The government is prioritizing efforts to improve early childhood development as part of the thrust to uplift the country’s overall educational standards.

In a press briefing in Malacañang Thursday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro responded to concerns raised about the state of education in the Philippines.

This follows the viral social media story involving a noontime show contestant, who admitted she lacked knowledge about the Commission on Elections.

Many social media users have suggested that this incident highlighted a broader education crisis in the country.

In her remarks, Castro emphasized that the individual shortcomings of one person do not necessarily reflect the broader efforts of the government to improve the education system.

She further reassured the public that the administration is committed to addressing educational issues.

“Hindi po nababahala ang ating Pangulo dahil sa atin po, sa panahon po ngayon, lahat po ng paraan ay ginagawa po natin para maiangat po ang lebel ng ating edukasyon (We are not really alarmed because right now, we’re doing every means possible to improve the quality of education),” Castro said.

One of the government’s initiatives, according to Castro, is aimed at improving foundational education for young children as recommended by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently approved the allocation of some PHP700 million for the construction of child development centers in low-income municipalities this year.

K-12 program

Additionally, Castro addressed the K-12 education system, stating that the government continues to assess its effectiveness.

She also suggested a potential policy change that would require private companies to hire a certain number of Grade 12 graduates, noting that currently, hiring K-12 graduates is often voluntary.

This proposal aims to enhance the employability of students completing the K-12 program, she explained.

“Kung magkakaroon po ng batas na at least two Grade 12 graduates ang inyong i-hire ay mas magkakaroon po ng magandang solusyon o resulta itong mga nag-graduate po ng Grade 12 kasi po mas paiigtingin nila rin ang kanilang kaalaman (If there is a law that requires you to hire at least two Grade 12 graduates, there will be a better employability for those who graduated from Grade 12 and they will also sharpen their knowledge),” she said. (PNA)