RC L.
Naves
SOCSTUD 1-2
HISTORY OF FORMAL EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES
The history of education in the Philippines dates back to pre-colonial times, when education was primarily
informal and focused on practical skills such as farming, hunting, and craftsmanship. Formal education was introduced to
the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period, with the establishment of the first schools in 1565.
During the Spanish colonial period, education in the Philippines was primarily focused on religious instruction and the
teachings of the Catholic Church. The first schools were established by Spanish friars and were primarily for the children
of Spanish colonizers and wealthy Filipinos. Education for the general population was limited, and many children did not
have access to formal schooling.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Philippine education system underwent significant changes as a result of
American colonization. The Americans introduced a public education system based on the American model, with English
as the medium of instruction. The Philippine Education Act of 1901 established a system of free and compulsory primary
education, and the Philippine Assembly passed the Philippine Organic Act in 1902, which established the legal basis for
the Philippine education system.
Under the American colonial government, education in the Philippines underwent rapid expansion, with the number of
schools and students increasing significantly. The American colonial government also established teacher training
institutions and introduced new subjects such as science and mathematics.
After the Philippines gained independence in 1946, the education system underwent further development and
expansion. The Philippine Education Act of 1953 established a system of free and compulsory education for all children,
and the Education Act of 1982 further expanded access to education and introduced reforms to improve the quality of
instruction.
In recent decades, the Philippine education system has undergone further reforms, with a focus on increasing access to
education and improving the quality of instruction. The K-12 program, introduced in 2013, added two years to the basic
education cycle and introduced a new curriculum focused on skills development and critical thinking.
Today, the Philippine education system includes pre-school, elementary, secondary, and higher education. Pre-school
education is optional and typically lasts for three years. Elementary education is compulsory and consists of six years of
schooling, while secondary education consists of four years of high school. Higher education includes both
undergraduate and graduate studies, and is offered at universities, colleges, and other tertiary institutions.
The Department of Education Is responsible for overseeing and regulating education in the Philippines. The Philippine
government also provides financial assistance to students through programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino
Program (4Ps), which provides cash assistance to poor families to cover the cost of education and other basic needs.
Despite the significant progress made in expanding access to education in the Philippines, challenges remain. The quality
of education in the Philippines is often criticized, with low test scores and high dropout rates in many schools. There are
also issues with overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure in many schools, particularly in rural areas. The Philippine
government has implemented a number of initiatives to address these challenges, including the construction of new
schools and the implementation of teacher training programs.
Overall, the history of education in the Philippines reflects the country’s complex and varied history, with the
introduction of formal education during the Spanish colonial period, the expansion of education under American
colonization, and ongoing efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of education in the modern era.
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BREAKDOWN THROUGH COLONIAL PERIODS
The history of education in the Philippines is a complex and multifaceted journey influenced by various colonial powers
and cultural dynamics. Here’s a brief overview:
1. Pre-colonial Period: Before Spanish colonization in the 16 th century, education in the Philippines was primarily
informal and based on oral tradition. Indigenous peoples had their own systems of learning, which included skills
like farming, weaving, and storytelling.
2. Spanish Colonial Period (1565-1898): The Spanish introduced formal education through religious orders,
establishing schools primarily for the elite and clergy. The University of Santo Tomas, founded in 1611, is one of
the oldest universities in Asia. Education during this period was largely religious and Latin-based.
3. American Colonial Period (1898-1946): After the Philippines became a U.S. colony, the American education
system was introduced. English became the medium of instruction, and a public school system was established,
making education more accessible to a wider population. Thomasites, American teachers, played a significant
role in this transformation.
4. Japanese Occupation (1942-1945): During World War II, education was disrupted, and the Japanese imposed
their own curriculum on schools. This period was marked by hardship and limited access to education.
5. Post-World War II and Independence (1946 onwards): After gaining independence in 1946, the Philippines
continued to develop its education system. Educational reforms aimed at expanding access and improving
quality. The 1987 Philippine Constitution established the right to quality education for all citizens.
6. Modern Education System: Today, the Philippines has a formal education system comprising six years of primary
education, four years of junior high school, and two years of senior high school. The K-12 program was
introduced in 2012 to align with international standards. Tertiary education is provided by numerous universities
and colleges.
Throughout its history, the Philippines has faced challenges such as disparities in access to education, issues of language
of instruction, and the need for constant educational reforms to meet the demands of a changing world.
RC L. Naves
SOCSTUD 1-2
1. Spanish Colonial Period (1565-1898):
- The Spanish introduced formal education to the Philippines through religious orders, primarily the Dominicans,
Augustinians, and Jesuits. These orders established schools, known as “escuelas,” and later, “colegios,” primarily in
urban centers.
- Education during this period was primarily for the elite and clergy. It focused on religious instruction, Latin, and
Spanish. The main purpose was to propagate Catholicism and maintain Spanish control.
- The University of Santo Tomas (UST), founded in 1611, is one of the oldest universities in Asia and became a center of
higher education.
- Education for indigenous people and lower classes was informal and often revolved around local traditions, skills, and
practices.
2. American Colonial Period (1898-1946):
- With the U.S. colonization of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War, the American education system was
introduced.
