How DepEd Plans to Deliver Textbooks by July, Despite Facing Doubts and Criticism

The Challenges of Delivering Quality Education in the Philippines

Education is a fundamental right and a key factor for social and economic development. However, in the Philippines, the education system faces many challenges that hinder its ability to provide quality education for all. One of these challenges is the shortage of textbooks in public schools.

Textbooks are essential tools for learning, as they provide the content, structure, and guidance for students and teachers. However, for years, Philippine schools have suffered from the lack of textbooks, especially for the new curriculum under the K-12 program. This has resulted in poor learning outcomes, low achievement levels, and high dropout rates.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has acknowledged this problem and has promised to deliver new textbooks for students in Grades 1, 4, and 7 by July 2024. The department claims that it has expedited the bidding process and will start printing eight million books in April. It aims to distribute 80 percent of the books by July, and the rest by August.

However, this plan has been met with skepticism and criticism from various stakeholders, who question the feasibility and quality of the department’s plan. They argue that the department’s plan is too ambitious and unrealistic, given the time and resources available. They also point out that the quality and relevance of the new books may be compromised, as they may not be aligned with the curriculum and the needs of the students.

Some lawmakers and education experts have suggested that the department should buy existing books that have been proven to be effective and appropriate, instead of making new ones. They say that this could save time and money, and ensure the quality of the books. They also say that the department should address the issue of textbook scarcity, which has been plaguing the country for years.

According to a report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), a body created by Congress to review and reform the Philippine education system, the department has only procured 27 textbooks for Grades 1 to 10 since 2012. This means that there are not enough books for the 27 million students enrolled in public schools.

The report also criticizes the department’s “Catch-up Fridays” program, which aims to improve the reading skills of students. The report says that the program lacks structure and teachers lack training for effective reading intervention. It also says that the program does not address the individual needs of the students, and that simply reading more texts does not guarantee improved reading skills.

Data from the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (CRLA) showed that more than 60 percent of Grade 1 and 2 students are not reading at the expected level. This underscores the need for effective interventions.

EDCOM 2 recommends that the department adopt “differentiated instruction”, which means adjusting the teaching methods to suit the needs of each student. However, it also acknowledges the challenges of implementing this approach within the current program design.

The report concludes that the department should change its practices and implement programs that cater to the individual needs of the students. It says that this is the only way to ensure that all students receive the appropriate and quality education that they deserve.