EDITORIAL - School preparations

With national attention focused on the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, government agencies should not overlook preparations for the opening of classes within a week. Approximately 21 million children are expected in public schools on June 4.

In many public schools, the problems are as basic as the lack of classrooms and sanitation facilities. The private sector has pitched in to build more schools and classrooms in underdeveloped communities, but the additional facilities cannot keep pace with the continually booming student population. Most schools lack everything from teachers to textbooks and other supplies. The public school system lacks computers and instructors who are knowledgeable in information technology.

Health officials have pointed out that regular hand washing with soap and water could go a long way in promoting children’s health. Many public schools, however, lack running water, soap and proper toilet facilities. With the approaching rainy season, schools must also prepare for the proliferation of mosquitoes that can cause diseases particularly dengue. Simply keeping school premises clean and free of stagnant water can enhance protection against mosquitoes.

The most important concern is the quality of education. Preparations must be intensified particularly because school year 2012-2013 marks the start of the K+12 program, which aims to raise the quality of Philippine education particularly in public schools through free and compulsory kindergarten for all five-year-olds, plus two more years of elementary and secondary education.

Education officials hope the additional years will help make Philippine education at par with those in Asia’s leading economies, whose students have bested their Filipino counterparts in many academic competitions in recent years. Experts have linked the deteriorating quality of education to the progressive slide in the Philippines’ national competitiveness. The problem, which is most evident in the public school system, has also led to a wide gap in knowledge and skills between the rich and poor, starting from the early formative years when learning skills are most acute. It will take time before the results of K+12 can be properly assessed. A good start will enhance its prospects for success.