Photo courtesy of Phil Star

 

In an effort to address learning losses caused by recent class suspensions due to severe weather, the Department of Education in the Philippines has decided to proceed with makeup classes despite opposition from teachers' groups. Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced the plan during the launch of the Quality Basic Education Development Plan (QBEDP) 2025-2035.

 

Facing the challenge of educating children in the aftermath of disruptions by tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon, Angara highlighted the necessity of makeup classes. “If we don’t do that, it will affect our kids,” he stated, emphasising the autonomy given to schools in deciding how to implement the extra sessions. Options include extending weekday lessons or utilising Saturdays, though consideration will be given to teachers' schedules.

 

However, not everyone is on board. Vladimer Quetua, chairman of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, argued that it's premature to mandate makeup classes, pointing out that the academic calendar has built-in buffer days to accommodate such interruptions. Quetua recognised the issue of learning loss but insisted that existing calendar provisions should suffice for now.

 

Similarly, Benjo Basas, head of the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition and a teacher from Caloocan City, raised concerns over the plan's potential impact on teachers and students. He criticised the suggestion of holding classes on Saturdays, citing policies promoting work-life balance and highlighting that the education department's guidelines allow makeup classes only when the stipulated 180 school days are compromised.

 

The recent suspensions, affecting Metro Manila and several provinces for about a week, were due to the combined effects of tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, Emong, and the southwest monsoon.

 

Long-Term Educational Reforms Launched

 

In parallel to addressing immediate educational disruptions, the Philippine government is looking towards a more sustainable overhaul with the QBEDP. The 10-year education reform initiative, spearheaded by Angara and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, aims to confront the broader learning crisis faced by the country. The plan is set to run from now until 2035, forming part of the Basic Education Development Plan adopted in 2022.

 

“This isn’t a political plan,” Angara clarified. “It’s a long-term strategy for the future of our young people.” The initiative seeks to ensure students, particularly those starting Grade 1, receive a comprehensive education, as they will traverse through the system to higher grades over the next decade.

 

The education crisis in the Philippines is pressing, with UNICEF highlighting significant deficits in student proficiency in reading and mathematics. Angara expressed optimism that with these reforms, the Philippines could improve its ranking in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), although challenges remain steep.

 

As educational reforms unfold amid the complexities posed by environmental challenges and teachers' concerns, the focus is on balancing immediate needs with strategic development to uplift the standard of education in the Philippines.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Phil Star 2025-07-30

 

 

Took me a while to realise that "makeup" classes in this article has nothing to do with teaching the application of cosmetics..........