Education System in The Philippines

The Philippines education system is anchored in the Philosophy that education shall develop citizens who believe in God, love their country and fellowmen, and actively participate in building a just Filipino society and in conserving and developing the nation human and material resources (Department of Education, Culture and Sports, 1997, p. 12).

Education is offered through the formal and nonformal systems. The new entry age for elementary education is 6 years effective FY 1995-1996; for secondary education, it is 12-15 years; and for higher education 16-19 years. 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 (6) years of elementary (primary) education, four (4) years of secondary education, and another four (4) years of higher education for a degree program, except for some courses like Engineering, Law, and Medical sciences which require five or more years of schooling. Non-formal education is an alternative delivery system. Its clientele are chiefly out-of-school youth and adults. It focuses on the development of literacy and employable/productive skills coupled with citizenship training (Department of Education, Culture and Sports, 1997, p. 10).