Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION XII
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF SOUTH COTABATO
BANGA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

THE CHALLENGE IN THE LACK OF EDUCATION

Cherry Pye B. Terrado

Dianna Erich T. Barreto

Hanna Queen Baculna

Rhainbert Lee Arellano

Prince Zyrus S. Laudato

2023

Address: XXX
Telephone Nos.: (035)XXX-XXXX / 09XX-XXX-XXXX
Email Address: XXX@deped.gov.ph
 INTRODUCTION

Education is an essential instrument that plays a pivotal role in an individual's life.

It sets us apart from other living creatures on the planet, making us the most intelligent

beings on earth. Education enables people to acquire knowledge, skills, values, and

attitudes that efficiently prepare them to overcome life's challenges. Despite its

importance, education is still a privilege rather than a basic necessity in many parts of

the world, including our country. To make education accessible to all, raising awareness

about its significance is imperative.

The problems in the Philippine educational system are a cause for concern, and

one common issue is the low salaries of teachers. It is puzzling why many students still

aspire to become teachers despite the low pay. Perhaps their options are limited, and

teaching is a profession that their families can afford. To address these challenges, we

need a deeper understanding of the issues our country is currently facing. It is crucial to

have competent and non-corrupt leaders who can lead us toward progress. Corruption

is pervasive in our country, affecting various sectors and hindering development. It

becomes challenging for our country to improve if our own leaders engage in corrupt

practices. Consequently, we may remain categorized as a poor country globally.

Sometimes, it feels overwhelming to comprehend the complexities of the Philippine

educational system and our country as a whole. However, it is not impossible to create

change. By using our voices to speak up for what is right and advocating for the

improvements we deserve, we can strive for a better future.

 That’s why education is the most significant tool in eliminating poverty and

unemployment. Moreover, it enhances the commercial scenario and benefits the

country overall. So, the higher the level of education in a country, the better the chances

of development are. In this paper, we will explore the importance of education, its

impact on individuals and society, and the challenges and opportunities in the field of

education.
 CASES

 GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

The main reason for the education crisis here in the Philippines is Graft and Corruption.

Corruption in the education sector poses a significant threat to society as it

undermines social trust, exacerbates inequality, and exposes children to unethical

conduct. It hampers progress by undermining the development of well-educated, skilled,

and morally upright individuals who are essential for future leadership and a productive

labor force.

1. The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines requested a

budget of P848 billion for 2023 to facilitate the safe return of students to

schools following two years of distance learning. However, the

Department of Budget Management (DBM) reduced the requested

amount.

2. This was bared Wednesday, Sept. 14 by DepEd Undersecretary Ernesto

Gaviola during the agency's budget hearing before the House Committee

on Appropriations. He said that as far as DepEd's programs to educate

learners with disabilities (LWDs) are cornered, they received no funds and

are thus "utilizing whatever are available funds for 2022”.

3. The Department of Education (DepEd) is under scrutiny after the

Commission on Audit (COA) flagged it for buying P2.4 billion worth of

“pricey” and “outdated” laptops for teachers. The COA noted that the

laptops delivered to the National Capital Region were “too slow because
 the processor is Intel Celeron, which is outdated, and the price is too high

based on the specifications.”

 LOW OF SALARY FOR THE TEACHING WORKFORCE

THE LOW OF SALARY FOR THE TEACHERS "DEMORALIZES" THEM.

"IF YOU WANT THE BEST MINDS TO TEACH, YOU MUST GIVE GOOD

SALARY TO THEM. " EVEN THOUGH PRESIDENT BENIGNO AQUINO III

SAID THAT THERE IS NO BUDGET TO RAISE THE SALARIES OF THE

TEACHER.

1. According to the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Teachers

in both the public and private sectors are “underpaid” and looking

for new employment opportunities abroad.

2. “Teachers in public and private schools are both underpaid,” said

Quetua, noting that 92 percent of public school teachers have a

salary of P25,000 to P30,000 a month. ACT said there are private

school teachers who receive a monthly pay of P6,000.

3. Aside from the undervalued role of the teachers, given the low

salaries they receive, more and more of them opted on working

abroad instead. In fact, they go abroad to work as domestic

workers or in other occupations that do not suit their educational

attainment. This is due to the fact that the salary offer is way more

competitive than what they receive here, not to mention the benefits
 that await them abroad.

 LACK OF SCHOOL FACILITIES

Poor facilities in public schools signify that students are not receiving their

rights of having sufficiently available and well-maintained school facilities.

Indications of having these poor facilities are non-working or poorly maintained

public comfort rooms, lack of classrooms, overcrowding in classrooms, poor

ventilation, unsanitary and crowded canteens, and more.

1. According to Vice President Sara Duterte, presented the latest

government inventory which shows that out of 327,851 school buildings in

the country, only 104,536 are in good condition. There are 100,072 school

buildings that need minor repairs, 89,252 that require major repairs, and

21,727 that are set for condemnation.

2. Pre-pandemic data showed that only 47 percent of Philippine schools had

access to basic drinking water service, 39 percent to basic sanitation

service, and 54 percent had access to basic hygiene services.

