Education Systems: Philippines and Singapore

• The analysis delves into the education systems of the Philippines and Singapore, both ASEAN members, highlighting their differences, similarities, and unique aspects for educational improvement and global cooperation.

Introduction

• Education is a fundamental opportunity for personal fulfillment and societal advancement.
• Nelson Mandela stated that education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world.
• An education system encompasses the structure and opportunities from kindergarten to tertiary levels.

Comparative Analysis: Philippines vs. Singapore

• Singapore is a developed nation, while the Philippines is still developing.
• The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 results underscore the educational gap: Singaporean students excelled across categories, while Filipino students struggled, ranking 77th out of 81 countries.
• The analysis aims to identify strengths, weaknesses, and best practices for educational enhancement in both countries.
• The scope includes structure, curriculum, funding, inclusivity, competitiveness, and recommendations for improvement.
• Comparative analysis seeks to improve educational quality, address global challenges, inform policy, promote innovation, and facilitate mobility and qualification recognition.

Structure of the Education System

• The Philippine education system includes basic education, technical and vocational training, and higher education.
• Basic Education (K-12): A 13-year program divided into four stages:
  • Kindergarten to Grade 3: 5-8 years of age
  • Grades 4 to 6: 9-11 years of age
  • Grades 7 to 10: 12-15 years of age
  • Grades 11 to 12: 16-18 years of age
• Primary school lasts six years in the Philippines, split into primary and intermediate cycles.
• Junior and senior high school are stages of secondary education.
• Senior high school includes core curriculum and track subjects.
• The Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in the Philippines is designed to meet labor market demands.
• TVET programs range from weeks to three years, offered by government and private institutions.
• TESDA examination leads to certificates or diplomas.
• Higher education includes undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees.
• Singapore's education system is divided into Pre-School, Primary, Secondary, and Post-Secondary levels.
• Pre-school is non-mandatory, offered by the Ministry of Education and private operators, completed before age 7.
• Primary education begins at 6, focusing on English, native language proficiency, and mathematics.
• The foundation stage is the first four years, the orientation stage the last two years of primary education. Primary education is free and compulsory.
• Students must qualify for PSLE to continue to secondary level.
• Secondary level lasts up to 6 years. Different streams are offered at the secondary level in Singapore schools namely Normal (Academic), Normal (Technical), Integrated Programme, and Express. Formal education concludes at 17.
• Post-secondary education is optional, offering diplomas, bachelor's, and master's degrees.

Mandatory Years of Schooling

• Basic education is compulsory in the Philippines through the K-12 Program, starting from kindergarten at age five.
• The Kindergarten Education Act (RA 10157) made preschool mandatory in 2012.
• The Early Childhood Care and Development Act (RA No. 8980) and the Barangay Level Total Protection of Children Act (RA No. 6972) are significant acts.
• The K–12 program supports inclusive education for all Filipinos, regardless of background.
• Primary school is mandatory in Singapore, according to the Compulsory Education Act (CE Act 2000), effective January 1, 2003.
• It promotes national identity and prepares students for a knowledge-based economy.
• Singapore citizens born after January 1, 1996, must attend a national primary school.
• Penalties apply for non-compliance. Exemptions exists for students enrolled in alternative programs or with special needs.

Alternative Learning Systems

• The Alternative Learning System (ALS) in the Philippines provides a substitute for those without access to formal education.
• Republic Act 9155, the Governance Act for Basic Education, established ALS.
• The Department of Education implements the Continuing Education Program-Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) and the Basic Literacy Program.
• ALS is flexible, community-based, and managed by ALS learning facilitators.
• Singapore provides alternative learning system through home-schooling, Madrasah Education, Special Education (SPED) schools, Private Education Institutions (PEls), and online and distance learning.
• Parents can register with the Ministry of Education (MOE) for homeschooling.
• Madrasahs are Islamic schools offering holistic education.
• SPED schools cater to students with special needs.
• The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Adult Learning, Workforce Singapore (WSG) Training Programmes, and National Silver Academy (NSA) are available for out-of-school youth.

Curriculum and Pedagogy

• The Philippine K-12 Enhanced Basic Education Curriculum emphasizes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to develop a scientific workforce.
• The STEM pedagogy includes inquiry-based, problem-based, interdisciplinary, and technology-enhanced learning.
• The Department of Education (DepEd) offers programs such as Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTBMLE) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
• Philippines incorporates a variety of vocational courses such as Task-Based Learning, Communicative Language Teaching, Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), and Literature-Based Instruction.
• Singapore teaches STEM principles in early childhood, focusing on language proficiency, math, science, and social studies.
• ITE provides technical/vocational education, tapping industry expertise and internships.
• Singapore's STEM pedagogy also includes Inquiry-Based Learning, Problem-Based Learning, Interdisciplinary Learning and Technology-Enhanced Learning.

