IT IS A LONG time since we had a serious debate about our education system and how it can be improved. This was in 2012 when the Department of Education (DepEd) spoke in terms of having of a ‘globally competitive’ education environment. There was also talk about trying to ensure that graduates from our schools would be more attractive to employers.
The implementation of our revised education system has not demonstrably provided success in either of these areas.
An interesting recent development was recently proposed by business leader Manuel V. Pangilinan who has suggested that the private sector invests in the education of information technology (IT) students to support the country’s substantial need for computer literate graduates.
I agree. Furthermore, I believe that the private sector could work successfully with academic institutions on issues such as curriculum design. This would lead our graduating students to become more employable.
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Vice President and DepEd Secretary has, last week, produced a second Departmental Order which purports to promote “Professionalism in the Implementation and Delivery of Basic Education Programs and Services.”
I am not sure why this document has been produced. Last week’s missive said:
“It is the policy of DepEd to promote effective and efficient policies and programs. To realize this, DepEd should be free from any partisan activities. As such, this Office reminds the officials and employees to practice the highest form of professionalism…”
Ho hum.
This document (DepEd Order No. 49) is not helpful.
I wonder whether the important and busy office of the Vice President should also include the huge responsibilities of the Department of Education. I believe that DepEd should be headed by someone who has a deep understanding of the issues necessary to improve education standards in the country. What we also need is for our teachers to believe that their sterling work is supported and encouraged by empathetic management.
Instead we have House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro asserting that DepEd Order 49 muzzles teachers’ freedom of speech.
Castro says that DepEd should focus on other problems such as a shortage of classrooms, lack of support for teachers, and the worsening crisis in education.
Agreed.
I believe that effective efforts should be made to ensure that teachers become more upbeat. This means that the issues Castro raises, especially the alleged lack of support for teachers, should be fully and publicly explored without fear of unpleasant consequences which are implied by the recent Departmental Order.
Parents are aware as to how much is owed to our hard-working teachers.
Perhaps we should become more articulate. After all, we are immune to Sara’s strictures!/PN
