The shortcomings of Philippine higher education

oomer

By Joshua Corcuera

 

Education is key to a brighter future, this is the notion that most — if not all of us — are accustomed to. And this is true in general. As we can see, obtaining a college degree is a surer path towards landing at a decent job since more opportunities await based on one’s educational attainment. Though some managed to make something out of life without going to college, those who do so are the exception and not the rule.

For this reason, it’s no wonder that everyone, especially our parents and teachers, tell us that we need to be attentive in school whether we like it or not. And it’s not just a matter of grades and medals, schools have been a place of learning — supposedly a safe place for studying not only abstract concepts, but also practical ones which are applicable beyond the four corners of the classroom.

Yet, the education sector continues to face serious issues and concerns in the 21^st century. Those old tales of our grandparents who walk for hours just to attend classes is still a reality experienced by a few people in the forgotten corners of our society. Hence, it is important to discuss such challenges — though this article would focus on higher education which refers to college and postgraduate students.

 

The Big Four and the problem with centralization 

Many people had dream schools, particularly those that are popular such as the UAAP Schools: UP, Ateneo, La Salle, UST, Adamson, FEU, UE, and NU. The first four schools — UP, Ateneo, La Salle, and UST — are collectively known as the Big Four. In the QS World University Rankings, these four educational institutions are included among the over one thousand best universities in the world.

But there is one problem, not everyone can make it into there. Sure, their entrance exams are difficult and competitive and it’s understandable, but when not everyone is given the mere opportunity to sit down for such exams — particularly those in the provinces — then access to quality education would be a mere privilege. Equal opportunities need to be provided to students in rural areas, not only by letting them attend classes in Manila but also by improving the quality of education in provincial universities.

 

Even in Manila, higher education can be compromised 

Beyond reasonable doubt, the quality of education in our country has still a lot of work to do. Even in the country’s capital, the quality of higher education is sometimes compromised. The fact that there are only a few Philippine universities in world rankings attest to this claim. Moreover, it is important for educational institutions to be pro-student, not anti-student — that includes preventing skyscraper-high tuition and other fees.

With this, it certainly is good news that state and local universities are already tuition-free, but it must not stop there. Each and every child must be given an equal chance of achieving higher educational attainment not only based on economic resources but also based on academic knowledge accumulated from basic education. It is important for society to make sure that all students in any part of the country — from the sprawling urban centers to deep rural areas — have equally acquired a high level of education. To achieve this, improving education in the countryside and strengthening provincial universities is important.

 

The fight for universal access to education remains relevant 

As we acknowledge the significant challenges faced by higher education in the country, it is time for those in power to act swiftly and effectively. Fighting for equal access to mass-oriented, scientific, and quality education is still relevant in the 21^st century, especially during the pandemic. The public health crisis we currently face revealed the dire need to improve our education system — one that would help all children achieve their dreams, not kill such ambitions.

Education in both basic and higher levels must be well-supported by those in power. Otherwise, the future is not going to be as bright as what we all aim for. More importantly, a well-educated mind, heart, and body are essential for a person to attain a meaningful life. And a well-educated people is needed for society to achieve its aspirations.