Integration of Local Culture and History

• Araling Panlipunan (AP), the social studies curriculum in the Philippines, combines history, economics, and government.
• Social studies in K-12 provides knowledge and fosters college readiness.
• The Department of Education supports the preservation of regional cultures and history through the Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTBMLE).
• Singapore aims to preserve and promote local culture and history in the education system.
• Singaporean students study cultural education, mother tongue languages, and social studies in primary school.
• Mandatory courses include English, mother tongue, math, science, and humanities for express and Normal (academic) programs.
• Heritage Education, National Education, and Cultural Performance and Exhibition are offered to foster cultural awareness and national identity.

Use of Technology and Innovative Teaching Methods

• The Philippines integrates technology and innovative teaching methods, including Content-Based Instruction (CBI) and Focus on Inquiry.
• E-learning platforms, like Diwa's Genyo e-Learning, E-Tulay, and DepEd Commons, are used.
• The Department of Education (DepEd) launched "Last Mile Schools" to provide digital tools and internet.
• Singapore uses mobile devices, virtual learning environments, and digital learning platforms.
• Project-based learning, gamification, collaborative learning, and flipped classrooms are used.
• Programs include STEM education, Code@SG, Maker education, and the Smart Nation Initiative.
• The Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS) provides access to online resources.

Funding and Resources

• In 2023, the Philippines reported around 3.6% and Singapore reported around 2.2% government expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP.
• The Philippines allocated Php 710.6 billion for education, including DepEd, SUCs, CHED, and TESDA.
• Singapore's MOE budget for 2023 was $14.08 billion, with $7.42 billion allocated to education.
• The Philippines faces challenges in school facilities and teaching material.
• Singapore's schools are modernized with advanced facilities and teaching materials.

Teacher-Student Ratios and Teacher Qualifications

• The ideal teacher-student ratio in the Philippines is 1:30, but the current ratio is 1:40 for the school year 2023–2024.
• In Singapore, the teacher-student ratio reported 15:1 in primary schools, 12:1 in secondary schools, and 11:1 in junior colleges in 2019.
• Philippine teachers must have a bachelor's degree and pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).
• Singapore teachers must have a bachelor's degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).

Access and Inclusivity

• The Philippines provides free education through the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act 10931) in SUCs, LUCs, and state-run technical-vocational institutions.
• Singapore provides substantial subsidies, with primary education free for citizens with a monthly miscellaneous fee of up to SGD 13.
• Financial assistance schemes, like the Edusave scheme, support low-income families.

Enrollment and Dropout Rates

• The Philippines has struggled with issues of enrollment and dropout rates, which was amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Around 2.13 million students drop out annually.
• Singapore's enrollment rates are outstanding with a low dropout rate, sitting at 1.6%.
• Singapore's total enrollment for the year 2023 was approximately 3.1 million.

Access for Marginalized Groups

• The Philippines has been home to the first modern public school system; however, improvements in basic educational standards are still needed for marginalized groups
• One initiative that aims to address inclusivity is the Alternative Learning System (ALS).
• Singapore has implemented initiatives to promote social cohesion and to reduce inequality.

Assessment and Accreditation

• Singapore and the Philippines use national examinations and standardized testing.
• Primary students in Singapore take the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) to evaluate proficiency in English, mathematics, science, and mother tongue.
• Secondary students take O-level or N-level examinations.
• Language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are conducted in Singapore.
• Universities conduct aptitude tests like SAT, GRE, and GMAT.
• In the Philippines, the National Achievement Test and the Philippine Education Placement Test are conducted.
• The Licensure Examination for Professional and Technical and Vocational National Examination are national tests.

Quality Assurance Measures in Higher Education

• Singapore achieves quality education through standardization, local accountability, and diversity and innovation.
• The EduTrust Certificate Scheme raises the standard of private education.
• The Philippines uses accreditation from agencies like AACCUP and FAAP.
• The Philippine Quality Award (PQA) promotes standards in organizational performances.

International Benchmarking

• Singapore joined PISA in 2009 and consistently performs well in global education assessments.
• The Philippines started joining PISA in 2018.
• Singapore consistently secured its top spot on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).

Global Competitiveness

• Singapore topped the Creative Thinking examination in the 2022 PISA.
• The Philippines ranked second to last when it comes to creative thinking
• According to the 2023 TIMSS result, Singapore was once again the highest performing country in both mathematics and science, at year 4 and year 8.

Contribution to International Academic Research

• Singapore serves as an international research hub that emphasizes clinical research.
• Universities and colleges in the Philippines produce commendable research.
• International partnerships are important for promoting opportunities for students and achieving common goals in education for both countries.
• The Philippines and its Asia-Pacific neighbors work together to achieve continuous learning and teamwork.

Best Practices

• In the Philippines, the DepEd implemented the Philippine Standards for Teachers (PPST) and promotes innovative pedagogies.
• Singapore has a continuous assessment where they are assessing their students informally and formally throughout the school year and the government provides financial assistance to low-income families and students with special needs.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Singapore's and the Philippines' educational system has its benefits.
• Singapore's education system works well to achieve quality education, while The Philippines need to better their education sector to achieve academic excellence internationally.
• To help the Philippines become one of the globally competitive countries in terms of the education system and improving the quality of education, education should be the top priority of the country just like in Singapore.