The Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) on Saturday urged candidates for the midterm elections to address the current learning crisis and prioritize education in their agenda.

In a statement, PBEd executive director Justine Raagas said candidates must be vocal and proactive about their education platforms to address the systemic failures plaguing the Philippine education system, which remains in deep crisis.

“As we work to resolve this, future leaders should lay out concrete plans to improve the conditions for all education stakeholders, including teachers, students, parents, local governments, the private sector and civil soqciety organizations,” Raagas added.

Midterm campaign

The official midterm campaign period of 90 days for senatorial and partylist candidates started last 11 February, while the 45-day campaign period for local contenders — including those running for the House of Representatives — is on 28 March.

Candidates will only have until 10 May to share their platforms and plans for their constituencies.

“Our public servants must realize that education is an investment. Every peso spent on improving literacy helps create a more skilled workforce, while greater commitment to education opens doors to better economic opportunities for the next generation,” Raagas explained.

The Second Congressional Commission on Education recently released its Year Two report, calling for urgent action on the country’s deep-seated educational challenges.

The report draws from a compilation of research studies and insights from consultations, school visits, and public hearings — spanning from early childhood education to higher education and lifelong learning.

In basic education, data showed that most Grade 3 learners were one to two years behind curriculum expectations but were still promoted to Grade 4.

Learning gaps worsened

These learning gaps worsened in later years, as the commission found that Grades 8 and 9 students continue to struggle with basic subtraction and multiplication.

According to the report, participation rates in higher education remain high, but attrition is a major concern, especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao where only one in 10 students finish college.

Barriers include financial issues, employment, and lack of interest. At the same time, college courses are only reviewed and updated every 11 years on average, limiting the ability of the programs to align with current socioeconomic needs.

PBEd emphasized that while economic and political plans are important, long-term and sustainable progress for the Filipino people hinges on concrete education reforms.

Lawmakers, local chief executives, and aspiring leaders must prioritize policies that strengthen the education sector if they aim to create a lasting impact and meaningful legacy.

“This is also the time for Filipinos to consciously evaluate candidates. We should choose a leader who champions education—someone who can rebuild an education system worthy of our nation’s potential,” Raagas said.