 BULLYING

STUDENT RIGHTS VIOLATIONS, HOWEVER, DEPEND ON THE

STRICTNESS OF A SCHOOLS DIVISION OF THE STUDENT AFFAIRS, AND

HOW TIGHT THEY ARE IN SCREENING AND COMPOSING A STUDENT

ORGANIZATION.

1. A 2016 National Baseline Survey on Violence Against Children led by the

Council for the Welfare of Children indicated that 65% of Filipino students

have been bullied nationwide, according to CPNF Executive Director

Bernadette Madrid. Wiilma Banaga said that most of the 65% of bullied

students were females, at 70.5%. Among the common triggers for

bullying, are physical appearance, status in life, and skin color. Children

with disabilities and those belonging to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,

Transgender, and Queer community “were more prone to experiencing

violence.” The DepEd earlier reported that 404 learners nationwide killed

themselves while 2,147 others attempted suicide during Academic Year

2021-2022.

2. In 2015, it found that 5.6% of high school students said they did not go to

school because they “felt unsafe at school or on the way to school” on at

least 1 day during the 30 days before the survey. Converted to raw

numbers, this means that about 840,000 high schoolers skipped school at

least once a month because of safety concerns. But this figure doesn’t

distinguish between different reasons for feeling unsafe (and only includes

9th-12th graders).
 Proposed Solution

We all know that the Philippines has a law about anti-graft and corruption laws but how

come there are still a lot of sectors doing this kind of thing?

To combat graft and corruption in the education sector, several measures can be

proposed:

1. Strengthen the Anti-Graft and Corruption laws.

2. Transparency and Accountability.

3. Apply for Merit-based Recruitment.

To address the issue of low salaries for the teaching workforce in the Philippines, the

following proposed solutions can be considered:

1. Continue to fulfill RA No. 4670, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Public

School Teachers”.

2. Teacher Loan Programs and Financial Assistance.

3. Salary Increase and Regular Salary Adjustments.

4. Collaboration with Stakeholders.

 Solving the lack of facilities in schools requires a concerted effort from various

stakeholders. Here are some strategies that can help address this issue:

1. Public-Private Partnerships.

2. Long-Term Planning and Budgeting

3. Community Engagement

Addressing and finding proper solutions for bullying in Education schools

requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders. Here are some

strategies that can help tackle this issue:

1. Establish a Comprehensive Anti-Bullying Policy.

2. Strengthen Peer Support and Intervention.

3. Collaborate with Parents and Guardians

4. Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation.

5. Persist in Raising Awareness and Education

 IMPLEMENTATION

GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

To start the change in this problem government should Strengthen the Anti-

Corruption Laws, Enact or enhance legislation specifically targeting corruption in the

education sector. This includes laws that criminalize bribery, embezzlement, nepotism,

and other corrupt practices. Stringent penalties should be enforced to deter potential

offenders.

Second, Transparency and Accountability, Implementing strict transparency and

accountability mechanisms within the education system can help prevent corruption.

This includes ensuring that financial transactions, procurement processes, and resource

allocations are transparent, documented, and subject to scrutiny. Regular audits and

public disclosure of information can help deter corrupt practices.

Lastly, DepEd should apply this Merit-based recruitment to ensure that teaching

positions are filled by individuals who possess the necessary qualifications, skills, and

competencies. By prioritizing merit over personal connections or favoritism, the

education system can attract and retain highly qualified and passionate educators. This,

in turn, enhances the overall quality of education and improves learning outcomes for

students.

By implementing these measures, it is possible to mitigate graft and corruption in the

education sector and create a transparent and accountable system that prioritizes the

well-being and educational development of students.

LOW OF SALARY FOR THE TEACHING WORKFORCE

Government and DepEd should develop the Republic Act No. 4670, otherwise

known as the “Magna Carta for Public School Teachers” which was approved to

promote and improve the social and economic status of public school teachers, their

living and working conditions, their terms of employment and career prospects in order

that they may compare favorably with existing opportunities in other walks of life, attract

and retain in the teaching profession more people with the proper qualifications, it being

recognized that advance in the economic growth of the nation as a productive

investment of vital importance.

Teacher Loan Programs and Financial Assistance, Establish affordable loan

programs and financial assistance schemes specifically designed for teachers. This can

help alleviate financial burdens, such as student loan repayments or housing loans, and

improve teachers' financial stability.

Increase the salary of public school teachers by approving pending bills. This

would mean paying tribute to their important contribution to educating the youth and

providing them with decent pay commensurate to the sacrifices they make in educating

the country’s youth the country's future citizens. This increase will also change people's

perception of public school teachers from just government employees to public servants

and formators of a nation of citizens with moral integrity.

Fostering collaboration between the government and various stakeholders is

essential to address the issue of low salaries for the teaching workforce in the
Philippines effectively. Sharing of Resources and Expertise, Collaboration enables the

pooling of resources and expertise. The government can leverage its financial and

policy-making capabilities, while stakeholders can contribute their specialized

knowledge and resources to support initiatives aimed at improving teachers' salaries.

