Philippine History and Education

Historical Development of Education in the Philippines

• University of Santo Tomas, College of Medicine and Pharmacology formed after Jesuit suppression.
• Girls' education divided into two types: beaterio for convent preparation and secular schools for womanhood.

Introduction of Printing

• Printing presses introduced by the Spanish, producing books in both Spanish and Tagalog, including baybayin script.
• The first book in the Philippines printed in 1590, a Chinese version of Doctrina Christiana.
• Spanish and Tagalog editions printed in 1593 used both Latin and baybayin scripts.

Contribution of Tomas Pinpin

• Tomas Pinpin wrote "Librong Pagaaralan nang manga Tagalog nang Uicang Castilla" in 1610 to teach Spanish to Filipinos.
• Promoted perseverance in learning languages highlighted in the book's prologue.

Educational Reform and Decrees

• Educational Decree of 1863 established a free public education system managed by the government.
• Schools maintained by Spain closed temporarily but reopened on August 29, 1898, leading to the establishment of new institutions.

Establishment of Institutions

• Notable institutions created: Burgos Institute (first law school), Military Academy of Malolos, and Literary University of the Philippines.
• The Malolos Constitution guaranteed free and compulsory elementary education.

American Influence in Education

• Schurman Commission recommended improved public education during the American rule.
• Taft Commission implemented free primary education to support citizenship and job training, using English as the teaching medium.
• Act No. 74 established a centralized public school system in 1901, leading to teacher shortages.

Introduction of Thomasites

• Philippine Commission brought 600 teachers from the U.S. (Thomasites) to address the teacher shortage and support the new education system.
• Over 1,000 Thomasites arrived between 1901 and 1902 to enhance education quality as the number of enrolled students surged.

Challenges During Transition

• The Philippine-American War created obstacles in the implementation of the educational reforms as schools struggled with administration and operations.
• Despite setbacks, the commitment to providing education persisted through various administrative changes and challenges faced.