A pertinent contemporary text reflecting political rhetoric on education in the Philippines is the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. In this address, the President emphasized education as a critical pathway to employment, highlighting the government's initiatives to enhance digital infrastructure in schools and increase the number of laptops provided to students and teachers.

Substance of the Text

The President's SONA underscores education's role in preparing the workforce for future job markets, aligning with the government's focus on economic development. The allocation of resources towards digital tools suggests an acknowledgment of the importance of technology in modern education. However, the address has been critiqued for presenting a narrow view of education, primarily as a means to employment, without addressing broader social objectives such as fostering democratic values, critical thinking, and civic engagement.

Critical Commentary

While the emphasis on digital infrastructure is commendable, the limited scope of the SONA raises concerns about the holistic development of students. Education should not solely be viewed as a tool for economic productivity but as a fundamental pillar for cultivating informed, responsible, and active citizens. By focusing predominantly on employability, the policy risks neglecting essential aspects of education that contribute to a well-rounded society.

In summary, the 2025 SONA presents a vision of education centered on economic outcomes, with limited attention to its broader social and civic purposes. This approach may inadvertently narrow the role of education in society, overlooking its potential to shape individuals who are not only skilled workers but also engaged and thoughtful members of the community.

https://opinion.inquirer.net/185175/technocratic-and-economically-driven-a-narrow-view-of-education-in-the-2025-sona?utm_source