Capstone-Intel calls DepEd to act on ‘education crisis’; adds need to provide ‘better initiatives, platforms’ to uplift teachers and students
Capstone-Intel Corporation is calling on the Department of Education (DepEd) to step up and act on the befalling education system of the country following its recent social listening report on World Teachers’ Day that reveals “education crisis” as the most widely-engaging topic across all social media and non-social media platforms ahead of the month-long celebration. Capstone-Intel is a high-impact research company that uses innovative research technologies, tools, and methods to convert data and information into breakthrough insights and actionable intelligence outputs. It is committed to helping its clients solve problems, find solutions, grow markets and constituencies, build reputations, navigate risks, manage crises, and be the country’s leading private research and intelligence agency. A recent social listening report from Capstone-Intel Corp. revealed that the topic “education crisis” reported an interaction share of 77.6 percent across all social and non-social media platforms, which indicates that audiences are primarily talking and interacting on the topic. “This data illustrates the perception on the state of the education crisis in the country which was related to educational crisis. This would mean that the government should give its full attention to provide accessible and quality education for all,” said Atty. Nick Conti, Capstone-Intel Corporation’s Chief of Public Affairs. The social listening report was conducted from August 1 to September 8, 2023, which covers key events in the education sector particularly Brigada Eskwela, the opening of classes, and the launch of the annual World Teachers’ Month celebration. The report did not specify the primary issues of education in the country but recent data from DepEd shows Philippine classroom shortage has risen to 159,000. Conti drew attention to a critical issue, and it is reassuring to observe that the government has recognized the urgency of the matter. According to DepEd, the projected shortfall of classrooms for the upcoming year can be addressed by allocating close to P400 billion, which is nearly 7 percent of the proposed P5.768-trillion National Expenditure Program for the year 2024. This significant amount is necessary to ensure that sufficient classrooms and facilities are provided to accommodate the needs of students and educators. “We understand that the lack of classrooms can lead to overcrowding, making it difficult for students to focus and learn effectively. The education system is complex, and there are many factors that need to be considered to ensure that it is effective,” Conti added. The public affairs chief also believes that the development of an education system involves more than just having enough funds. “Aside from funding, students should receive high-quality education, which is the most critical of all. As new technologies such as AI continue to emerge and the education landscape evolves, it is crucial that teachers have equal and inclusive opportunities for training, professional development, and access to technology,” Conti noted. “A well-developed education system is an essential component of a successful economy. Education is the key to unlocking the potential of the population, and a highly educated workforce can lead to increased productivity, innovation, and economic growth. Education is not only necessary for individuals to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce, but it also contributes to the development of a robust, dynamic economy,” he added.
