“There is an urgent need for the government to invest aggressively in expanding and enhancing the nation’s digital infrastructure”
The recent PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) scores, a worldwide study conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to evaluate educational systems, have painted a stark picture of the educational landscape in the Philippines.
Scoring 353 in reading, 340 in mathematics, and 357 in science, the Philippines ranks among the lowest globally.
These figures underscore the substantial challenges within the country’s education system, particularly inadequate resources and significant urban-rural disparities.
These issues are further compounded by the country’s limited access to high-speed broadband internet, a crucial factor in this technology and knowledge driven world.
Access to high-speed internet is essential for providing quality education, as it opens the door to vast educational resources, digital learning platforms, and global knowledge exchange.
Developed countries like Finland, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, which consistently achieve high PISA scores, benefit from robust broadband infrastructures that support innovative teaching methods and digital learning.
Finland, for example, ensures all schools, public and private, have access to high-speed internet, thereby facilitating a progressive educational environment.
In stark contrast, the Philippines struggles with significant gaps in broadband connectivity.
According to the World Bank, as of 2021, only about 27 percent of the Philippine population had access to fixed broadband.
Although mobile broadband is more widely available, with approximately 70 percent penetration, the quality and speed can vary greatly, often proving inadequate for high-quality digital learning.
Citing 2022 data which estimated 7 percent, or 20.6 million Philippines households connected to the internet, though a significant improvement, was described by President Marcos Jr. as “much too low” and called on the private sector to collaborate with government to address last mile connectivity gaps.
This digital divide is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where students are at a distinct disadvantage compared to their urban counterparts.
The transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted these disparities, exposing the inadequacies in the country’s digital infrastructure.
The experiences of countries with high PISA scores illustrate the crucial role of reliable internet access in educational success.
Japan and South Korea, for instance, not only have advanced fixed broadband networks but also lead the world in mobile broadband penetration, ensuring that students have continuous access to digital educational resources.
Japan’s mobile broadband infrastructure is highly advanced, providing fast and reliable internet even in remote areas, thus enabling seamless digital learning.
To address these challenges, the Philippine government must prioritize aggressive investments in digital infrastructure.
Expanding fixed broadband access, particularly in rural areas, is essential to ensure that all schools have reliable high-speed internet.
Enhancing mobile broadband quality and coverage is equally important to support digital learning where fixed broadband is not viable.
Such investments can be accelerated through public-private partnerships, leveraging the expertise and resources of private sector companies to deploy broadband infrastructure efficiently.
Furthermore, implementing nationwide digital literacy programs is crucial.
These programs should aim to equip both students and teachers with the skills needed to effectively utilize digital tools and resources, thereby maximizing the benefits of improved connectivity.
The direct relationship between broadband connectivity and educational quality is evident from the experiences of countries with robust digital infrastructures.
For the Philippines to improve its PISA scores and overall educational outcomes, there is an urgent need for the government to invest aggressively in expanding and enhancing the nation’s digital infrastructure.
By doing so, the country can provide equitable access to quality education and prepare its students for a competitive global digital ecosystem.
Investing in digital infrastructure is not merely an option but an essential utility for our people to function productively.
The evolving demands of this fast evolving digital age require an educational system that can provide all students with the tools they need to be equipped with new skill sets to succeed.
This investment will help bridge the educational divide, ensuring that students in rural areas have the same opportunities as those in urban centers.
A well-educated and digitally connected workforce will attract foreign investments, enhance labor market competitiveness, and foster entrepreneurship, leading to job creation and economic diversification.
Empowering the Philippines’ demographic sweet spot with quality education and broadband connectivity will significantly boost productivity, and innovation, which all translates to economic growth.
Additionally, this will address inequality, improve quality of life, and ensure more equitable growth, positioning the Philippines as a dynamic player in the global economy.
