Deepening learning crisis: Why candidates should make education a priority

Amid a deepening learning crisis affecting millions of Filipino students, an advocacy group urged candidates in the 2025 elections to prioritize reforms in the country's struggling education system.

- By MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

In a statement, the industry-led advocacy group Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) called on both national and local candidates to make education a central part of their policy agendas for the upcoming elections.

"It is time to rise above politics and champion education," PBEd Executive Director Hanibal Camua said.

"We urge the candidates to present concrete plans and real solutions that address the learning crisis, workforce readiness, and systemic reforms," he added.

PBEd's appeal comes as Philippine schools continue to grapple with long-standing challenges that affect the quality of education and student outcomes.