Update:
In his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted education as a central pillar of national development, focusing on reducing dropout rates, expanding access in rural areas, and ensuring that “no Filipino child is left behind.” He emphasized teacher support through allowances, the construction of classrooms, and the provision of updated learning materials. These priorities reflect the social objectives of equity and inclusivity, aiming to address long-standing gaps in Philippine education.

The substance of this rhetoric lies in its recognition of systemic inequalities—poverty, lack of resources, and overcrowded classrooms—that hinder many learners. By affirming education as a right, the policy framework seeks to uplift marginalized groups and strengthen social justice through equitable access.

However, the gap between promise and practice remains a challenge. Without strong implementation, teacher training, and sustained funding, the rhetoric risks becoming aspirational rather than transformative. The key question is whether these objectives will be backed with concrete action plans that truly improve learners’ outcomes.

Reference:
Marcos Jr., F. R. (2025). State of the Nation Address (SONA). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph