In the Philippines, contemporary public policy on education is primarily guided by several key documents and laws, most notably the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), Republic Act No. 10533 (the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, also known as the K-12 law), and various Department of Education (DepEd) issuances.

1. Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028

The PDP outlines the national development agenda, including educational goals. The education-related objectives within this plan typically focus on:Access and Inclusivity: Ensuring that all Filipinos, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to quality education.Quality of Education: Improving the standard of education to meet global benchmarks and enhance student outcomes.Lifelong Learning: Promoting lifelong learning to enable continuous personal and professional development.Skills Development: Aligning education with industry needs to prepare students for employment and entrepreneurship.Civic Responsibility: Instilling values of citizenship, national identity, and civic responsibility in students.

2. Republic Act No. 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013)

This law implemented the K-12 education system in the Philippines, extending basic education to include Kindergarten and 12 years of elementary and secondary education. The objectives set by this policy include:Holistic Development: Providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for higher education, employment, or entrepreneurship.Curriculum Enhancement: Strengthening the curriculum to ensure that it is relevant, responsive, and reflective of the needs of learners.Global Competitiveness: Equipping students with skills and knowledge that make them competitive in the global job market.Values Formation: Integrating values education to promote moral, ethical, and socially responsible behavior.

3. DepEd's Sulong EduKalidad Program

Launched as part of the efforts to improve the quality of basic education, Sulong EduKalidad focuses on four key reform areas:K to 12 Curriculum Review and Update: Regularly updating the curriculum to keep it relevant and aligned with the needs of learners and society.Improvement of Learning Environment: Enhancing the learning environment to be conducive to better student outcomes.Teachers’ Upskilling and Reskilling: Ensuring that teachers are well-trained and continuously updated on the latest educational methods and technologies.Engagement of Stakeholders: Involving various stakeholders, including parents, communities, and private sector partners, in the educational process.Excerpts from Relevant TextsRepublic Act No. 10533 states:"The State shall create a functional basic education system that will develop productive and responsible citizens equipped with the essential competencies, skills, and values for both lifelong learning and employment."Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 emphasizes:"The education sector shall ensure that every Filipino learner will have access to quality education that is inclusive, equitable, and geared toward the development of the full potential of every learner as a lifelong learner and responsible citizen."These policies reflect the Philippine government's commitment to providing an education system that is inclusive, equitable, and designed to prepare students for both national and global challenges.

Comment about the text:

The Philippine government is striving to provide quality education through various public policies that support the goals of the Department of Education for Filipino learners. The government, along with all other stakeholders, should work toward achieving its goal of providing an education system that is inclusive, equitable, and designed to prepare students for both national and global challenges.