 offered through formal and non-formal systems. The number of years of formal schooling in the Philippines is one of the shortest in the world. The educational ladder has a 6+4+4 structure, (i.e., six years of elementary education, four years of secondary education, and typically four years to gain a bachelor’s degree).
The academic school year in the Philippines starts in June and ends in March, covering a period of 40 weeks. Institutions of higher education operate on a semester system with an optional summer semester. Education is compulsory from age seven to twelve, covering the first six grades of education.
English was the official language of instruction from 1935 to 1987. The new constitution of 1987 prescribed that both Filipino and English be the official languages of communication and instruction. English continues to be widely used from the higher primary level onwards, owing to a dearth of materials and resources in Filipino, as well as Filipino-speaking teachers. This is especially true in vocational and technical fields.
The administration and supervision of the school system is the responsibility of the Department of Education, which has an office in each of the 13 regions of the country.
Historically, the Government has been unable to fund the whole education system and has concentrated resources on the primary sector. Consequently, over 90 percent of enrollments at the primary level are in public schools; whereas, at secondary schools that number is less than 70 percent and at the tertiary level over 88 percent of institutions are private, representing 73 percent of enrollments (Department of Education, 2003), where the quality of programs ranges from high to marginal quality. A discussion of the accreditation process in the Philippines can be found in the ‘Higher Education’ section of this profile.
Primary education is compulsory and is six years in duration divided into a four-year primary cycle and a two-year intermediate cycle. Children generally begin first grade at seven years of age; however, private schools often operate a seven-year curriculum starting a year earlier. Students are annually promoted from one grade to the next provided that they meet the achievement standards set for the grade. Students are rated in every subject four times during the year. A cumulative rating system is used as the basis for promotion. The pass grade is 75 percent. In grades I & II the medium of instruction is generally in the local dialect, of which there are more than 170 nationally, with English and Filipino taught as second languages. From grade III onwards mathematics and science are taught in English with the social sciences and humanities taught in Filipino.
After satisfactorily completing the six-year elementary curriculum, students receive a certificate of graduation from the elementary school. No examination is required for admission to public secondary schools.
Duration: Four years (grades I – IV, age seven to 11).
Duration: Two years (grades V – VI, age 11 to 13).
Curriculum: Core subjects: Language arts (Filipino, English and local dialect), mathematics, health and science;
Makabayan* subjects: In grades I – III students study civics and culture, in grades IV – VI students study music, arts and physical education; home economics and livelihood; and social studies. Values education and ‘good manners and right conduct’ are integrated in all learning areas.
* Makabayan is described by the ministry as a learning area that serves as a practice environment for holistic learning to develop a healthy personal and national self-identity. Ideally, it entails the adoption of modes of integrative teaching that will enable the student to process and synthesize a wide range of skills and values (cultural, aesthetic, athletic, vocational, politico-economic, and ethical).
Leaving Certificate: The Certificate of Graduation is awarded to students who complete six years of primary education.
Private schools enroll a much higher percentage of students at the secondary level than at the elementary level. Approximately 40