Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his first State of the Nation address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, suburban Manila on July 25, 2022. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / POOL / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — In his administration, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vowed to end the “horror stories” of poor educational materials.
Marcos also said the government would institute a program of refresher courses and re-trainings for teachers to adapt to the rapid growth in technology, especially in this post-pandemic world.
“As for the ‘horror’ stories that we have heard about the poor quality of educational materials and supplies that are being given to our schools — this must end!” he said in his first State of the Nation Address (Sona).
“Our children must always be equipped with the best that we can provide,” Marcos added.
He said his administration will not thrift on the budget for the country’s education system, saying the current technology requires children to connect to the internet and access computers and educational tools.
The President also said the Philippines must be able to “do better” in the international rankings, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
“These skills and this knowledge are necessary for our young people to be able to compete in a highly technological and competitive world,” Marcos said.
“The raw talent is there in our young people. It is up to our educational system to develop and to refine that great pool of talent,” he added.