Our Educational System

MANILA, Philippines - "Anti-poor" and "commercialized" are a damning way to describe and specify the country's education policies.

But that is exactly how some members of Congress see them and they are calling on the government to do something to quash such depiction of our educational system.

The Congress leaders, namely Rep. Raymond Palatino of the party-list Kabataan and Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan of Gabriela are hoping President Benigno Aquino III will step in to put a stop "to the commercialization of the country's educational system."

They are also seeking the restoration of budget cuts for state universities and colleges.

But they are not the only Congress leaders who are seeking education reforms. They are joined by some 100 more House members who signed a manifesto calling on President Aquino to increase the subsidy allocated for state colleges and universities.

Behind them are a huge gathering of students "protesting not merely to beg for a few crumbs from the state." They are demanding that the President reject the policy of reducing the role of government in providing higher education services to the youth.

The fact is, by providing financial assistance and other resources to the students, the government could at the same time help colleges and universities fortify and reinforce their leadership role in nation-building.

Surely, the needs are as endless as they are urgent in the education of the youth: Funding for extension and continuing education program, supporting undergraduate scholarship and work-study programs, developing institutions and strengthening them through faculty exchange proposals