Number of elementary, high school dropouts rising – lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines - The number of elementary and high school dropouts has risen, reaching 4.8 million or an 11 percent increase since 2012, according to a senior administration lawmaker.

Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas has expressed concern over the weekend that the number of out-of-school youths, both in primary and secondary levels, will steadily increase because of poverty.

“While the government has implemented numerous programs to make education more accessible to the youth, more programs need to be done to ensure that Filipino students are able to complete their basic education,” Vargas said.

This is why, he said, the government, through the Department of Education, should introduce night classes for elementary and high school students who have dropped out to keep them in school and provide them with “complete basic education.”  

Vargas’ House Bill 1825 cited DepEd statistics showing the “rising dropout rate” among high school students.

The measure aims to institutionalize the opening of night shift classes using existing high school and elementary school facilities all over the country.

Vargas said high school dropouts often cite the high cost of education or dire need for employment to financially support their families.

Having evening classes offers a viable option for Filipino high school students to continue their studies while fulfilling their other obligations, or helping their families earn a living during daytime.

The night high school shall offer general secondary education proper based on a DepEd approved curriculum.