In his 2022 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos Jr. talked about the need to improve education, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). He sees education as a key part of preparing Filipinos for the future—helping students get jobs in new industries and making the country more competitive on the global stage.

Substance of Marcos Jr.’s SONA on Education

Economic Survival and Opportunity: Marcos Jr. isn’t just talking about fixing schools. He’s saying that education should help people get real jobs in industries that are growing, like technology and engineering. Imagine a young student from a rural area who loves science but doesn’t have access to proper lab facilities. Marcos wants to change that by focusing on STEM education, so that these students can develop the skills they need to get jobs in fields that pay well and have lots of opportunities.

Why It Matters: If schools improve how they teach subjects like math and science, more students from different parts of the country will have a shot at well-paying jobs in fields like IT or engineering, which are in demand globally. This could mean a better future for many families who struggle financially.

A Focus on STEM: He’s also saying that the future economy of the Philippines will depend a lot on these fields. Right now, many students might not have access to the resources or teachers who specialize in these areas. By focusing on STEM, Marcos Jr. is trying to ensure that Filipinos won’t get left behind in the global economy where tech jobs are growing rapidly.

Real-Life Impact: Think about a student who dreams of becoming a software engineer. In a country that’s heavily focused on STEM, they might have access to better programs, more internships, and updated technology in schools. This focus means students will have more chances to succeed in tech-driven careers.

Global Competitiveness: Marcos Jr. also wants to make sure that students from the Philippines can compete with those from other countries. With education systems elsewhere already investing heavily in technology and modern teaching methods, this rhetoric is about ensuring Filipino students are ready to join the global workforce.

Relatable Example: A student graduating from a high school with a strong STEM program could be just as prepared to work for a tech company in Singapore or Silicon Valley as their counterparts from other countries. It means more options for Filipino graduates, whether they want to stay in the country or work abroad.

The Bigger Picture:

While this sounds promising, it’s important to ask: how will these goals be achieved? Improving STEM education doesn’t just happen because of a speech. It needs investment—better-trained teachers, modern classrooms, updated textbooks, and better internet access for students in rural areas. Right now, many schools don’t have the resources they need, and the teachers may not feel confident in teaching advanced STEM subjects.

The vision is there, and it’s inspiring because it speaks to real challenges that Filipino students face today—limited access to quality education and few opportunities in emerging industries. But for this rhetoric to truly make a difference, there has to be a plan for real change that makes these goals possible for everyone, not just students in well-funded schools.

Marcos Jr.’s focus on STEM education in his 2022 SONA is a step in the right direction, especially for preparing Filipinos for a world where tech jobs are booming. He sets ambitious social goals—making education a tool for economic progress and global competitiveness. But to turn this rhetoric into reality, we need to see concrete actions that reach every student, from the cities to the most remote areas of the Philippines.

Reference: Marcos, F. (2022). State of the Nation Address. Government of the Philippines.