they truly want to see genuine progress. Quality education is key to building a stronger workforce, which in turn drives a stronger economy.

We must make it a standard for any elected official to discuss their plans to address this slow-burning crisis of low literacy levels among young students, as it threatens both individual futures and the country’s economic and social development.

The business sector is ready to share their insights and collaborate to address the education crisis and develop solutions to ensure seamless school-to-work transition for our learners. But this entails leaders who will put education as their priority and who are open to dialogue and partnerships with education stakeholders.

In seven months, as Filipino voters head to public schools for the 2025 midterm elections, we urge all candidates to prioritize education with the same care and dedication that school personnel will demonstrate in safeguarding our votes. Let these schools serve not just as polling precincts, but as a powerful reminder that concrete plans for education are essential in shaping the future of our children and our nation.

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Justine B. Raagas is executive director of Philippine Business for Education. For questions or comments, email info@pbed.ph.

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