The Philippines is a signatory to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), which aspires to accomplish the goals of Education For All (EFA).
Yes the government, academia, the media, as well as the other stakeholders, have fully embraced the goals of EFA. But accomplishing EFA remains a daunting challenge.
In connection with the EFA, the Department of Education (DepEd) commenced its controversial pillar of Basic Education Sector Reform Agenda (BESRA) - the K-12 program - three years ago.
Apparently, in a developing country like the Philippines, resource allocation is one of the determining factors whether we hit or miss the target for EFA.
There are a number of resources that can be used: the Executive branch of the central government, Local Government Units (LGUs) in the form of Special Education Funds (SEF), Local School Boards, Local School Boards and Development Assistance Funds.
So what more could we ask for in terms of budget appropriation?
But the question is can these resources suffice the need to hit the EFA target? And is the system for allocating these budgets properly managed?
Unfortunately, the resources that should be going to schools and schoolchildren are being diverted to other purposes.
EFA will surely fail if the government is not serious in its pursuit of "Tuwid na Daan." Only proper management of resources can contribute to EFA's success.