For the past five years, 2012 to 2016, we have witnessed a downward spiral in the quality of results, from 41% in 2012 to a low of 32.4% in 2016. Ironically, the expenditure has increased annually, hitting a whooping P45.91 billion cumulatively. With such performance, any sane Government would have long paused for an introspection. We are just unfortunate that our Government behaves like an irresponsible tenderpreneur (juvenile tenderboy) who splashes cash in an irresponsible and inconsiderate manner. Our results are not commensurate with our expenditure and no one is held accountable, safe for the teachers and parents who often find themselves at the bitter receiving end while Minister Dow, like her predecessors is no where to be seen.
We appreciate, though with reservation, the recent resection of the former Ministry of Education and Skills Development into two ministerial portfolios. The exercise came a little too late. We believe if it was implemented earlier, this current shame could have been avoided. The BDP-led Government should learn to be proactive and draw a line between national interest and partisan territories.
