Education is a virtue that no one can steal or in Filipino “Edukasyon ay ang yaman na di mananakaw ng sino man”… this is a phrase that is as old as time is self, a phrase that holds it truth… until when?

In the fast phase of the modern world, everything seems to be inclined to face an uplift, may it be on value or at its cost… in such an age, Education  is the raft that can save the next generation from drowning. But whatif the raft turned to a yacht and the cost of the salvation seemed to be out of reach… what then? What more can an ordinary Filipino hold?

This is problem that arises as the pilot years of the K-12 education launch.

Outside the Educational sector, people may think that the added years in high school is nothing but added length in which students will study. But no, it is more than just that, K-12 senior high requires special needs for its vocational and technical offers, a facility not most public schools have. Without those facilities and equipment how can the courses suffice its purpose?

The K-12 curriculum aims for a higher standard of education, elevating the quality of graduates that the country produces to ensure the rise of employment rate. The curriculum also aspires to heighten the chances of ‘undergrad’ students or those who can’tstudy collage on landing a good job.  But how can the program do such, if there are lack of proper materials and lack of trained teachers to accommodate the said courses? It is true that the graduates of the said curriculum will be given TESDA certificates to prove that they indeed graduated from the program. But will it be enough?

Today, 45% of ‘collage’ graduates are unemployed or underemployed. Meaning almost half of the graduates from the previous year’s either had no job or is working but not applying their degree.

Why do you think is that? It because in the real world finding a good job that pays well is far from easy, there are a lot to consider other than diplomas and certificates.

If you are well off in life this will not be a problem. There are private schools that offer quality senior high-school programs. But how about those who cannot afford? The government’s answer to that are vouchers. This are certificate/gift card like promissory note that enables students a grant of P18,000 for their school fees if ever they choose a private school. Amazing right?

Well, not to be negative but in the Philippines there are thousands of students that will be taking senior high. How can the government supply those students with a few thousand pesos every semester? Seems to be a bit wistful thinking, don’t you think?

Now, can we really think that education is a fair chance in this country when the value of education also depends on what you can pay? It is true that there are students that are financially challenged that still persevere against the odds, but how hard should it be for an indigent to attain the education that by rights should be given to them? 

By: Florinda A. Mendoza | Teacher III | Limay National High School | Limay, Bataan