The Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988, also known as Republic Act No. 6655, is a Philippine law that aims to provide free public secondary education to all Filipino citizens. It was signed into law on June 11, 1988 by President Corazon Aquino, and it came into effect on July 1, 1988.
Before the Free Public Secondary Education Act was passed, access to secondary education in the Philippines was limited to those who could afford to pay for it. This created a significant barrier for many students, particularly those from low-income families, to continue their education beyond elementary school. The passage of this law was a major milestone in the Philippine education system, as it allowed more students to pursue their education and improve their chances of achieving their career goals.
Under the Free Public Secondary Education Act, all public secondary schools in the Philippines are required to provide free education to all students, regardless of their socio-economic background. This includes tuition, miscellaneous fees, and other school-related expenses. The act also provides for the construction and repair of secondary school facilities, and the hiring of additional teachers to meet the increased demand for education.
The Free Public Secondary Education Act has had a significant impact on the Philippine education system. It has helped to increase the enrollment and retention rates in secondary schools, particularly among low-income and disadvantaged students. It has also helped to reduce the dropout rate, as more students are able to afford to continue their education beyond elementary school.
However, the implementation of the Free Public Secondary Education Act has also faced some challenges. One of the main challenges is the lack of sufficient funding to cover the costs of providing free education to all students. As a result, some schools have had to rely on donations and other forms of external support to meet their needs. Additionally, there have been issues with overcrowding and lack of resources in some schools, as the increased enrollment has put a strain on existing facilities and resources.
Despite these challenges, the Free Public Secondary Education Act has had a positive impact on the education system in the Philippines. It has helped to increase access to education and improve the quality of education for all students. It has also helped to create a more equal and inclusive education system, where all students have the opportunity to pursue their education and achieve their goals.
