THE EDUCATIONAL landscape in Iloilo Province is not in good shape. It confronts the twin crises of classroom shortages and a widespread deficit in reading comprehension among students. Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.’s declaration of these concerns as a “matter of national emergency” is not hyperbole; it is an unvarnished truth that demands immediate, forceful action.
Consider the grim reality: an additional 400 classrooms are needed to merely meet the basic needs of the province’s learners. This shortage is a blight on our collective conscience, forcing children into cramped, inadequate learning spaces that compromise their education and their futures. It is an intolerable situation that underscores the need to prioritize our most valuable asset—our children.
Even more alarming is the profound deficiency in reading comprehension among students. With a staggering 73 percent of learners from Grades 4 to 11 performing below average, we are witnessing a generation at risk of being left behind. Reading is the cornerstone of all learning, and without it, our children’s educational journey is hobbled before it even begins. This is not just a failure; it is a travesty that we must rectify with all the urgency and resources at our disposal.
The provincial government’s multifaceted approach to these crises, including the mobilization of local government units, Department of Education, nongovernment organizations and other stakeholders, is a step in the right direction. The Bes Probins Program’s ambition to revolutionize Iloilo’s educational system through infrastructure development and educational reform is laudable. Yet, these initiatives must be more than just plans and proposals; they require swift, decisive action and the allocation of significant resources. We must demand and ensure accountability at every level to see these promises through to fruition.
This is a call to arms for all of us — government officials, educators, parents, and citizens. The time for complacency is over. The stakes are too high, and the consequences of inaction are too grave. We must rally together, with a sense of urgency and a commitment to change, to address these challenges to education head-on.
The classroom shortage is an unacceptable reality that cannot wait for bureaucratic processes and long-term plans. We need immediate investment in educational infrastructure, innovative solutions for space utilization, and a commitment to quality education for every child, no matter their circumstances.
As for the reading comprehension crisis, it is a fundamental issue that requires a comprehensive, aggressive strategy. This includes not only improving curriculum and teaching methods but also fostering a culture of reading at home and within communities. We must instill a love for reading in our children from an early age, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in all areas of learning.
The educational challenges facing Iloilo today demand not just attention but immediate, vigorous response. Let us rise to this challenge, for the sake of our children, our province, and our nation’s future. Failure is not an option.
