DepEd objects to foreign control of schools via Cha-cha, cites national security risk

March 5, 2024 | 1:00pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education on Monday drew the line at allowing foreign “entities” to own schools in the Philippines as proposed in two Charter change resolutions, saying that the entry of 100% foreign-operated schools in basic education will pose a threat to students’ sense of nationality and the country’s national security.

Speaking at the House of Representatives’ Monday hearing on Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 7, DepEd Undersecretary Omar Romero said that they “strongly oppose” changing the Constitution to lift foreign ownership restrictions in basic education due to its “far-reaching” consequences — including whether DepEd can regulate what’s taught inside fully-foreign schools at all.

“The most basic question is: Will it allow foreign entities to teach?” Romero said, reading DepEd’s position paper on Charter change.

“It is essential that the Philippine curriculum is exclusively implemented by Filipino citizens. This ensures alignment with the specific needs and context of the country,” he added.

The 1987 Constitution currently allows the establishment of international sch