Philippines urged to consider PPP to modernize education

FAIR AND EQUAL Pupils attend class in a makeshift classroom in Labangan town, Zamboanga del Sur, in this June 3, 2019 photo. —LEAH AGONOY

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine education system can benefit from public-private partnership (PPP) projects that focus on digital-enabled solutions to transform learning delivery, according to independent research group Stratbase Institute.

Victor Andres Manhit, president of Stratbase Institute, said the government must “modernize” the classrooms by employing digital learning platforms, teacher support systems and blended learning models.

Beyond providing internet access in the schools, Manhit said the students must be given access to digital tools to aid their learning.

“As we work to close the physical classroom gap—estimated by the Department of Education (DepEd) at nearly 159,000 classrooms by 2028—we must also modernize how learning takes place within those classrooms,” Manhit said.

Digital tools needed

“Digital tools can help learners build comprehension and teachers track and respond to learning gaps in real time,” he added.

Manhit said employing digital tools would allow the country to improve competency of the education sector moving forward.

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According to a report by the Programme for International Student Assessment, Filipino students ranked second to the last in terms of creative thinking.

READ: PISA results mirror PH education’s lost days, ‘grave crisis’

“This is not merely an education issue—it’s an economic and technological challenge. If we are to compete globally, we must embed digital learning meaningfully across disciplines,” Manhit said.

Age of AI

In line with this, Manhit welcomed the efforts of the DepEd in using artificial intelligence (AI).

“AI can enhance personalized learning and engagement, but without clear policy, proper training, and infrastructure, we risk misuse or underutilization,” the official said.

“There are concerns about AI output accuracy, over-dependence, and the potential erosion of critical thinking skills that must be managed responsibly,” he added.

READ: EdTech can supercharge education outcomes

In February, DepEd launched the Education Center for AI Research, the first-ever hub for AI research in education in the country.