The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has expressed concerns regarding the growing problem of equity in higher education in the Philippines. While access to higher education has increased significantly in recent years, ensuring that every student has the resources and opportunities to succeed academically and socially has become a challenge.
According to CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera, the implementation of free higher education in 2018 has led to a surge in the number of young Filipinos attending universities. The participation rate in higher education has risen to over 40 percent, indicating the success of public universities in increasing access.
However, the increasing number of students taking admission tests in public universities has made the admission system more competitive. For example, the University of the Philippines (UP) receives over 100,000 applicants for the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT), but only around 14,500 students are accepted. The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) faces a similar situation, with 100,000 applicants competing for only 12,000 spots.
This growing competitiveness in the admission process raises concerns about equity in higher education. Chairman De Vera warns that a failure to examine the admission system may marginalize students from public schools, rural areas, and indigenous communities, preventing them from entering universities.
In addition to equity issues, CHED also highlights the high attrition rate in higher education. While more students are entering universities, many of them do not complete their education. This attrition rate is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed.
To tackle these issues, CHED has launched an initiative called “Paglaum kag Pagdaug.” This initiative focuses on student admission and retention, aiming to champion quality, equity, and inclusivity in higher education. The goal is to provide hope and victory to disadvantaged students, enabling them to improve their quality of life through education.
Through “Paglaum kag Pagdaug,” CHED aims to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has equal opportunities to succeed in higher education. The initiative will examine the admission system to prevent the marginalization of students from underprivileged backgrounds. It will also address the high attrition rate by implementing strategies to support students throughout their academic journey.
By prioritizing equity and success in higher education, CHED is taking a proactive approach to address the challenges faced by students in the Philippines. The “Paglaum kag Pagdaug” initiative demonstrates the commitment of CHED to create an inclusive and accessible educational system that empowers all students to achieve their full potential.
Ensuring equity and success in higher education is not only a responsibility of CHED but also requires the collective efforts of the government, educational institutions, and society as a whole. By working together, we can create a brighter future for all young Filipinos, where access to higher education is not just a possibility but a reality for every student.
Source: https://ched.gov.ph/
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