The Philippine government has invested more
in higher education, where quality is relatively good,
than in primary schools. However, the differences are
large between different regions and in rural areas
teaching is often neglected. In 2013, the government
promised to invest over US $ 580 million on building new
schools. But the severe typhoon that hit the country
later that year meant that at least 2,500 schools were
completely or partially destroyed (see Current Policy).
There are major differences between schools in
different regions and in rural areas, teaching is often
neglected. In the cities, large classes create problems
(on average 40-50 students in each class). In their
quarters, students study in shifts to accommodate
everyone, and there is a great lack of textbooks.
Country facts of Philippines, including geography profile, population statistics, and business data.
The children start six-year primary school at the age
of seven. It is followed by a four-year higher stage
that has both theoretical and professional lines. There
are both state and private schools. In 2013, compulsory
schooling was extended from six to nine years. Preschool
was also compulsory, and the higher level of the state
schools was extended by two years. From 2017, it is
intended that the compulsory schooling should be
extended to 13 years. The state elementary schools are
formally free of charge, but parents have to pay for
school uniforms, textbooks and transport.
Most children start school and now about 85 percent
of students complete all six years. But only 60 percent
continue to the next stage and one in four jumps off
prematurely. More girls than boys are completing their
studies. There are a number of reasons why students stop
attending school, not least that they have to contribute
to the family's livelihood, but also that they have a
long school path because high school is so few. The
government is trying, without much success, to
counteract this by offering financial support to poor
families in order for their children to continue to
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The education system of the Philippines has
traditionally promoted bilingualism and multilingualism.
In 2013, a new law was passed that allowed teaching in
Tagalog and other local languages from the preschool
and during the first three years of compulsory school,
and then gradually transitioned to English. English and
Filipino are compulsory school subjects. English is the
main language at the higher education level and at the
Religious education is allowed in schools, but
parents must give their consent. In 2012, there were
over 600 registered Muslim schools. A process is
underway to integrate the Muslim schools into the
national education system. Muslim girls have the right
to wear a headscarf, hijab, at school. In Mindanao, it
is common for Muslim students to attend Catholic schools
as well. With the peace agreement with the separatist
group Milf 2014 (see Muslim separatists), the government
has promised more money to Muslim schools.
There are a large number of universities and
colleges. In Manila, there are a number of elite
universities that are considered to maintain good
quality in their education. The fees for studying at
universities can be high, but in 2017 a law was passed
that makes education at state universities and colleges
free of charge.
Many families make great efforts to ensure that their
children receive a good education. However, unemployment
among academics is quite high. However, more girls than
boys are moving on to higher education.
FACTS - EDUCATION
Proportion of children starting primary
95.0 percent (2016)
Number of pupils per teacher in primary
Reading and writing skills
96.4 percent (2013)
Public expenditure on education as a
percentage of GDP
13.2 percent (2009)
Public expenditure on education as a
percentage of the state budget
13.2 percent (2009)
Grace Poe is not accepted as a candidate
At the beginning of the month, the Election Commission rejected Grace Poe's
candidacy in the presidential election, citing her failure to prove she was born
in the Philippines (she was found abandoned in a church, and adopted six years
later by a movie star couple, the father was Fernando Poe Jr. in the 2004
presidential election. She also lived in the United States for many years,
becoming an American citizen, but resigned to become a Filipino citizen in 2006.
Grace Poe appeals the decision.
Income from Filipinos abroad is declining
New statistics show that the money that Filipinos working abroad send home,
so-called referrals, has been reduced for the first time since 2003.
Grace Poe's favorite for the presidential election
Speculation about who will succeed Aquino in the presidential post is gaining
momentum. In the polls, Senator Grace Poe is the best, despite not belonging to
any of the political dynasties (though she has close contacts with President
Aquino's uncle Eduardo Cojuangco). Even Jejomar Binay, who comes from one of the
large families, has set his sights on the presidential post, as has Manuel "Mar"
Roxas, grandson of the first president of the Philippines. About two-thirds of
the members of the sitting Congress belong to one of the political dynasties,
whose interest in issues affecting most ordinary Filipinos, such as creating new
jobs and improving social services, is not so great. At the end of the month,
Davao City's mayor also joins,
NPA leaders are arrested
At the end of the month, a senior NPA leader, Ernesto Lorenzo, is arrested by
Aquinos supports Roxas in the presidential election
President Aquino announces his support for Interior Minister Manuel Roxas as
the Liberal Party's candidate in the 2016 presidential election.
Murder suspect dies
Andal Ampatuan Sr., one of the main suspects of the mass murder of a rival
clan and a large number of journalists in 2009, dies in a hospital.
Vice President Binay resigns
Jejomar Binay resigns as Vice President on June 22. It is happening at the
same time as the President ordered the Justice Department to order an
investigation into the charges of corruption against him.
Disarmament of Milf begins
In the middle of the month, 75 Milf members leave their arms, in a ceremony
that marks the next step in the peace process between the government and the
former rebel movement. 145 former rebels are now to be integrated into the
government army. At the same time, they receive 25,000 Filipino pesos (over $
500) to be used for education and living.
