THE role of teachers has become even more important during the pandemic. It has disrupted education for 1.6 billion learners globally—including about 27.7 million Filipino students. Learning has shifted to remote modalities, and educators had to act quickly.
Having trained as a teacher decades ago, I never imagined how much the profession would change. Yet, the integral role educators play in our lives remains the same. They are one of the most important influences on a child’s future outside the family. Gadgets and the Internet boost learning, but they simply can’t replace teachers.
Australia believes supporting teachers is a critical long-term investment which will ensure a qualified and skilled work force, and a prosperous Philippines. Quality teaching produces better performing students and subsequently, better performing workers.
Through its development programs, my country has been supporting the Department of Education (DepEd) with teacher training and critical improvements in the curriculum. Combined with continued perseverance and innovation of local teachers, these education quality reforms aim to enhance Filipino children’s learning.
Through the Sustaining Education Reform Gains project, Australia is working with Save the Children and DepEd to upgrade teacher/professional-development programs, while improving the quality of teaching and learning across the Philippines.
In the Bangsamoro, Australia’s Education Pathways to Peace Program is supporting trainee teachers in securing their qualifications by providing tailored training focused on peace, local languages, and inclusion. We are supporting the development of quality teaching materials not only to aid remote learning delivery, but also prepare for the return of face-to-face teaching in schools, which we hope will occur soon.
Australia has long been a supporter of education in the Philippines. This dates back to 1952 when the first Filipino Colombo Plan scholar, Dr. Dionisia Rola—a teacher—studied at the University of Melbourne. To date more than 4,000 Filipinos, including many teachers, have graduated from Australian universities through Australia Awards scholarships. Since 2005 248 Australia-trained scholars have utilized their Australian training to enhance the Philippine education system. These include Education Undersecretaries Diosdado San Antonio and Jesus Mateo.
During a recent visit to Cebu, I met three former scholars who were supported by Australia and the Philippine Business for Education to obtain teaching qualifications. Public-school teachers Annabelle, Roselyn and Jovanni are now ensuring that students will keep learning during the pandemic by supporting parents with limited education to guide children’s learning. Like our health-care workers, these Filipino teachers are also “frontline heroes.”
A trial of pandemic-safe face-to-face learning is underway. As the new school year progresses—remotely and in-person—we remain committed to our education partnership with the Philippines, especially in support of teachers. As the saying goes: “A good education can change anyone; a good teacher can change everything.”
Happy World Teachers’ Day, and a heartfelt “Thank you!” to all teachers.
