Why the Philippine Education Budget Must Substantially Exceed Other Agencies

The Philippine Constitution mandates that education should receive the highest budget allocation every year. This reflects a foundational principle: education is the key to national development and societal progress. However, the current allocation—while technically higher than other agencies—is insufficient to address the deeply rooted issues in the education system. For education to become the driver of progress, it requires a transformative investment that ensures not just compliance with international standards but also alignment with the country’s industry and socio-political realities.

1. Chronic Underperformance in Education

Basic Education Deficits:

  • The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) consistently ranks the Philippines at the bottom in reading, mathematics, and science. This reflects systemic weaknesses in foundational education.
  • Poor classroom conditions, outdated materials, overcrowding, and underqualified teachers exacerbate the problem.

Higher Education Shortcomings:

  • The World University Rankings (QS and THE) show that few Philippine HEIs are globally competitive, with most falling far short of international standards.
  • Research output is minimal, laboratory facilities are outdated, and faculty salaries are uncompetitive, making it difficult to attract and retain top professionals.

Industry Misalignment:

  • A significant number of graduates are not industry-ready, with deficiencies in technical skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial competence.
  • Many industries express dissatisfaction with the preparedness of graduates, further highlighting the disconnect between education and workforce needs.

2. Socio-Political Realities and Education

Gullible Voters and Fearful Intellectuals:

  • Many Filipino voters, including supposed intellectuals, are easily swayed by patronage politics, vote-buying, or fear of retaliation. This perpetuates the cycle of electing corrupt leaders who fail to prioritize meaningful reforms.
  • The inability of even the educated to stand against injustices reflects a failing educational system that has not instilled critical thinking, civic responsibility, or courage to uphold ethical values.

Education as a Stamp Pad of Corruption:

  • Instead of being a game-changer, the education sector has become a passive entity, failing to challenge or disrupt the status quo of corruption and mediocrity in governance. This underscores the urgent need to make education a proactive driver of progress.

3. Why Education Needs a Substantially Higher Budget

Competitiveness in Facilities and Salaries:

  • A well-funded education system can:
    • Attract the best teachers and professionals by offering competitive salaries comparable to private industry.
    • Invest in world-class laboratories and facilities to enable hands-on learning and cutting-edge research.
    • Provide continuous training for educators to stay aligned with global best practices.

Industry Readiness:

  • Education must align with industry demands by:
    • Developing STEM programs and vocational training that meet workforce needs.
    • Incorporating financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills into the curriculum to produce innovative and adaptable graduates.
    • Strengthening partnerships with industries to ensure real-world relevance.

Outputs, Not Just Input:

  • The budget must not only be higher than other agencies but also deliver measurable outputs, such as:
    • Improved PISA rankings and graduate employability rates.
    • A significant increase in COPC-compliant programs, particularly in high-impact fields like engineering and technology.
    • Enhanced research outputs and contributions to global innovation.

4. The Gap Between Education and Other Agencies

Physical vs. Human Infrastructure:

  • While the DPWH builds roads and bridges, the education sector builds human capital—the foundation for sustained national progress.
  • Roads without educated and skilled people to utilize them will only lead to underdevelopment.

Opportunity Cost of Underfunding Education:

  • Allocating disproportionate funds to agencies like the DPWH neglects the root cause of many national issues: an uneducated and unskilled population.
  • Investments in education yield long-term returns in economic productivity, innovation, and civic responsibility.

5. A Vision for Education: What Adequate Funding Must Cover

Transforming Basic Education:

  • Ensure sufficient classroom-to-student ratios and modernize facilities.
  • Train teachers in critical thinking, STEM, and digital competencies.
  • Provide universal access to internet and technology for all students.

Revitalizing Higher Education:

  • Fund COPC compliance for all HEIs, ensuring programs meet international standards.
  • Build research centers and laboratories comparable to the best in the world.
  • Offer competitive salaries to attract top-tier faculty and professionals.

Fostering Industry Relevance:

  • Align curricula with industry demands, emphasizing practical skills and entrepreneurship.
  • Establish strong ties with industries to ensure education leads to employment and innovation.

6. Summary

The Philippines’ education budget must substantially exceed allocations to other agencies, not only in absolute terms but in transformative impact. It must empower the sector to align with global standards, meet industry needs, and become a catalyst for national development. Education must no longer be a passive bystander but the cornerstone of a thriving, just, and progressive society. Without this commitment, the country risks perpetuating its struggles with mediocrity, corruption, and underdevelopment.