In conclusion by working together, stakeholders can maximize the impact of their

individual contributions and create more sustainable solutions. Building Consensus and

Support, Collaboration facilitates dialogue and negotiation among stakeholders,

enabling the identification of common goals and interests. Through open and

constructive discussions, consensus can be built, leading to greater support and buy-in

for proposed solutions. This unity among stakeholders strengthens the chances of

implementing effective measures to address low teacher salaries.

LACK OF FACILITIES

Emphasizing public-private partnerships is crucial for addressing the lack of

budget for school facilities. These partnerships play a significant role in leveraging

additional resources, expertise, and funding to bridge the gap in facility development. By

actively encouraging collaboration between the government and private sector entities

such as corporations and foundations, schools can benefit from the shared

responsibility and collective effort to improve infrastructure. The private sector brings

valuable financial resources, technical knowledge, and innovative approaches to

address the funding challenges faced by the education sector. Public-private

partnerships also promote accountability and transparency. Clear guidelines and

agreements are established to ensure that funds and resources are utilized efficiently

and effectively. Regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are put in place to

assess the progress and impact of the partnership initiatives.

In long-term planning and budgeting, schools can prioritize the allocation of funds

for facility development and maintenance. This sustained commitment allows for

strategic investments in infrastructure over time, ensuring that students have access to

safe, functional, and conducive learning environments. Ultimately, emphasizing long-

term planning and budgeting enables the education system to address the lack of

budget for school facilities in a systematic and sustainable manner.

By promoting community engagement, schools can harness the collective power

and resources of the community to address the lack of budget for school facilities.

Through volunteerism, donation drives, and partnerships with local businesses and

organizations, schools can secure additional resources, labor, and materials needed for

infrastructure development and maintenance. The active involvement of the community

creates a sense of shared responsibility and fosters a supportive environment for the

betterment of education.

Overall, having comfortable and complete school facilities is essential for

providing quality education and fostering the holistic development of students. It

enhances the learning environment, improves academic performance, prioritizes health

and safety, supports inclusivity and equity, boosts teacher morale and productivity, and

encourages community engagement. Investing in well-designed and adequately

equipped school facilities is an investment in the future of students and the overall

development of society.

BULLYING

Establish a Comprehensive Anti-Bullying Policy, Develop and implement a clear

and comprehensive anti-bullying policy at the national and school levels. This policy

should define bullying, outline disciplinary actions, and provide guidelines for

prevention, intervention, and reporting procedures. It should also emphasize creating a

safe and inclusive school environment.

Strengthen Peer Support and Intervention, Promote peer support programs

where older students or trained student leaders can act as mentors or buddies to

younger students. Encourage students to intervene when they witness bullying,

fostering a culture of empathy and solidarity among peers.

Collaborate with Parents and Guardians: Engage parents and guardians in

bullying prevention efforts. Conduct parent workshops and provide resources to help

them recognize signs of bullying, support their children, and work collaboratively with

the school to address incidents.

Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation, Regularly assess the effectiveness of

anti-bullying initiatives through data collection, surveys, and feedback mechanisms. Use

this information to refine strategies, address gaps, and ensure ongoing improvement in

bullying prevention efforts.

 Raise Awareness and Education, Conduct awareness campaigns and

educational programs to educate students, teachers, parents, and school staff about the

different forms of bullying, its consequences, and the importance of prevention. Promote

empathy, respect, and positive behavior among students through social-emotional

learning programs.

Therefore, Addressing bullying in Philippine schools requires a comprehensive

and coordinated effort that involves schools, parents, communities, and the

government. By implementing these strategies and creating a culture of respect,

empathy, and inclusivity, it is possible to foster safe and nurturing environments where

bullying is prevented, and all students can thrive academically and emotionally.
 CONCLUSION

By implementing the proposed measures to address graft and corruption in the

education sector, stakeholders can create a transparent and accountable system that

prioritizes the well-being and educational development of students. This includes

professionalizing the teaching workforce, implementing merit-based recruitment and

promotion processes, and raising awareness about the importance of education.

Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for maximizing the impact of

individual contributions and creating sustainable solutions. Through dialogue and

negotiation, stakeholders can identify common goals and interests, building consensus

and garnering support for proposed solutions. This unity strengthens the chances of

effectively addressing low teacher salaries and ensuring fair compensation for

educators.

Furthermore, having comfortable and complete school facilities is essential for

providing quality education and fostering the holistic development of students. Such

facilities enhance the learning environment, improve academic performance, prioritize

health and safety, support inclusivity and equity, boost teacher morale and productivity,

and encourage community engagement. Investing in well-designed and adequately

equipped school facilities is an investment in the future of students and the overall

development of society.
 In conclusion, addressing graft and corruption, improving teacher salaries, and

ensuring comfortable school facilities require collaborative efforts and a commitment to

transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. By working together, stakeholders can

create sustainable solutions that enhance the education sector, provide a conducive

learning environment, and nurture the well-being of students.

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