Many Philippine educational and political leaders believe the nation is facing a crisis in education. This study focuses on the struggle of educators to develop excellence in higher education. E. Nelson Swinerton analyzes educational policy issues both under consideration and in implementation. He examines the expansion of access; national and regional development; quality undergraduate and graduate education; faculty development; budgetary resources; educational leadership; and institutional and system policy planning and coordination. His analysis of major educational policies draws upon scholarly publications, field data, government reports, and personal interviews with many educational and governmental leaders from 1983 to 1990. Swinerton's study provides a useful knowledge base for studying other emerging nations facing rapid social and economic growth.

Philippine Higher Education: Toward the 21st Century analyzes key educational policy issues in the Philippines: broadening access, creating new university curricula, extending community outreach, upgrading faculty credentials, developing leadership, improving governance and budgetary procedures, responding to manpower and applied research needs, and developing an integrated system of higher education.