This quarter's Development Research News focuses on strengthening the Philippine education system by tackling persistent gaps in equity, quality, and governance. The banner article explores how school bullying contributes to learning deficits and economic losses. Another article on teacher education flags a “tick-box culture” in quality assurance and uneven access to Centers of Excellence, recommending harmonized standards, better incentives, and modernized curricula. Expanding the lens on early childhood care and development, one article emphasizes the vital roles of siblings, grandparents, and household helpers. Another article discusses the trifocal education system, proposing the establishment of an independent oversight body to enhance coordination, accountability, and policy coherence. A study on public higher education institutions (HEIs) identifies gaps in teacher supply and infrastructure, recommending reforms in hiring, funding, and program design. Meanwhile, an evaluation of the Tertiary Education Subsidy program finds poor targeting and insufficient support for the poorest students, suggesting better prioritization and alignment with actual needs. To boost global competitiveness, one article proposes a tiered strategy for HEI internationalization. An article on the Alternative Learning System reveals severe resource shortages and high pupil-teacher ratios, calling for urgent investment and stronger monitoring. This issue also features an article celebrating the role of the Socioeconomic Research Portal for the Philippines in promoting open access to research publications and empowering stakeholders with evidence-based knowledge. Rounding out the issue is an infographic on child immunization.
