Manila, the world’s most densely populated city, grapples with numerous challenges. Among these is the pressing issue of education, which demands immediate attention.
Metro Manila, with its 21.3 million inhabitants, faces significant educational challenges. A 2018 report by the Philippine Statistical Authority highlighted the city’s extreme population density, which exacerbates various issues, including economic disparity, traffic congestion, and housing crises.
Education in Metro Manila is a multifaceted issue. Large class sizes, inadequate teacher salaries, and insufficient educational facilities hinder the learning process. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education reported a nationwide shortage of 34,000 classrooms in 2019. These issues were compounded by the pandemic, which forced schools to shift to online learning, leaving many students without access to education.
The World Bank’s 2021 study revealed that 90% of Filipino children suffer from ‘learning poverty,’ unable to read and understand simple texts by age 10. As one of the last countries to resume face-to-face classes, the Philippines faced a deepening education crisis.
Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated approach. According to Sean Chiao, AECOM’s Asia-Pacific president, Metro Manila needs interconnected solutions, akin to solving a jigsaw puzzle. Education advocate Christian Gino Florendo emphasizes collaboration among cities to share best practices and improve the overall educational system.
During the pandemic, remote learning innovations emerged. The Department of Education and local government units (LGUs) provided digital tools, free Wi-Fi, and gadgets to students. Despite these efforts, teachers like Ms. Gemma Soneja from Parang High School acknowledge that more support is needed for effective teaching.
The pandemic’s impact on education extended beyond immediate disruptions. Around 4 million Filipino students were out of school, pushing for sustainable learning methods. The government implemented changes such as remote learning and alternative educational media, supported by private sector partnerships providing internet access and educational apps.
Urban poor communities in Metro Manila face significant barriers to quality education. Outdated teaching materials, poor teacher-student ratios, and inadequate K-12 implementation are prevalent. Youth for Mental Health PH president Alyannah Lagasca advocates for free education and local scholarship funds to bridge these gaps. Improving curricula, reducing overcrowding, and ensuring proper K-12 implementation are essential steps.
Despite these challenges, stories of hope have emerged. The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) offers free tuition and other fees at state and local universities, contributing to healthier learning environments. Scholarship programs and resource-sharing initiatives between public and private institutions also enhance educational access.
As Metro Manila transitions out of the pandemic, the focus on quality education remains. Redesigned classrooms, free training centers in urban poor areas, and strategic educational policies aim to promote equitable education. Innovations like digital literacy programs and modern learning centers are crucial for meeting the needs of an evolving educational landscape.
For a sustainable future, investment in education must continue. Policymakers must address outdated curricula, job mismatches, and underemployment. As education champion Joie Cruz suggests, decentralizing opportunities and developing digital cities can improve educational quality. Alyannah Lagasca adds that a holistic approach is vital for sustainable development, addressing issues like income inequality and fostering inclusion.
The dream of a livable Metro Manila hinges on quality education. With collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and strategic policies, the city can strive toward an equitable and sustainable future for all its residents.
Source: Btf.rappler