The University of the Philippines College of Education (UP CEd) called on the next Department of Education chief to exert “a serious, sustained, and concerted effort” to overcome the education crisis that it said the Philippines is facing.
The unit’s statement was released last May 12 – a day after President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. announced the appointment of Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio as the country’s next education secretary, succeeding Leonor Briones.
“Problems that have hounded Philippine education have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic which necessitated measures that affected the learning of students. Quality of teaching remains a serious problem. Resources are scant. Teachers continue to be overworked and underpaid. Access to education is not inclusive, with students in some areas benefiting from better support while those in far flung areas receiving very little assistance,” the institution said.
The UP CEd then emphasized the need to fight fake news and historical distortions as well as protecting the youth’s right to free speech. “The new Secretary should commit to protecting our people’s history that documents both our hardships and hard-won triumphs. Therefore, the next education leader should ensure the teaching of history based on facts and not myths and subjective interpretations,” it said.“Our education leader should value and protect our youth’s expression of beliefs and critical stance on important issues because this is a clear manifestation of the successful achievement of our education’s goal in developing citizens who are critical thinkers and protectors of our democratic processes,” the unit added.
Article VII, section 3 of the 1987 Constitution states that the President can appoint the Vice President as a member of the cabinet, and that this appointment does not require the approval of the Commission on Appointments. Prior to Duterte’s appointment as education secretary, her three most recent predecessors – Noli de Castro, Jejomar Binay, and Leni Robredo – were all appointed as Housing Secretary.
About Author
The Filipino Scribe (TFS) is managed by Mark Pere Madrona, a multi-awarded writer and licensed professional teacher from the Philippines.
Mr. Madrona earned his master’s degree in history from the University of the Philippines-Diliman last 2020. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in journalism cum laude from the same university back in 2010. His area of interests includes Philippine journalism, history, and politics as well as social media.
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