Author’s note: This is not politics as usual. But there are some sensitive topics that are addressed because of the lack of Quality Education. This also serves as my reflection on my topic.

Quality Education in the Philippines has a long way to go, because of the 16 million people who voted our current president, and the lies made up by Mocha Uson (yes, that Mocha Uson of Mocha Girls fame and a well-known supporter of Duterte) and Even Demata (a.k.a. Jerry Ocampo). It also has a long way to go, because of them Marcos Loyalists, and also, of the lack of classrooms, low salary for teachers, and other factors.

I would agree, because this is quite correct. Why? Is it because we have a president who is hates the United States and the West,  a Communist, kisses the ass of China and Russia, and says bad words to POTUS, the Pope and others,  is it because the Marcos Loyalists are out brainwashing students and actively campaigning for Bongbong Marcos during the elections, or is it the lack of quality education?

In my opinion, it is ALL OF THE ABOVE. Why? Because teachers wouldn’t teach students sensitive topics like Martial Law, which is my example.  Teachers born in the 1980’s would say to students, “Noong panahon ni Marcos, maginhawa ang buhay…(During the time of Marcos, life was good…)”,  “Noong panahon ni Marcos, tahimik,” (During the time of Marcos, it was quiet), “Noong panahon ni Marcos, maganda ang ekonomiya” (During the time of Marcos, we had a good economy) and other brainwashing you might encounter.

It’s all lies. Why? Does the teacher know about the people tortured, killed or missing during that time? I guess not, because he/she grew up when Apo Lakay  was in his twilight years, then EDSA I happened.

If this country wants to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education, then teachers should teach the true story of Martial Law to students, let them listen to the stories of Martial Law victims like Lili Hilao, Lorena Barios, Archie Trajano, Evelio Javier, and Primitivo and Boyet Mijares, and let students read books like “The Conjugal Dictatorship”, “Dekada ’70” to name a few. I recall reading an article in the Facebook group Never Again:No to Dictators and Martial Law that in Germany, their Department of Education sets field trips to the Nazi concentration camps in Dachau, Bergen-Belsen and other camps.

If the Philippines wants to achieve the Quality Education stated in the UN SDG, then stop denying that Martial Law never happened! Stop giving a hero’es burial to Mr. Marcos! Apologize to the people and to the victims of Martial Law! That way, the brainwashing can stop, and students like me can achieve a quality education.

 

P.S. This is just my two cents on the matter of quality education, mixed with a Martial Law flavor.

 

Author’s Note: This is not politics as usual. This is a summary of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on Quality Education.

What is Quality Education? Some interpretations define this as a right of every child being born right now, and it is guaranteed in International Law. 

Quality education is a dynamic concept. It evolves with time and is subject to social, economic and environmental conditions. However, international human rights law provides a general legal framework that guarantees quality education.

Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – and the main treaties that guarantee the right to education – have defined the aims of education which impact on the content of education, teaching and learning processes and materials, the learning environment and learning outcomes. Not only that: According to the same article, “Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms”. 

 

But this is a problem, in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the Philippines? I guess the quality is improving, thanks to the K-12 and the transfer of some universities of their opening of school to August to accommodate foreign students. Even though some parents and students hate it, and their argument is “Why add two more years to the education system? Surely it’s a waste of time and money”, “dapat kolehiyo na kami kung hindi dahil sa K-12 na yan”.  But, it’s the harsh truth, because before this program was implemented by DepEd, our country and Burma was the last two countries in the ASEAN to have a K-10 program. But now, let’s see where this goes. And it’s a long ride, because there are groups in opposition to them, including the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, because they cannot brainwash students into believing their lies about Martial Law (for more of this brainwashing technique, see my reflection on this topic.)