The high cost of a preschool education at private schools has prompted an exodus of students opting for free education at public schools; this is also happening at state college and universities. It is government’s duty to provide free education for all Filipinos. Free tuition allows the less fortunate to acquire a good education.
However, while a college education is widely believed to only be for those who can afford rising tuition costs, many of these establishments also happen to be exempt from taxes as long as they are considered a non-stock non-profit educational institution, which means their income is supposed to directly and exclusively be used for educational purposes.
While the Department of Education (DepEd) is trying to provide better quality education, they also encourage participation in the local Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). One of the government’s initiatives is to strengthen PTAs, which gives parents an opportunity to participate in school affairs.
DepEd recognized the important role of the PTA in allowing for collaboration between teachers, parents, school administrators, and the local community.
Last week, Estefania Elementary School held an induction ceremony for their PTA, where Abang Lingkod partylist Rep. Stephen ‘Caraps’ Paduano said, “Nation-building begins in our family, the school, and the rest follows.”
He added, PTA officers must work hand-in-hand and focus on working towards the benefits of the student.
A good education is the key to escaping poverty and the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte is on the right track by providing accessibility to a college education for all Filipinos, which will alleviate the economic conditions of the country’s poor, with hope the disparity between rich and poor will one day be a thing of the past.
Our education system must also be anchored in good values; good manners and right conduct must be revisited – especially for preschoolers, who are the next generation.
Parents, teachers, and the school play an important role in molding kids into better citizens and PTAs must play their role.
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I would like to congratulate Estefania Elementary School PTA President Franklin Villanueva; along with Paduano for serving as guest speaker and Inducting Officer./WDJ