Education stands at a crossroads. Globally, progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) has hit a major roadblock, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 251 million children and youth worldwide remain out of school. In the Philippines, the numbers are equally grim: 10.7 million children and youth are not enrolled in formal education, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Education has long been recognized as the most strategic tool for tackling societyโs most urgent challenges. Yet, with these staggering statistics, itโs clear: business as usual is not an option.
This pressing reality took center stage at the Global Education Meeting (GEM) in Fortaleza, Brazil. Held alongside G20 events, the GEM brought together education ministries from around the world, sparking a powerful call to action for the Philippines to transform its education system.
The message from GEM was loud and clear: education must break free from its traditional mold and become an agile, inclusive, and sustainability-driven force. Itโs a vision that demands sweeping reforms to meet global standards while empowering every Filipino child.
Inclusion as a Non-Negotiable
One of the meetingโs most striking themes was inclusivity.
Every child, regardless of disability, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background, deserves tailored support to access and excel in education. This is a vital reminder for the Philippines, where underserved and indigenous communities often remain on the fringes of educational opportunities.
The call to embrace inclusivity isnโt just aspirationalโitโs essential to building a society where no one is left behind.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Digital equity emerged as another critical priority.
In todayโs technology-driven world, the gap between those with access to digital tools and those without continues to grow, hitting rural Filipino students the hardest.
GEM exposed the alarming shortcomings in the Philippinesโ educational technology infrastructure. For instance, Edcom 2 revealed that in 2023, the Department of Educationโs computerization program achieved only a 50% obligation rate, with disbursements as low as 12%.
This digital divide undermines the future of millions of Filipino students. GEMโs call to action demands a sweeping overhaul of infrastructure to ensure that every child, no matter where they are, can thrive in a digital-first world.
Youth Voices Take the Lead
Perhaps the most inspiring takeaway from GEM was its emphasis on youth leadership. Young people are no longer just beneficiaries of education; they are now seen as key architects of its future.
Youth leaders at the meeting passionately called for agency and active participation in shaping education systems to reflect their aspirations and needs.
Representing the Philippines and the 1.9 billion young people worldwide, lan Enverga โserving on the SDG 4 High-Level Steering Committeeโadvocated for this transformative vision. This marks a critical shift: young Filipinos must be at the forefront of educational reforms, championing change that ensures education is relevant, inclusive, and empowering.
A Blueprint for Transformation
The Fortaleza Declaration, a key outcome of GEM 2024, presents a clear roadmap for reimagining education in the Philippines. It demands nothing less than a systemic transformationโone that adapts swiftly to societal needs, empowers youth, and fosters inclusivity and connectivity.
This isnโt just about policyโitโs about action. The stakes have never been higher. For the Philippines, embracing this call to action isnโt a choiceโitโs an imperative to secure a brighter, more equitable future for its children.
Now is the time to rise to the challenge. Education can no longer lag behind. With the right commitment and collaboration, the Philippines can build a system that doesnโt just meet the demands of today but also inspires the dreams of tomorrow.