The economy is slowing down
Statistics show that the Philippine economy has slowed down in the first
quarter of 2015. Economic growth is just over 5 percent, which is the lowest
figure since the last quarter of 2011. Behind the downturn is reduced demand for
both agricultural and industrial goods from the countries of Southeast Asia.
Mindanao offers refuge for refugees
As a result of international appeals in connection with a boat refugee crisis
in the Andaman Sea off Myanmar (formerly Burma) and Bangladesh, the Muslim
Autonomous Region of Mindanao offers Muslim Rohingya refugees a refuge. Rohingya
escapes repression in Buddhist-dominated Myanmar in search of security in Muslim
countries in the region, mainly Indonesia and Malaysia.
New tours in the conflict around the Sprat Islands
A Philippine general announces that the Philippines will begin with tourist
trips to Pagasa (also called Thitu, or Zhong Ye Dao in Chinese), which belongs
to the disputed Sprat Islands. At the same time, China has initiated a series of
construction projects on other islands in the Archipelago Act.
Aquino warns of China
President Aquino says that China's increased activities in the South China
Sea are increasingly alarming, criticizing sharply the outside world for lack of
response to what China is doing there. The statement is being made at the same
time as the US and the Philippines are conducting a major joint military
exercise in the region.
Try to stop execution of Filipino woman in Indonesia
The Philippines is acting to stop the execution of a Filipino woman sentenced
to death for drug smuggling in Indonesia. The woman was arrested in 2010 and
carried 2.6 kilos of cocaine.
Aquino drops in support
The support for President Aquino rages in opinion polls from 59 percent in
November 2014 to 38 percent at the end of March 2015. At the same time, Aquino
is calling on Congress to approve the bill that will pave the way for increased
Muslim self-government in parts of Mindanao. He warns that otherwise the
Philippines may start counting sacks. According to a Senate report, the United
States played an important role in the failed rescue against Milf at the
beginning of the year (see January 2015). Senator Grace Poe
questions whether the Philippine army would have embarked on such a risky
operation without the United States and the $ 5 million reward that would go to
those who could harm Zukkifli bin Hir.
Murder suspects are released on bail
Sajid Ampatuan, one of the main suspects in the 2009 Maguindan massacre, is
released on bail. The country's justice minister says the prosecutor will appeal
the decision. In the past, 16 police officers suspected of involvement in the
deed have been granted bail, but they remain in custody because they were unable
to pay the bail.
Appeal against Abu Sayyaf
Government troops strike against the Islamist group Abu Sayyaf on the island
of Jolo. At least 24 rebels and two government soldiers are killed in the
Demonstration in support of new laws for Muslim autonomy
Thousands of people are demonstrating on Mindanao to urge Congress to
reconsider its decision to postpone the treatment of new laws for the new Muslim
self-government on the island.
Military operations against Muslim outbreak group Biff
At the beginning of the month, Milf conducts an operation aimed at the
breakout group Biff in North Cotabato. Tens of thousands of civilians are forced
to flee. Later, the government army also intervenes against Biff, which has
threatened to attack the provincial capital.
Abu Sayyaf is suspected of bombing
At least two people are killed in a bomb attack in Zamboanga for which the
militant group Abu Sayyaf is suspected.
Violence on Mindanao triggers Aquino's "worst crisis"
The murders of the 44 special police officers lead the Congress to postpone a
session where laws for the new self-government at Mindanao would be discussed.
Two senators withdraw their support for the bill. This is described as Aquino's
worst crisis since coming to power. The Philippines' support for handing over
more power to Milf is reported to have fallen. Several MEPs demand that the
president resign. Criticism against Aquino comes, among other things, from
Catholic bishops and Christian leaders.
New outbreak of violence in Mindanao
Forty-four special police officers and an unknown number of Milf and Biff
rebels are killed when an action force raids, called Plan Exodus, against a
Milf-controlled village in the Maguindanao province of Mindanao. Seven civilians
are also killed. The police command is in search of two wanted terrorists, a
Malaysian man and a Filipino, who are believed to be in the village. According
to Milf, the rebels are resisting because the police have not informed the
council in advance. The Malaysian man, Zukkifli bin Hir, is said to have been
killed in connection with the raid, while the other must have managed to escape.
Pope's visit attracts millions of Filipinos
Pope Francis visits the Philippines for five days in mid-January. Despite bad
weather, six million Filipinos are estimated at an outdoor worship service in
Manila. During his visit, the Pope spoke several times about the need to reduce
poverty and inequality. A visit to the city of Tacloban that was hit hard by the
typhoon Haiyan in 2013 will be shorter than planned due to storms. The papal
visit has the repercussions when the government recognizes that hundreds of
homeless and homeless people have been removed from the streets of Manila for
the papal visit. The homeless were taken to a first class hotel where they were
allowed to stay as long as the Pope was in the country. Then they were thrown
out onto the street again. Requirements are made for an investigation into what