Beyond the Big 4: The Truth About Class and Education in the Philippines

Elite Education in the Philippines: Gateway or Gatekeeping?

Throughout most of Philippine history, higher education belonged only to the rich. From the ilustrados who went abroad to study in Europe in the Spanish period, to the pensionados who were sent to the United States during the American period, education was never merely about learning—it was about class.

Even now, our education system is still reflective of that truth. The better schools are still pricey and exclusive, while most Filipinos are stuck with under-funded public schools. As sociologist Dr. Lorenzana explains:

"Schools are a proxy for social class identity. The way this works as a class practice is through the process of distinction."

In other words, schools don't just educate. They sort. They define. They divide.

Education as Social Capital

Which "flavor" of elite education you receive often determines your career trajectory. Certain schools have a reputation for medicine, others law or business. Each one specializes, perpetuating the idea that education isn't about gaining knowledge—it's about gaining entry to opportunities.

This has implications:

• HR officers view the name of the school on a CV as a gauge of "quality."
• Networks created in elite schools become internships, employment, and promotions.
• Cultural capital—accents, mannerisms, even extracurriculums—marks class.
• The outcome? School reinforces inequality rather than eradicates it.

Rebuttal #1: "Everyone has equal access now, we have scholarships."

True, scholarships do exist. But they only serve a limited number of students, and most of them demand already solid academic backgrounds to start with. In the meantime, the rest still struggle through crowded classrooms, underpaid teachers, and archaic curricula in public schools.

Data Check: UNESCO (2022) indicates that the Philippines invests only 3.2% of its GDP in education, far from the recommended 6%. This constrains access and quality across the board. Scholarships will not make a dent in bridging the gap when the system is inherently unequal.

Rebuttal #2: "It's about merit, not money."

Education rewards talent and hard work in theory. Privilege tilts the table in practice. A student who attends a wealthy private school can score high marks on university entrance exams—not only due to aptitude, but because the private school paid for smaller class sizes, improved facilities, and test preparation.

Their equally able public school peers struggle with much fewer resources. Meritocracy is impossible without equal opportunity.

Rebuttal #3: "At least K-12 and CHED reforms make us job-ready."

The Education Department has made efforts to make K-12 "job market-ready," while CHED has pushed to lower general education requirements. The concept is to make employability more important than liberal arts.

But this sole focus can lead to schools becoming factories for low-wage jobs. A diploma that ensures only a ₱20,000 starting salary is not the life-changing promise of education—it's a compromise.

Education must not be merely about employment; it must be about self-empowerment, critical thinking, and civic engagement. Framing it as a pipeline for cheap labor devalues its real worth.

On Self-Worth Beyond the "Big 4"

What about those who don't hail from Ateneo, UP, La Salle, or UST? Are they bound for less? Maybe not.

Dr. Lorenzana's counsel pierces the illusion:

“To make it in this world, one needs to have realistic goals and survive. Do not resent yourself or society for your social situation. Learn the rules of the game.”

This means finding ways to build capital outside of school branding:

• Building a portfolio of actual work and skills.
• Leveraging online platforms for certifications and training.
• Expanding networks beyond school through organizations, volunteering, or freelance work.
• Prestige opens doors, but skills and hard work keep them open.

Last Thought

The Philippine education system is still highly bound to class identity. The "Big 4" and other elite universities continue to dominate channels to power and affluence. But education needs to be taken back not as a gatekeeper, but as a gateway—for all Filipinos, no matter the status.

We are not fated to an unfair system. But we cannot pretend that scholarships and ad hoc reforms suffice. True change calls for systemic reform: increased investment in public schools, more equitable hiring practices that don't discriminate based on alma mater, and a cultural shift that rewards competence over connections.

Until then, we play "the game." But maybe it's time we quit just playing by the rules—and began rewriting them.