SEAMEO INNOTECH Leads the Launch of the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2023 – Philippine Version
Manila, Philippines – SEAMEO INNOTECH, in collaboration with the SEAMEO Secretariat, UNESCO, and the Department of Education, officially launched the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2023 – Philippine Version on February 20, 2025. The event brought together education leaders, policymakers, and advocates to discuss technology’s role in shaping inclusive and sustainable education in Southeast Asia.
SEAMEO INNOTECH Centre Director Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago delivers the opening remarks.
SEAMEO INNOTECH Centre Director, Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago, formally opened the event by emphasizing the persistent digital divide and the need for evidence-based strategies to harness technology’s potential in education.
“This event is not merely the launch of a report; it serves as a platform for meaningful discussions, the exchange of best practices, and the establishment of stronger partnerships that will drive transformative change in education,” Dr. Ravago stated.
SEAMES Deputy Director for Programme and Development John Arnold Siena relays the message of SEAMES Director Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim.
Highlighting the importance of regional collaboration, SEAMEO Secretariat (SEAMES) Director Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim, through a message delivered by SEAMES Deputy Director for Programme and Development John Arnold Siena, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all Southeast Asian citizens through education, science, and culture.
“To achieve this vision, we have identified several priority areas, one of which is the advancement of 21st-century skills among learners and citizens, particularly in navigating education technology and digital competencies. Technology has become an integral component of daily life, especially in education, where it serves not only as a tool but also as a catalyst for innovation and progress,” Dr. Habibah emphasized.
Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara delivers his keynote speech.
Building on this, Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara delivered a keynote message reinforcing the report’s value as a crucial benchmark for assessing the Philippine education sector’s standing in the region.
“This document serves as our rearview mirror, providing an assessment of our position within the regional education landscape. It raises a fundamental question: On whose terms is technology being implemented? As we advance digital transformation, we must remain cognizant of the realities faced by both learners and educators,” Secretary Angara stated.
He further emphasized that education policies must cater to the diverse needs of learners, from urban students with strong connectivity to those in remote rural communities with limited digital access. “Technology is not merely a trend we pursue—it is an essential instrument in shaping the future of education.”
UNESCO Senior Policy Officer and Thematic Lead Anna Cristina D’Addio shares her speech in a video message.
The discussions were further deepened by UNESCO Senior Policy Officer and Thematic Lead Anna Cristina D’Addio, who, in a video message, reinforced the report’s significance in shaping global education policies.
“I am confident that today’s distinguished speakers will provide invaluable insights. I would like to underscore the importance of this event, which goes beyond the presentation of findings to serve as a forum for critical discussion. The recommendations outlined in the report are anchored in the realities of the region and the global education landscape, advocating for curriculum reforms that meaningfully integrate technology to ensure that no learner is left behind,” D’Addio stated.
Key Findings from the GEM Report 2023
SEAMES Deputy Director for Programme and Development John Arnold Siena presents the key findings from the GEM Report.
SEAMES Deputy Director for Programme and Development John Arnold Siena presented key findings from the GEM Report, highlighting the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia. Internet use surged from 16% in 2004 to 70% in 2021, but access remains unequal, with wealthier students being eight times more connected than those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many teachers also struggle with ICT integration, limiting technology’s impact on learning.
The report stresses the need for quality assurance in digital content and policies that align technology use with curriculum objectives. Policymakers must ensure that digital tools are equitable, scalable, and sustainable to maximize their benefits. Siena underscored that technology should enhance, not replace, effective teaching practices.
Case Study for the Philippines GEM Report
President of Philippine Normal University Dr. Bert Tuga presents a case study for the Philippine GEM Report.
Dr. Bert Tuga, President of Philippine Normal University, presented a case study analyzing EdTech integration in the Philippines. He highlighted key challenges such as the digital divide, limited ICT infrastructure, and gaps in digital literacy among teachers and students. The study also noted governance and policy gaps that hinder effective EdTech adoption.
Despite these challenges, digital tools like Google Classroom and YouTube have helped enhance student engagement. However, Dr. Tuga emphasized the need for a national EdTech policy, stronger governance, and increased investment in digital infrastructure. He stressed that collaboration among the government, private sector, and higher education institutions is crucial to advancing digital learning in the country.
Panel Discussion
The panel discussion aimed to explore how different sectors—NGO, government, private industry, and academia—leverage technology to enhance education and workforce development. By bringing together experts from these diverse fields, the discussion sought to identify key challenges, share best practices, and propose actionable strategies for integrating technology into learning environments.
PBSP Executive Director Elvin Ivan Uy leads the discussion to represent the NGO sector.
Elvin Ivan Uy, Executive Director of PBSP, highlighted the increasing demand for intermediate to advanced digital skills, emphasizing the need for upskilling and reskilling to keep pace with automation and AI. He called for stronger collaboration between education and business to prepare a future-ready workforce.
NITESD-TESDA Assistant Executive Director Edward dela Rosa leads the discussion to represent the government sector.
Building on this, Edward dela Rosa, Assistant Executive Director of NITESD-TESDA, discussed the TESDA Online Program’s expansion from 40,000 to over 4 million users. He stressed TESDA’s commitment to flexible learning systems and clear implementation guidelines, ensuring accessible and scalable technical-vocational training nationwide.
Excelerate Technologies, Inc. Executive Director Cora Mendoza leads the discussion to represent the private sector.
Adding a private sector perspective, Cora Mendoza, Executive Director of Excelerate Technologies, Inc., emphasized the importance of balancing desirability, feasibility, and viability in tech integration. She underscored the need for digital literacy, ethical tech use, and holistic ICT support, including librarians and guidance counselors, to foster a safe and effective learning environment.
UPOU ICT Development Officer Dr. Reinald Pugoy leads the discussion to represent the academe sector.
Concluding the discussion, Dr. Reinald Pugoy, Director of the ICT Development Office at UP Open University, shared UPOU’s strategies for digital innovation, including AI-driven learner support, cybersecurity training, and AR/VR applications for experiential learning. He advocated for open educational resources and sustained collaboration between academia and policymakers to ensure inclusive digital transformation.
Reflections from Teachers and Learners
Teachers and learners across Southeast Asia shared their experiences on how technology has become an integral part of education. Many students rely on both mobile devices and computers for learning, using the internet to research, translate unfamiliar words, and complete academic activities. Teachers also highlighted how digital tools enable them to create interactive lessons and facilitate more engaging classroom experiences. However, they expressed the need for better access to reliable digital resources and enhanced technological support to optimize learning outcomes.
Culiat High School student shares her insights about the report.
A student from Culiat High School, Quezon City, Philippines shared their perspective on technology’s impact on education, emphasizing both opportunities and challenges. They stated, “Akin pong inaasahan na nawa’y maging dahilan ang UNESCO GEM Report 2023 upang buksan ang mata at isipan ng iba’t ibang kagawaran o sektor, pribado man o pampubliko, upang mas matulungan nito ang mga kabataang walang access sa edukasyon sa pamamagitan ng makabagong teknolohiya. Dahil naniniwala po ako na pagdating sa edukasyon, walang kabataan ang dapat naiiwan.”
UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Secretary General Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares delivers the closing remarks.
Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares, Secretary General of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, formally closed the ceremony. He emphasized that the integration of technology in education goes beyond mere innovation. He highlighted its role in addressing key concerns such as equity, inclusion, access, quality, and efficiency.
SEAMEO INNOTECH remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing inclusive and technology-driven education across Southeast Asia. By leveraging the insights and recommendations from the GEM Report 2023, SEAMEO INNOTECH will continue to champion policies and initiatives that empower learners and educators in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
