“EDUCATION is intertwined with national security,” so sayeth Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte.
But national security is not the exclusive preserve of DepEd.
National security needs a government-wide effort. This is well recognized by President Marcos. As a result, he has issued an executive order (EO) adopting and approving the National Security Policy (NSP) 2023-2028.
This means that the proposed P150 million intelligence/confidential fund for DepEd is not necessary.
We should listen to our teachers. Quite rightly they say that P150 million can build a lot of classrooms. This should not need to be said by our teachers. We expect leadership as to what is required to ensure that our education system is compatible with the fine precepts of our Constitution to come from DepEd.
In particular, the Constitution says (Art. XIV Sec. 3) says, “All education institutions shall include the study of the Constitution as part of the curricula. They shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, respect for human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and personal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge, and promote vocational efficiency.”
Sara Duterte is not telling us anything new.
Without rigorous supporting evidence, her desire for confidential (that is unjustified) expenditure is irrelevant.
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Brigada Eskwela
There is, however, much than can be done to improve conditions in our schools. Brigade Eskwela is well-established. As a purportedly volunteer activity, it is helpful in ensuring that when classes start on 29 August, schools will be able to provide reasonable accommodation for our students.
Brigade Eskwela was initiated early in the Aquino administration (2010-2016). Significant benefits were claimed in the early years. In fact, the volunteerism was quantified to produce savings of P1 billion. Good news. Later, however, anecdotal evidence suggested that it was not all due to volunteerism. Parents were allegedly told that enrollment would be made difficult if “voluntary” activities, such as painting classrooms were not carried out.
Anyhow, voluntary help, however acquired, is much appreciated, even through savings of P1 billion out of an education budget of around P1 trillion represents only 0.1 percent of the overall expenditure.
Let’s have a more upbeat education system!/PN
