The Philippine education system stands at a crossroads. With a classroom backlog of 165,000, a chronic shortage of teachers, and a staggering 91% learning poverty rate—where nine out of ten children cannot read at grade level—the scale of the crisis is hard to ignore. These gaps are most visible in the country’s poorest and most remote communities, threatening not just individual futures but the nation’s long-term development. Yet, these challenges are not insurmountable. Real, lasting change is possible when government, the private sector, non-profits, and families unite in purpose and action.
The government, as the chief architect of public education, must set the pace and direction for reform. Recent moves by the Department of Education (DepEd) to address the classroom deficit through public-private partnerships are promising first steps. By tapping private investment, DepEd is working to build new classrooms and provide digital tools and reliable electricity, especially in underserved regions. Such initiatives do more than improve infrastructure—they lay the foundation for a modern, future-ready education system. But infrastructure alone is not enough. The government must also invest in continuous teacher training, update curricula to match current needs, and streamline administrative processes so teachers can focus on what matters most: educating students.
The private sector brings agility, innovation, and resources that can accelerate progress. Companies can help by funding school construction, donating technology, and expanding internet access to bridge the digital divide. Importantly, businesses can also ensure that education keeps pace with the job market by offering internships, mentoring, and input on curriculum design. Their involvement in public-private partnerships is already creating jobs and setting up sustainable models for educational growth.
Non-profit organizations and civil society are indispensable in reaching the most marginalized learners. Groups such as the Aboitiz Foundation have partnered with DepEd and TESDA to deliver solar-powered internet and digital connectivity to remote schools through their AuroraPH program. In 2024, AuroraPH connected 11 last-mile schools to the internet and plans to reach 100 more this 2025, directly tackling energy and connectivity barriers for thousands of students and teachers. The foundation also supports youth through scholarships and digital skills training, such as the Future Leaders program and Elevate AIDA, which has already trained over a thousand women in technology-driven skills for virtual jobs. These efforts show how non-profits can create scalable, community-driven solutions that open doors for learners who might otherwise be left behind.
At the grassroots, families and communities are the bedrock of educational progress. Parents, guardians, and local leaders play a crucial role in nurturing a culture of learning, supporting children at home, and engaging in school governance. Their involvement is especially vital in early childhood education and literacy, where home support often determines whether a child thrives or falls behind.
Bridging the Philippines’ education gaps will not happen overnight. It demands a shared commitment and the belief that every Filipino deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. By working together—government, business, non-profits, and families—the nation can transform its education system, ensuring that quality learning becomes a reality for all.
