DepEd to Improve Education After Philippines Ranks 74th in Global Study

The Department of Education (DepEd) said it will make big changes to improve schools after the Philippines ranked 74th out of 177 countries in a global education report.

The report, called the Global Education Futures Readiness Index, looks at how ready countries are for future challenges in education. This includes things like school leadership, technology, and giving students equal chances to learn.

The Philippines scored 56.32 out of 100, one of the lowest in Southeast Asia.

Even though the country is close to the world average, the report says the Philippines still needs to do better to succeed in the future.

What DepEd Is Doing

DepEd said it has started several programs to help schools improve. These include using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help with planning and managing schools.

One big project is the Education Center for Artificial Intelligence Research. This center uses AI to solve problems in teaching and school operations.

Here are some of the tools and apps they are working on:

• Sigla – A mobile app that helps track students’ health and growth
• Talino – A tool that helps find areas where private groups can help schools
• Dunong – A system that helps pick future school leaders
• SALIKSeek – A chatbot to help DepEd staff find information faster
• Sabay and Ligtas – Tools that help with student learning checks and school safety

DepEd also launched Project Bukas, which makes school data open to help track things like enrollment, supplies, and student learning.

Updates on K-12

While some officials want to remove the K-12 program, DepEd said they are changing the senior high school (SHS) curriculum instead.

They are now adding technical and vocational training so students can get jobs more easily. Graduates of SHS can also now apply for government jobs.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada earlier suggested removing SHS, saying it hasn’t delivered results since it started in 2013.

Better Internet for Schools

DepEd is also working to improve internet access in faraway schools. Programs like PSIP Connect aim to bring gadgets, solar power, and satellite internet to areas with poor connectivity. Another project called Bayanihan SIM helps students and teachers stay connected in remote places.

Read more: Former Education Secretary and Other Officials to Face Charges Over Overpriced Laptops