Senator calls for reforms to strengthen PHL students’ skill set
A SENATOR has reiterated the need to pass reforms that would help the Filipino youth adapt to new technologies as the country lagged behind a global skills test report released last week.
“In pushing and fulfilling reforms in our education system, we should ensure that the youth are not left behind in the use of new technologies,” Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian said in a statement on Sunday.
The Philippines ranked last among its East and Southeast Asian peers after placing 99th out of 100 countries in online learning platform Coursera’s Global Skills Ranking.
The report ranks skills and proficiency of learners in the fields of business, technology and data science.
The Philippines’ business proficiency dropped to 16% from 62% last year. Technology proficiency is also down to 5% from 29%, while data science proficiency significantly decreased to 1% from 21%.
The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) — composed of senators, congressmen, and private sector representatives — has been meeting since January to address current gaps in the country’s education system.
Mr. Gatchalian said the EDCOM II’s proposed reforms are expected to boost Filipinos’ skills in fields mentioned in the report.
He also called for the need to pass Senate Bill No. 2022 or the Batang Magaling Act, which aims to strengthen linkages and collaboration with the Education department, local government units, the academe, and industry partners in ensuring work readiness among graduates.
The proposed measure also aims to involve industry partners and stakeholders in creating Work Immersion Plans in all education institutions offering the senior high school program.
It will also produce roadmaps in provinces, cities, and municipalities to set goals and interventions on enhancing the employability and competitiveness of high school graduates.
The bill is still pending at the Senate committee level.
“It is our duty to assess if they have the necessary skills that industries need,” Mr. Gatchalian said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz
