A time to learn

EDUCATION is a recurring theme in many of the news and feature stories this week.

The tale of Sally Lopez is most inspiring. This 33-year old wife, mother and fish trader from Dagupan has taken the initiative to study how to read and write – considered two of the most basic skills that many often take for granted – at this rather late stage in her life. Then again, it is never too late to learn. We are never too old for new knowledge.

And speaking of old, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz, who will be 73 this year, is itching to retire so that he can pursue higher education. He has a bigtime goal: a PhD in Philosophy of Law. And he wants to write more books – a tool that is yet another important means for learning.

Whether at its most basic or within an elevated degree, education is undeniably important.

Unfortunately, our government for a long time now has not been giving it the highest of priorities.

Look at the history of the national budget say over the last half a century and you’ll know why we have come to a point where there’s a lack of everything pertaining to public education -schoolbooks, teachers, classrooms and other school facilities such as science laboratories, audio-visual and computer amenities that are crucial to the digital age, even something as fundamental as decent comfort rooms. It often has to take donations and special funds to put up concrete school fences, gates and new buildings. And of course, these donations and special funds, usually sourced from parents and politicians, never go uncredited. That’s why we have walls wreaking of signs “Donated by -” Nothing but authorized graffiti.

That is not to say that the initiative of the local government of Alaminos to set up a Special Education Fund is not noteworthy. It is, in fact, a great example on systematizing a budgetary system wherein increased revenue collection redounds to education. More taxes collected equals more money for the schools, the students and the teachers.

If only we can see that create a ripple effect within a larger zone – the provincial level perhaps, and national even.

It’s not too late for our government leaders to learn.

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