Buidling a Culture of Educators

Let's Start the Revolution of the Filipino Youth Part VII

On the evolution of current Philippine affairs, I cannot seem to find a single Filipino that have made the biggest impact on the state of our country's education system. Even the late Sen. Raul Roco did not achieve much in the department when he was secretary. Jose Rizal never started a school. And even though there are great leaders who started Philippine schools, colleges and universities, there is no one who can be called the Filipino Father of Philippine Education. Indeed, a formal education system was one of the most important legacies the Americans left us but I can't seem to find a single Filipno who advanced Philippine Education as his or her main advocacy.

It seems our culture doesn't honor the educator much. This shouldn't be the case, our teachers serve as our second parents when we are in school. They are very important and all the more so when parents are very busy and don't take the time to be active in educating their kids. Teachers carry the burden of developing young minds to understand the world and mold them into highly-skilled, talented and knowledgeable members of society. And for that I believe that teaching is truly the highest profession in the world.

This may suggest that the current bad state of our country's education system is a physical sign of a lack of national support on the importance of quality education. We may all profess to know its importance but it is also another thing to actually become an active catalyst for improved and better education programs.

In the light of the recent elections, it is sad to note that Sonia Roco, who campaigned on an education agenda, did not fare well. But it is also important to note that individuals whose track records are only because they belong to political families or were congressmen got higher votes than those who had better credentials. Is it the election really just a popularity contest?

I can't seem to remember a single president or even a presidential candidate who run under an education reform agenda. But in fact, it is this single sector in society that might well change our country's fortunes. A workforce that received education of high quality can produce more goods or services efficiently and effectively. And they can find more innovative solutions to our country's problems. By building a culture of educators, by adopting the educator mindset, the government can produce more responsible leaders or workers who will think first to help the country.

Maybe it is time for us, as one nation to renew our commitment to the importance of education and take steps to bring about great change. A revitalized education sector will propel our country forward. The government should promote in partnership with NGOs a national re-awakening on the advantages and benefits of bringing about a culture of educators. Through this awareness program, we can re-prioritize our national goals where education is Numero Uno. This will hopefully help create a dynamic interchange of ideas within Filipinos everywhere on the great importance of reforming our country's programs toward Education.