The
February 23 issue of the Newsrecord prompts me to respond and add to some of
the articles of my fellow contributors. We do not coordinate our efforts, so I
never know what will appear alongside my own scribbles! It would be good if
other readers sent in comments for publication. -G. Tambiga
Friendly Observer
By Arthur Keefe
A timely
article identifies the waste of time, money and manpower resulting from the
'degree and diploma mills.' The total absence of any national strategic
planning and the reliance on a market for higher education, means there is no
'fit' whatsoever between the output of the college, and the needs of the
economy. As a result, many young people find they have a qualification which is
largely worthless. No benefit for society and no benefit for the student. The
only beneficiaries are the colleges, making profits on the back of a false
prospectus.
The
related scandal, now referred to in the article, is the appalling pass rate of
graduates for their Board exams. The college standard for a degree or diploma
should be the same as the standard for Board passers. Colleges where less than
(say) 80 percent of graduates pass the Board exam should lose their
accreditation. Why is the quality assurance by the Professional Regulatory
Commission so feeble and ineffective? Perhaps, the first step is to
reconstitute this body whose role should be to protect standards.
**********
What
welcome news! The identification of a potential land slip area in Barangay
Guadalupe and a firm response supporting relocation of residents by the City
Mayor and others is a welcome contrast to the blind eye response to risk we see
often elsewhere. Let's hope the tragedy of the earthquake brings a change of
attitude to other risks, and more action to protect lives and homes.
**********
Finally,
the article concerning the role of teachers is spot on! It correctly states that
education is about the development of the whole person, now just instruction or
skills development. It reminds us that excellent teachers should have a passion
for their job and a love for their charges. Although written as a sermon by a
priest, I was pleased to see he does not describe schools as places for
religious indoctrination. He does refer to the importance of developing values
in children, with which I agree, but religious doctrine is the preserve of the
Church or the family, not the role of the school.
**********
My final
comment on the new road beside the high school is a positive one. Now well into
the construction, the project appears to be well-managed and normally the
workers are busy when I pass as I do three or four times a day. After my
criticism of the lack of activity of the workers for a couple of weeks, it is
good to end my review of this project on a positive note.
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