- The Spaniards introduced the Spanish language as the primary medium of instruction.
- Emphasis on religion (Catholicism) and moral education as part of the curriculum.
- Education was primarily reserved for the elite and educated class, catering to the needs of colonial administrators and the ruling class.
2. Higher education institutions:
- Founded the University of Santo Tomas in 1611, the oldest university in Asia, offering courses in theology, philosophy, law, medicine, and arts.
- Other colleges and seminaries were founded in Manila and various parts of the Philippines.
3. Emphasis on vocational education:
- Practical training and skills development were promoted, with vocations such as carpentry, tailoring, and metalworking being emphasized.
4. Primary and secondary education:
- Established primary and secondary schools, often attached to religious institutions or private individuals who provided basic education and literacy.
5. Education of indigenous populations:
- Limited education opportunities for indigenous groups; often focused on conversion to Catholicism and learning practical skills for integration into Spanish-controlled regions.
6. Gender disparity in education:
- Education was primarily restricted to males, with limited access for women. Women's education was often focused on religious instruction and practical household management skills.
7. Language of instruction:
- Spanish was the dominant language of instruction, gradually replacing indigenous languages and dialects.
8. Influences on Philippine culture:
- Spanish influences remain evident in Philippine language, arts, literature, music, and some cultural practices adopted during the Spanish colonial period.
The influence of the Spanish educational system in the Philippines laid the foundation for future education developments and shaped the educational landscape during the Spanish colonial era, which extended from the 16th to the late 19th century.