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E-Net Philippines’ Research and Communication Officer, Daryl Cruz, delivered a presentation about the current state of education in the Philippines during the first workshop of the series entitled “The 6th PUP Model Congress Launching and Philippine Sectoral Situationer” held earlier today.

The PUP Model Congress is an annual legislative simulation of the Philippine House of Representatives organized by the PUP House of Parliamentarians and the Circle of Public Administration and Governance Students. It is a weeklong event where students at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines showcase their parliamentary skills in drafting and creating bills, debating, lobbying, and other processes that are included in the legislative process.

Daryl started his presentation by emphasizing that education is not a privilege, it is a human right. He shared how countries, including the Philippines, have committed to prioritize progress for those who are furthest behind, and how education plays a great role in achieving each of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Daryl referred to the highlights of the Basic Education Report (BER) 2023 & 2024, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) report and PISA results 2022. E-Net believes that the biggest issue that BER is not discussing is the huge number of out-of-school children, youth, and adults (OSCYA). Daryl also explained how privatization & commercialization is endangering the right to education.

In the last part of his presentation, he challenged the youth to practice critical thinking, questioning, and challenging dominant narratives and structures. Hoping that they continue to join youth organizations, participate in collective actions to demand fundamental changes and genuine reforms, and push for safe, #inclusive, equitable, quality, and lifelong learning #education.