The Stratbase Institute yesterday called for urgent expansion of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to address critical digital transformation gaps in the Philippine education system.
“As we work to close the physical classroom gap—estimated by the Department of Education (DepEd) at nearly 159,000 classrooms by 2028—we must also modernize how learning takes place within those classrooms,” said Stratbase president Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit.
“This means expanding PPPs to include not just infrastructure, but digital content, training, and capacity-building.”
Manhit said private sector involvement should move beyond one-off donations and instead focus on long-term, strategic collaboration.
“We need structured partnerships that bring in digital innovations—learning platforms, teacher support systems, and blended learning models—especially in underserved communities,” he said. “Such cooperation should begin in the planning phase and continue through execution to ensure integration and impact.”
Digital inclusion, Manhit noted, is no longer just about providing internet access. It is about enabling students and teachers to use digital tools effectively across all subjects—from language and science to social studies and the arts.
“Digital tools can help learners build comprehension and teachers track and respond to learning gaps in real time,” he added.
Recent PISA scores underscore the urgency, with Filipino students still performing poorly in creative and analytical thinking.
“This is not merely an education issue—it’s an economic and technological challenge. If we are to compete globally, we must embed digital learning meaningfully across disciplines,” said Manhit.
