FOUNDATIONS OF PHILIPPINE EDUCATION

Teachers were Babaylan and the Katalonan

Strengthened spiritually and maintained peace and order

Literacy

The decree established a complete system of education in the archipelago

Filipino men and women knew how to read and write

Informal and Unstructured

Pre-Colonial Period

The colonial logic was to create a cadre of clerks and officials in service of the new and liberal colonial state.

The Impact of Spain's 1863 Education Decree

Sons were trained by their fathers to become good-providers.

A History of the System of Education in the Philippines

Daughters were trained by their mothers on household chores.

Preparation for good parenthood

It required two elementary schools in each municipality -- one for girls and one for boys and it standardized the curriculum and established normal school thus making systematized education available to the masses.

In ancient Philippines, children were given the rudiments of education. Such education was both academic and vocation. The father trained his sons to be warriors, hunters, fishermen, miners, lumbermen and ship builders. The mother on her part trained her daughters in cooking, gardening, serving and other household arts.

It is said that in ancient Panay, there was a barangay school called Bothoan under the charge of the teacher usually an old man. The subjects taught to the children in this barangay school were reading, writing, arithmetic, use of weapons and lubus (acquiring kinaadman or amulets).

Hence, education during that time was geared toward their needs. Because of colonization by several foreign countries and several historical events, our education underwent several changes although we also retained some of the ancient teachings which are practical even during our time.

Educational Goal

Educational goal during the American period is to promote democratic ideals and way of life; formation of good citizens, including the rights and responsibilities of people.

Students

The American government wanted to give everyone the chance to study so they built public schools for the Filipinos. Every child from age 7 years old was required to register in schools located in their own town or province.

With the country’s celebration of independence in 1946, scarcely seven decades ago, have come every aspect of educational system in line with the new status of a new nation seeking to achieve and maintain political and economic independence and to fashion a nation truly united out of social and cultural diversities.

Education in the Philippines during the American Period (1898-1942)

Highlights:

1. Education Act of 1901 laid the foundation of the Philippine public school system.

2. There were three levels of education that were patterned from the US which are elementary level, secondary or high school level, and tertiary or college level.

3. English was the medium of instruction.

FOUNDATIONS OF PHILIPPINE EDUCATION