Budget For Education

I had a discussion yesterday with my friend regarding a school PTA meeting at the San Vicente Elementary School in Sto. Tomas Batangas. He was the Public Relations Officer of the said PTA. He re-counted the proceedings and summarizes the outcome: they need to shell-out PhP 100.00 each parent for the homeroom, aside from other expenses for school projects and events. The PTA president suggested that the PhP 100.00 be given, if not on that day, this coming 15th. One parent argued that maybe it's wise to have it on the 30th of the month to give ample time to those who don't have the capacity to provide the amount. I asked what the principal had to say regarding these expenses. The principal said, as he recounted, that they (the teachers) cannot shoulder the expenses alone and can't rely on the budget subsidy from the national govenrment (DepEd).

No one can blame the teachers, specially the principal on these expenses. Majority had been teaching for more than fifteen (15) years and they somewhat get used to the fact that the parents should shoulder school projects like renovation of classrooms, comfort rooms, and other facilities, for the sake of their children.

Its one thing to solicit to parents, specially to those who have an amount to spare for these expenses, but it's another thing to consider it as a practice, an obligation, or as an accomplishment of the set of officers that will be highlighted and promoted so that others will follow their example for the years to come. Setting it as a standard detaches one's critical thinking. And having this practiced for years makes the people accept it as part of our culture, hospitable, caring, etc. But the main point is missing. Where's the DepEd budget. Where's the battlecry of almost all politicians during elections that education should be given first priority, that they will focus on this when they get elected.

Parents, students, specially teachers, and even friendly local government officials, should have a critical stand on this. Don't let our children's education suffer the effects of government corruption, wrong priorities, and simple negligence. We should all be vigilant. Let's ask for the education budget. This should be coursed through DepEd and Malacañang.