We live in a society that constantly ignores the importance of education. The adage “education is a right, not a privilege” is deliberately being put aside because of many problems ordinary people face every day. Education is fast becoming some sort of extravagance only for those who can afford it. While our country does offer free education, it is only the rich who can say that theirs is meaningful and worthwhile compared to  the way students learn in some public schools. Add to that are issues facing public school teachers in the midst of existing laws that cater mostly to the protection of school children.

            Teachers are often caught in a crossfire as to where the state of education in our country is heading. Teachers are praised for their dedication to the profession, but are criticized when what they do displeases the public, especially when these incidents are caught by  the media. Parents, in particular, are far more concerned with the security of their children rather than communicating with the teachers on how to be respectful to those in authority. Teachers nowadays are under constant pressure in almost every aspect of their job – the workload, the high demands of their superiors, and everything that society expects from them, the schools are not subsidized well, and the teachers earn meagre salary for all their hard work. Gone are the days when teachers just go by their days inside the classroom with their pupils, learning all essential knowledge that will empower them as they grow into meaningful individuals the country will rely on.

            Children are, indeed, the hope of the nation. However when problems arise, the flame of hope gradually being put out by means of their air of frustration and disappointment in the system. One only needs to look beyond the status of education in our country. We can only move forward if we all want progress to take.

By: EDGAR P. CARBONILLA | Teacher II | Luakan National High School