REFLECTION PAPER ON CURRENT ISSUES AND PROBLEMS IN EDUCATION

TOPIC STATEMENT:

History of Philippine Education

TOPIC OVERVIEW:
The history of the Philippine educational system
https://www.preceden.com/timelines/714437-the-history-of-the-philippine-educational-system

Timeline of the Historical Basis of Education

https://prezi.com/zkhah9tywksf/timeline-of-the-historical-basis-of-education/

Before this course started, I used to question about its implication to the current demands in education. Why do we still need to discuss the educational system
several centuries ago? What good will it give us if we bring out their ways of teaching before? Fortunately, these were satisfactorily answered.

When we study the past, we can understand the process of education and how it evolved up to the present. History of education has fundamental importance to
us 21st-century teachers because it could further help us align our curriculum for a better teaching-learning outcome, guide us not to commit the same mistakes
again, and helps us appreciate what our educational system has achieved over the years of hard work and perseverance to improve the lives of our young
learners.

KEY POINTS CONSIDERED as TRENDS/ISSUES on the TOPIC:

What are the issues/problems encountered in the implementation of the program/project? Elaborate

It was proven true that the Philippines already had an education during the pre-Hispanic times. Although education before was informal and was only based on
their basic knowledge for survival and livelihood, these alone prove that Filipinos are independent and capable of learning even academics. Moreover, we were
able to create our alphabet, the Baybayin, which still exists now in some areas in Mindoro and Palawan. In literature, Filipinos before were also capable of
spreading oral literature and music reflecting their simple way of living including courtship, moral and heroic stories, and leadership. Sadly, just like the
Africans, our people before experienced segregation and racism. They were labeled as ‘Indio’ and were deprived of their rights in our land by the Spaniards;
Americans instilled in our minds that we need them and that we should rely on and be dependent on their power and greatness; and our women were sexually
abused by them.

On the other hand, in terms of education, I consider the colonization of the Spaniards, Americans, and Japanese as a blessing in disguise. Although our very own
alphabet had been replaced with Latin, I see it as more essential as we aspire not only to be locally competitive but also global. The word ‘owe’ may not be the
most appropriate term to use in recognizing the contributions of these colonizers to our educational system today, but the fact that they had a big influence on
what we are and what we have achieved today may not be possible without them. We were able to learn academically, be dragged out of ignorance, especially in
technology, and be taught about morality and Christianity. Reforms were made for us to attain a better and more humane life, schools were established, books
were utilized according to the curriculum presented by them, learned to be more independent, encouraged to be more patriotic promoting and preserving our
culture, and above all, to participate internationally in any areas.

Thus, by the time of American occupation in 1898, Filipinos were among the most educated people in all of Asia, with some scholars claiming that the average
Filipino at that time was even more educated than the average American. However, since other colonizers also succeeded in reigning the Philippines, reforms
were also changed from time to time leading to inconsistency in learning and skills. With the previous PISA result, the Philippines ranked lowest among 79
participating countries in Reading, Science, and Mathematics. Over the years, the Department of Education is trying its best to cope with the global demands
and to catch up to other Asian neighboring countries.

Nevertheless, it is still too early to say that the K-12 curriculum is the utmost reason for this consequent lagging. Reforms may not be needed as of today.
Instead, administrators and all other personnel in the academe should also start looking for a needle hole to fill that may have caused all the problems our
education system is facing today. It might be poverty, lack of teacher training, resources, or the curriculum itself. Whatever it may be, we should never be afraid
of changes as it is the only constant thing if it is for the betterment of us and our learners.

REFLECTION/REACTION:

Give your own reflection or reaction on the issues raised.

We are all preparing for the future and living in the present, but how do we know where we are headed and what constitutes progress? You must first understand
where you came from to see where you are going. You must have an appreciation of history for that. We will learn about the creation, operation, and
development of the Philippine Education System through the study of history. History gives us a clear picture of where we are today. The advantages of learning
about the history of the Philippine Education System are broadening one's worldview, becoming a better-rounded individual, recognizing one's identity, finding
inspiration, and learning from one's mistakes.
Throughout history, we have witnessed the problems and concerns that our educational system faced in the past. However, the same issues still exist today,
including the deteriorating quality of education and the lack of school buildings, books, lessons, and equipment.

RECOMMENDATION/SUGGESTIONS

As an educator, we must teach our students various good Filipino values, especially honesty and patriotism or love for the country. We may not know that one of
them may become the next president of our country or get a high position in the government. We must produce citizens who know how to be good leaders. If we
keep in mind the value of loyalty and love for people, they will go far.

Submitted by:

Sittie Alyanna N. Zacaria

MAED-EM DBM 1G-A