Philippines embracing vouchers for education

The Asian Development Bank has announced:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $300 million loan to the Philippines to support sweeping reforms, spearheaded by the government, to the school system, with a focus on the addition of two years of senior high school.

“These major changes are designed to improve educational outcomes and better prepare students for both work and further education and training, as part of the government’s broader push for more inclusive growth,” said Norman LaRocque, Principal Education Specialist in ADB’s Southeast Asia Department. “ADB’s assistance will target improvements at the senior high school level including curriculum development, new school infrastructure and a voucher program to help students with tuition costs.” …

The ADB loan to the Philippines is the fourth results-based lending program approved by ADB, and the first in Southeast Asia and the Philippines. Results-based lending links disbursements directly to the achievement of program results. The loan complements other ADB support being provided to improve employment outcomes for youth in the Philippines.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2013, ADB assistance totaled $21.0 billion, including co-financing of $6.6 billion.

The voucher system will allow senior students to decide where to study, and the funding will follow them. A good way to get results. I understand 800,000 students will get vouchers.