Education here and now, at east in Northern Samar, is far below what education was for me, 30+ years ago in rural west Michigan at a school that was not thought well of. But, like when I was at that school, at lot depends on the student and the student's parents. A neighbor across the street has a family member who grew up in Catarman, went to school in Catarman, but as quick minded and had good knowledge. Because of that, he became a part of one of the top engineer firms in Manila for a few years before getting a job offer in Japan, then New Zeeland, then to a bigger job in New Zeeland that took him to Qatar then back to New Zeeland.
When he was in Japan, he was one of the lead engineers in the creation of the LRT2 in Manila.
I've talked to this man. He's a good and bright engineer. But, if you started talking about books and literature...forget it. Get into history and such and you see he lacks. He'll go quiet or switch topics.
So yes, there is a lot lacking in general education concerning K-12 level schooling. But, if you want to and work to rise to the top and take advantage of opportunities, you can become successful.
But, Hestecrefter, there is not equal status on what is earned in more cases than not. In the USA, a doctor in the Phils will not be given same status. The Dr. that I use here in Catarman left to the USA not long after college was complete. Spent nearly 30 years in Tampa Bay, Florida at the hospital rising to being he top nurse(Managing Nurse) in the hospital and was in charge of all the nurses in the entire hospital. But, unless he took classes and passed tests/exams...that was all the hire he could go...and he was happy with that. Meanwhile Tina's high school friend did the same thing, but took night classes while doing nursing and got his PA license. Then while a PA did more schooling to earn his MD. And the hospital paid for all his schooling. He never racked up any debt in the whole process and is now a doctor at a hospital in Maryland.
I think there is usually something along those lines concerning teaching. But I do know that for a few years when Washington DC couldn't find teachers wanting to teach there, they were grabbing teachers from the Philippines to teach at the inner city. I think they were just brought straight in. So even then there are exceptions.
My oldest son here in Catarman is really doing good in school now. Had struggles earlier, but now he's come around and is 2nd in his class. He was 24th just 2 years ago. So he's putting in the time and wants to go to school for Computer engineering. If he keeps his head on straight and focuses correctly...he will have the same opportunities to get out of the Phils and work his way up. I think that is good for him. But, he needs to "keep his nose to the grindstone" to make it happen.