The document summarizes the history of education in the Philippines during different periods of rule and governance. It outlines the aims, content and curriculum, and methods of education under Pre-Spanish, Spanish, American, Commonwealth, Japanese Occupation, and post-WWII Republic periods. Key contributions included the establishment of the first public education system in Asia under the Spanish, development of science/technology, spread of English and American ideals, strengthening of Filipino identity and nationalism, and emphasis on vocational and adult education.

1. Education Periods of the
Philippines

2. Pre-Spanish Period
Aims
The pre-Hispanic Filipinos’
education was appropriate for the
demands of the time. There was no
formal education system. Children
were raised by their parents
informally. Female children were
taught housekeeping, weaving,
basketry, and other agricultural-
related skills by their mothers.
Content and
Curriculum
The 3Rs—reading, writing, and
religion—were the focus of the
Spanish-devised curriculum.
Parochial or convent schools served
the students. The catecismo, the
caton, and the cartilla served as
the primary reading materials.
Methods
Education was informal,
unstructured, and methodless even
in pre-Magellanic periods. Less
emphasis was placed on the three
Rs and more on vocational training
for children by their parents and at
the homes of tribal instructors.
During the Spanish colonization,
significant changes were made to
the pre-Spanish educational
system.

3. Pre-Spanish Period
Contribution to the Philippine Educational System
- An important Factor in that transformation was Spanish education.
In addition to the first modern public education system in Asia,
which was established in 1863, the colonial era saw the creation of
the oldest universities, colleges, and vocational schools, some of
which date back to the late 16th century.

4. Spanish Period
Aims
Native populations were educated
and converted to Catholicism by
Spanish missionaries and friars. The
Leyes de Indias (Laws of the Indies)
of King Philip II required Spanish
authorities in the Philippines to
educate the locals and instruct
them in the Spanish language.
Content and
Curriculum
The students were instructed in a
variety of subjects, including
history, Latin, geography, algebra,
and philosophy. Co-education was
not practiced throughout the
Spanish era. Girls and boys
attended different schools. In the
Philippines, university education
began in the first half of the 17th
century.
Methods
Early on during Spanish
colonization, the Church controlled
most aspects of education. Native
populations were educated and
converted to Catholicism by Spanish
missionaries and friars.

5. Spanish Period
Contribution to the Philippine Educational System
- The development of science and technology in the archipelago was
aided by the colonization of the Philippines. The Spanish established
scientific institutions and introduced formal education. Early on in
the Philippines’ Spanish colonial era.

6. American Period
Aims
The promotion of democratic ideals
and a way of life, as well as the
formation of responsible citizens,
are the educational goals of the
American era.
Content and
Curriculum
There were three educational
levels throughout the American era.
Four primary years and three
intermediate years made up the
“elementary” level. Four years
made up the “secondary” or high
school level, and the final year was
the “college” or tertiary level.
Religion was not taught in the
schools’ curricula.
Methods
To instill in all students the
fundamental knowledge needed for
a life of independence. To assist
students in identifying and
enhancing their strengths while
strengthening their weaknesses. To
teach students about our shared
humanity while promoting
individuality.

7. American Period
Contribution to the Philippine Educational System
- Since it allowed the American colonial government to spread its
cultural values, particularly the English language, to the Filipino
people, education came to be seen as a very important issue. The
teaching of English and American history contributes to the
development of Filipino nationalism and a sense of national identity.

8. Commonwealth Period
Aims
Aims to foster moral character,
personal discipline, civic
conscience, and vocational
effectiveness, as well as to educate
citizenship duties
Content and
Curriculum
Vocational and adult education
were prioritized under the
Commonwealth. In accordance with
the mandate of the 1935
constitution, an organized effort to
develop a common national
language was also launched during
the Commonwealth regime.
Methods
Character education and citizenship
training were prioritized in the
curriculum.

9. Commonwealth Period
Contribution to the Philippine Educational System
- It strengthened Filipino moral fibers and allowed Filipinos to foster
a love of the country, particularly among the youth, when President
Quezon issued his famous Code of Ethics, which was required to be
taught in all schools.

10. Japanese Occupation
Aims
Aims to emphasize the importance
of job love and labor dignity.
Content and
Curriculum
Tagalog, Philippine history, and
character education were only
taught to Filipinos during the
Japanese occupation.
Methods
Censorship of textbooks and other
learning materials, popularization
of Japanese language to replace
English, and provision of courses in
agriculture, medicine, fisheries,
and engineering are some of the
methods used.

11. Japanese Occupation
Contribution to the Philippine Educational System
- Japan and the Philippines have a long history of development
collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, energy, marine
security, disaster management, agriculture, health, education, and
peace and development in Mindanao.

12. Education during the Republic (1945-1972)
Aims
Education aimed at bringing
democratic ideals and a way of life
to fruition.
Content and
Curriculum
The curriculum included a new
emphasis on community
development, occupation training,
democratic building, and social
orientation.
Methods
Morality, Cultural heritage, and
Religious instruction of Public
Schools.

13. Contribution to the Philippine Educational System
- Japan and the Philippines have a long history of development
collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, energy, marine
security, disaster management, agriculture, health, education, and
peace and development in Mindanao.