- The Thomasites, American teachers sent to the Philippines, played a crucial role in establishing a public education
system. English became the medium of instruction.
- The Philippine Normal School (now the Philippine Normal University) was established to train Filipino teachers.
- The educational curriculum expanded to include subjects like mathematics, science, and vocational training.
- The educational system aimed at assimilating Filipinos into American culture and values while preparing them for the
workforce.
3. Japanese Occupation (1942-1945):
- During World War II, the Japanese occupation disrupted the education system. Japanese language and culture were
promoted, and many schools were closed.
- Secret schools, known as “guerilla schools,” emerged to provide covert education.
4. Post-World War II and Independence (1946 onwards):
- After gaining independence in 1946, the Philippines continued to develop its education system.
- The 1987 Philippine Constitution enshrined the right to quality education for all citizens.
- Educational reforms aimed at expanding access, improving quality, and addressing issues of equity and relevance.
- The most recent major reform was the implementation of the K-12 program in 2012, which added two years of senior
high school to the curriculum.
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SOCSTUD 1-2
FORMAL EDUCATION IN THE WORLD
The history of formal education in the world is a vast and intricate subject that spans millennia and has evolved
significantly over time. Here’s a condensed overview:
1. Ancient Civilizations: Formal education can be traced back to ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt,
China, and India, where scholars and priests imparted knowledge to the elite. In ancient Greece, philosophers
like Socrates and Plato established schools where subjects like philosophy, mathematics, and rhetoric were
taught.
2. Ancient Rome: The Roman Empire had a system of education that included primary schools for basic reading,
writing, and arithmetic, as well as higher education in subjects like law and medicine.
3. Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages, education was primarily centered in religious institutions, with
monasteries and cathedral schools serving as centers of learning in Europe. The curriculum focused on theology,
Latin, and classical texts.
4. Renaissance: The Renaissance period saw a revival of interest in classical learning and the establishment of
universities. Prominent figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei made significant contributions to
education and science.
5. Enlightenment: The Enlightenment era in the 17 th and 18th centuries emphasized reason, science, and
secularism. This period saw the expansion of formal education beyond religious institutions and the rise of
public education in some countries.
6. Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution in the 18 th and 19th centuries brought about changes in
education to meet the demands of industrialized societies. Compulsory education laws were enacted in some
countries.
7. 20th Century: The 20th century witnessed significant advancements in education, including the expansion of
public education, the development of standardized testing, and the establishment of modern educational
systems in many nations.
8. Contemporary Education: Today, formal education systems exist worldwide, with variations in structure and
curriculum. Access to education has expanded, and technology has played a significant role in changing how
education is delivered and accessed.
Throughout history, formal education has evolved in response to societal, cultural, and economic changes. It continues
to be a fundamental aspect of human development and plays a crucial role in shaping individuals and societies.
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The 6 pillars of education in the Philippines are:
Character development: This pillar aims to develop the values, attitudes, and behaviors that are essential for good
citizenship, such as honesty, integrity, responsibility, and respect for others.
Academic excellence: This pillar focuses on providing high-quality education that enables students to develop their full
potential and achieve success in their studies.
Sports development: This pillar promotes physical activity and sports as an important part of a well-rounded education
and encourages students to participate in physical education and sports programs.
Cultural enrichment: This pillar seeks to expose students to the diverse cultural heritage of the Philippines and the
world, promoting understanding and respect for different cultures.
Leadership development: This pillar aims to develop leadership skills in students and encourage them to take an active
role in their communities and in decision-making processes.
Environmental protection: This pillar promotes awareness of environmental issues and encourages students to take
actions to protect and preserve the environment.
These pillars are guided by the Department of Education’s K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum, which aims to provide a
comprehensive and balanced education that prepares students for success in life.
FIRST TEACHERS IN THE PHILIPPINES
The first teachers in the Philippines were indigenous people who passed on knowledge and skills
from generation to generation through oral tradition and hands-on learning. These early teachers
played a vital role in the development of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage, as they taught students
about their history, customs, and traditions.
When the Philippines was colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century, the first formal schools were
established by the Catholic Church to educate the indigenous people and convert them to
Catholicism. These schools were called “colegios” and were usually run by Spanish friars who served
as teachers and administrators. The curriculum at these schools focused on religious education and
the teaching of Spanish language and culture. As the Spanish colonial period progressed, more
formal schools were established by the government, and the role of teachers expanded to include the
teaching of subjects such as math, science, and literature. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries,
the Philippines began to modernize its education system and implemented reforms to improve the
quality of education and increase access to education for all students.
One important development during this time was the arrival of the “Tomasites,” a group of American
teachers who were sent to the Philippines to establish a public education system. The Tomasites
were named after their leader, William H. Scott, who was known as “Tomas” in the Philippines. These
teachers played a key role in modernizing the education system in the Philippines and establishing a
strong foundation for the development of education in the country.
