UNESCO commends Phl reform efforts in education

MANILA, Philippines - The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized the Philippines’ efforts to bring its educational system up to the standards of the rest of the world.

Senate committee on education chairman Edgardo Angara said that UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova personally gave the commendation to the Philippines for its dynamic work in education at the sidelines of the UNESCO General Conference in Paris.

“UNESCO recognizes our efforts to bring our educational system on a par with the best in the world. This is a great encouragement, a clear sign that we are moving toward the right direction,” Angara said.

He cited the continuing efforts to overhaul the educational system, starting from early childhood learning to higher education.

Angara cited the Early Years Act promotes learning from 0-6 years while the Kindergarten Act, would make kindergarten education mandatory.

Other reforms are also underway including the improvement of the curriculum; enforcement of stricter standards for higher education institutions to enhance the quality of graduates across the board; funding scholarships for teacher educators in all normal schools and universities in the country to boost the quality of instruction; and bringing together government, academe and industry in a highly collaborative program to generate innovation for national needs.