By Nichole Therese Buyoc / PTV Public Affairs Intern
The debate on whether phasing out the culture of mass promotion of learners in public schools should be implemented or not is a controversial topic, especially for teachers who were pressured to avoid failing students. But does this solve or worsen the so-called hidden crisis in our country’s education system?
In its final report on basic education released on Jan. 26, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) said that about 30.5% of Grade 3 learners can read at grade level, with the number dropping sharply to 19.6% by Grade 6 and to as low as 0.4% by Grade 12.
In this week’s episode of “Iskoolmates,” students from Mariano Ponce National High School take center stage to discuss EDCOM II’s proposal to phase out mass promotion.
Representing the “pro side” are JL, Angel, and Rodge, while Allen, Kylle, and Josh defended the “con side”—arguing that mass promotion should continue.
Is promotion without skill okay?
The discussion kicked off with a question: “Mass promotion para sa mga estudyante sa buong bansa, dapat o hindi dapat?”
Starting the debate, JL stressed that mass promotion should not be encouraged. She explained that this may result in mediocrity and learners may not be encouraged to study.
“I believe that mass promotion should not be encouraged in our country because if I knew that I would still pass my classes and be promoted to the next grade level whether or not I learned or understood my lessons, I would decide to not pass anything, to not study anything, and it would encourage mediocrity, it would encourage students to be more lazy, and it would make them not learn anything,” she said.
Allen, on the other hand, argued that mass promotion serves as a “second chance” for students who are left behind by the system.
Iskoolmates host Trisha Bersano then asked about the importance of mass promotion for students.
JL pointed out that mass promotion is not important, underscoring the need for students to absorb the lessons at a specific grade level first before being promoted. She highlighted that, “You can’t take the second step without taking the first one.”
Allen reiterated that interventions like mass promotion are needed to help students “who are left behind by the system,” noting that not all students learn the same way and not all students can adapt to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) standards.
Self-esteem vs. academic competence
The debate continued with the question: “Nakakatulong nga ba ang mass promotion ng mga estudyante na ma-lessen ang drop outs and repetition cases ng mga estudyante sa ating bansa?”
Kylle argued that mass promotion helps protect a student’s self-esteem and mental well-being. With that being said, students are more likely to drop out when repeating classes are experienced.
Angel stated that it does help with the statistics, yet questioned Kylle about sugarcoating the real issue. “Yes, komportable ang estudyante, may self-worth nga siya, she feels good na naka-pasa siya, pero paano na in the future when she can’t keep up with the college system?”
Kylle justified his stand about prioritizing a student’s well-being, but for Angel it is just a short-term comfort—stressing that students should rather think of long-term improvement.
Impact on teachers and support systems
Host Trisha then asked, “With the mass promotion, how does it benefit the students and the teacher?”
Rodge began his statement by explaining that teachers are affected when students are not able to keep up in their certain level.
Josh, on the other hand, highlighted that students are not left behind, noting that there are initiatives aimed at helping students keep pace with their lessons.
But a question here lies: Does this situation demoralize teachers or motivate them?
“It motivates them,” Josh said. Seeing students eager and willing to pass and learn, mass promotions give a chance for students to improve and keep up with their level.
Reforming the System or Retaining the Practice
Given the chance to summarize their stand, JL said, “I strongly believe that we should end mass promotion right here and right now and we should focus more on fixing the education system from the bottom to the top, because kung sa simula pa lang naayos na ang education system, kung sa simula palang nagfo-focus na yung mga bata sa pagbabasa, hindi na natin kailangan ang mass promotion.”
Allen stated that the basis of knowledge in our society is the number of passers rather than the number of students learning—with that, the importance of mass promotion is highlighted without changing the system.
This episode pointed out the educational practice in our society. The discussion revealed that while mass promotion may help students progress and avoid repetition, it also raises concerns about unresolved learning gaps and academic readiness—highlighting the need for long-term solutions within the education system rather than short-term fixes.
—bjlc/av