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SOCSTUD 1-2
The Twelve Little Things Every Filipino Can Do To Help Our Country
A booklet authored by Alexander Ledesma Lacson entitled “Twelve (12) Little Things Every Filipino Can Do To Help Our
Country”, has been making the rounds in Metro Manila. It may be a “voice in the wilderness” but Fr. Ruben Tanseco, S.J.
has called the proposal, “very concrete, practical and doable” actions for ordinary Filipinos.
These 12 simple things are:
1. Follow traffic rules — Why is that the most important? The answer is simple. Traffic rules are the simplest of our
laws. If we learn to follow them, it will be the lowest form of national discipline that we can develop. Since it is
totally without monetary cost, it should be easy for us to comply with, and therefore should provide a good
start.
2. Whenever you buy or pay for anything, always ask for an official receipt -If a seller does not issue an official
receipt when you buy a product, the seller may or may not remit the tax to the government. Without an O.R.,
there is no record of the sale transaction, and the tax that you paid may not be remitted to the Bureau of
Internal Revenue.
3. Do not buy smuggled goods. Buy local, buy Filipino. — It may not be good economics to buy 100 percent local
products. What I suggest is for us to take a “50-50” buying attitude. This means that we must develop the
attitude of using 50 percent of our budget for local products and the other 50 percent for imported choices.
4. When you talk to others, especially foreigners, speak positively of our race and our country — this is best
addressed to the rich and the middle class in our country, who have contact with the outside world. It is they
who talk to, dine or deal with foreigners either here or abroad. It is what they say and do which creates
impressions about us among foreigners.
5. Respect your traffic officer, policeman, soldier and other public servants — There is nothing like the power of
respect. It makes a person proud. It makes one feel honorable. At the same time, courtesy to others is good
manners. It is class and elegance and kindness. It is seeing the value and dignity in the other man. It
Is, in fact, a mark of a most profound education.
6. Do not litter. Dispose your garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve. — As Louis Armstrong says in his
song: “I see trees of green, red roses, too, I see them bloom for me and you and I think to myself, what a
wonderful world.”
7. Support your church. (or charitable/ civic organizations)
8. During elections, do your solemn duty — Honesty, more than a masteral or doctorate degree, is what gives
credibility. And credibility is essential because it is a leader’s link to the people. It is what makes the people look
to one direction, follow a common vision, and perform a uniform act. In short, credibility is what makes people
follow the leader.
9. Pay your employees well — No exercise is better for the human heart than to reach down and lift someone else
up. This truly defines a successful life. For success is the sum, not of our earthly possessions, but of how many
times we have shown love and kindness to others.
10. Pay your taxes — In 2003, P83 billion was collected from individual income taxes. But 91 percent of this amount
came from salaried workers from the government and private sector, people who had no choice since their
income taxes were withheld mandatorily. Only P7 billion of the P83 billion came from businessmen and
professionals like doctors, lawyers, accountants and architects, among others.
11. Adopt a scholar or adopt a poor child — You can make a difference in the future of our country by making a
difference in the world of children.
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12. Be a good parent. Teach your kids to follow the law and to love our country. — Today’s children will someday
rule and lead this world. But whether they will be bad rulers or good leaders will depend largely on how we raise
them today. Our future is in the hearts and minds of our children.
Teaching in the Philippines, like in any other country, can bring both satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Here are some
specific factors that apply to teaching in the Philippines:
Satisfaction:
1. **Impact on Students:** Filipino teachers often take pride in the positive impact they have on their students.
Helping students succeed academically and grow as individuals can be highly rewarding.
2. **Passion for Education:** Many Filipino educators are passionate about education and view it as a means to
uplift communities and improve lives.
3. **Cultural Fulfillment:** Teaching in the Philippines allows educators to immerse themselves in the rich Filipino
culture and heritage, fostering a deep sense of connection to the country’s traditions and values.
4. **Sense of Community:** Filipino teachers often build strong bonds with their colleagues and students, creating
a sense of community within schools.
5. **Advancement Opportunities:** The Philippines offers opportunities for professional growth and advancement
in the education field through further studies and training.
Dissatisfaction:
1. **Low Salary:** Teacher salaries in the Philippines can be relatively low compared to the cost of living, which
can be a source of dissatisfaction and financial strain for educators.
2. **Classroom Overcrowding:** Some public schools in the Philippines face issues of overcrowded classrooms,
which can make effective teaching more challenging.
3. **Resource Constraints:** Limited educational resources, such as textbooks, materials, and technology, can
hinder the teaching-learning process.
4. **Standardized Testing Pressure:** Like in many countries, teachers in the Philippines may feel pressure to
focus on test preparation, which can limit creative teaching approaches.
5. **Administrative Challenges:** Dealing with administrative tasks, paperwork, and bureaucracy can be
frustrating for teachers.
6. **Workload:** Teachers in the Philippines, especially in public schools, often have heavy workloads that involve
not only teaching but also administrative tasks and extra-curricular responsibilities.
7. **Distance and Commute:** Teachers in rural areas may face long commutes to reach their schools, which can
be tiring and time-consuming.
It’s important to recognize that the teaching experience in the Philippines can vary significantly depending on factors
such as location, school type (public or private), and the specific role of the teacher. Many Filipino educators are deeply
committed to their profession and find ways to overcome challenges to make a positive impact on their students and
communities.
