Drilon bats for distance learning

More low-income individuals, working students and even housewives and inmates can pursue higher education through the open learning and distance education system once it is institutionalized under a proposal pending in the Senate.

Sen. Franklin M. Drilon said he would push for the passage of a bill promoting distance education in order "to expand and further democratize educational opportunities for our people."

Drilon, lead candidate of the People Power coalition senatorial ticket, said distance education effectively addresses some of the major causes for the high dropout rate in the tertiary level and complements the efforts of the government to enhance the education, skills and competitiveness of the people.

Drilon cited the work of the UP Open University and the Asian Institute for Distance Education (AIDE), whose "quiet and effective efforts and innovative and pioneering way of helping promote the educational and intellectual advancement of our people, especially those who are constrained by personal, institutional and geographical circumstances."

Drilon noted that only one-third of high school graduates is able to pursue higher education. He cited a number of reasons for the high dropout rate, among them: inaccessibility of schools, inadequate teachers and learning facilities, and poverty.

He proposed an open learning and distance education system covering all private and public higher educational institutions with existing open and distance learning programs, and other schools to be authorized as qualified implementors of the program by the Commission in Higher Education.

He recommended that tax incentives be given to private entities, such as broadcast stations and telecommunications network, which shall provide materials, time and services to the program.

The system will cater to the needs of those who cannot afford the high cost of traditional college education, those who cannot live their place of work or home and those who live far from school.