O v e r c r o w d e d
classrooms, insufficient
learning time, inadequately designed learning spaces, and teacher dissatisfaction pose challenges to
the Philippine education
system.
The challenges
faced by the Philippine
education system are multifaceted. With inadequate
time for instruction, students are unable to grasp
concepts thoroughly, leading to a compromised
educational experience.
Non-conducive learning
environments contribute to
an atmosphere that hampers intellectual growth.
These challenges not only
impact students’ academic
performance but also the
job satisfaction of teachers, who navigate these
obstacles daily.
Believing in the
power of education, the
SM group, through the
collaboration of SM Prime
and SM Foundation, continuously builds school
buildings to help address
the challenges faced by
the education system in
the Philippines. A testament to this is the school
building they recently built
at the Laguna Resettlement Community School
(LRCS).
Beyond
the structure
LRCS has a
sheer number of over
2,600 students packed
into 52 classrooms, which
Principal Rosalie Mabale
says affects the performance of the learners
and the job satisfaction of
teachers.
The school day
for some pupils in grades
1 and 2 extends until 6 pm,
an unusually late hour for
elementary school. This
extended schedule leads
to long working hours for
teachers, leaving them
with limited time to provide
additional support to students who need it most.
“The intervention
classes are very important
as we intervene with the
problems that may come
along the way of learning.
Ginagawa natin ito para
hindi pa man dumarating
ang problema, nabibigyan
na natin ng solusyon,”
Principal Rosalie shared,
adding that lack of facilities hamper them from
providing the quality of education they hope to give.
“Let’s say you
have learners who are
non-readers or non-numerates at natutukan sila
dahil mayroon kang maayos na silid-aralan. Through
this, masasabi mong you
were able to make a difference in the lives of the
learners kapag natuto silang magbasa at magsulat. Mabo-boost natin ang
kanilang academic performance at maiiwasan natin
ang bullying, na siyang
makakatulong sa kanilang
mental health,” she added.
By providing spacious and well-equipped
facilities, students now
have room for growth,
fostering an environment
conducive to effective
learning. The expansion of
school infrastructures has
allowed LRCS to end class
shifts in second grade,
ensuring that students receive the adequate learning time necessary for a
more comprehensive education.
Napakalaking factor na makakauwi na ang mga bata ng mas maaga at makakapahinga ang mga teachers sa tamang oras. Malaking factor ito sa mental health,
quality of education, academic performance, and overall wellness of the children and
teachers,” she smiled.
For LRCS, their new school building goes beyond the physical structure—
it’s a symbol of something
that is built to last.
“This building is
not just about the school
structure or the conducive
learning environment. Ang
pinakamalaking epekto
nito ay nasa pagkatao
ng mga bata. Through
this building, they will be
reminded that they are
the next generation and
the future leaders of the
country, and they, too, can
help the community they
belong to,” she shared.
“Through their programs,
they are making a difference in the lives of every
Filipino learner, especially here in LRCS. Having
this building helps nurture
better individuals as they
see that they belong to a
community that genuinely
cares for them. Initiatives
like this help them learn
about civic responsibility.
When learners achieve
their goals in the future,
they will remember the
value of giving back to the
community,” she added.
it’s a symbol of something
that is built to last.
“This building is
not just about the school
structure or the conducive
learning environment. Ang
pinakamalaking epekto
nito ay nasa pagkatao
ng mga bata. Through
this building, they will be
reminded that they are
the next generation and
the future leaders of the
country, and they, too, can
help the community they
belong to,” she shared.
“Through their programs,
they are making a difference in the lives of every
Filipino learner, especially here in LRCS. Having
this building helps nurture
better individuals as they
see that they belong to a
community that genuinely
cares for them. Initiatives
like this help them learn
about civic responsibility.
When learners achieve
their goals in the future,
they will remember the
value of giving back to the
community,” she added.
