Reflecting hard times, 2 million Filipino children dropped out of school in ’06

Many of these children might have been forced to leave school to earn a living. In 2006 some 2.5 million children aged 5 to 17 were working either to augment family income or simply to survive. The number of children in school is also dropping: in SY 2005-2006 only 84% of children aged 6-11 was able to attend elementary school, a sharp decrease from 90% in 2001-2002.

Continue ReadingReflecting hard times, 2 million Filipino children dropped out of school in ’06

Tuition hike blamed on ‘grand conspiracy’ between Arroyo, private schools

According to Kabataan partylist, CHED granted the tuition increase even before consultations in schools for such an increase has yet to be completed. It said the hike came after a meeting between President Arroyo and COCOPEA, the organization of private schools. The CHED's "unilateral and shameless act shows the commission's subservience and capitulation to strong pressure from school owners even at the expense of students."

Continue ReadingTuition hike blamed on ‘grand conspiracy’ between Arroyo, private schools

USAID supports comprehensive Islamic education in Mindanao


A Moro child in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in one of the schools being supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The agency recently conducted a one-week training class for ustadzes (Islamic teachers) to integrate English, science, and math into the basic Islamic and Arabic teaching in madrasahs. At a ceremony to mark the training, ARMM Department of Education Undersecretary Manaros Boransing said that implementing the Revised Basic Education Curriculum is important to develop future Moro leaders who are deeply rooted in their Islamic faith while being fully attune to developments in the Philippines and the global community. (US Embassy photo)

Continue ReadingUSAID supports comprehensive Islamic education in Mindanao

Education High on Team Unity Agenda

MANILA — Team Unity senatorial candidates have vowed to prioritize education in the coming Congress as a way to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich in this country.

Senatorial candidate Tessie Aquino-Oreta said that given the correct and adequate education, the country’s youth would grow as productive individuals who could free themselves from generational poverty.

(more…)

Continue ReadingEducation High on Team Unity Agenda