THREADING THE GAPS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW OF CHALLENGES IN HOME ECONOMICS AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION (HELE) IN THE PHILIPPINES

This study systematically reviews the current state of Home Economics and Livelihood Education (HELE) in the Philippines, with a strong focus on curriculum relevance, teacher capacity, and socioeconomic influences. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, the review analyzed 20 peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2025. Findings reveal a significant misalignment between the intended curriculum and actual classroom practices, characterized by outdated content, insufficient instructional materials, and a lack of integration of digital and entrepreneurial competencies. Teachers encounter barriers such as limited training opportunities and inadequate institutional support, while socioeconomic disparities negatively affect student engagement and performance. This review emphasized the urgent need for curriculum reforms, enhanced teacher development, and equitable resource distribution to ensure HELE’s effectiveness in equipping students with real-life and livelihood-oriented skills.