A study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) revealed major operational and systemic issues hampering the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), including a sharp increase in college dropout rates from 20% in 2019 to 41% in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The report cited low faculty development funding, unfilled CHEd positions, and persistent regional disparities in education quality as key challenges.
Despite increased government funding, public universities in Metro Manila continue to outperform those in other regions.
The study compared the Philippines unfavorably to ASEAN neighbors like Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia, which have implemented more successful reforms.
To address these issues, the authors recommend stronger staffing, digital monitoring, stakeholder consultation, and a shift from regulation toward developmental support.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 23, 2025
