2016 JC results a disgrace - BCPYL

Correspondent | Thursday January 26, 2017 15:18

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.

BCP’s proposed approach to the education crisis remains relevant to date. Division of the Ministry into two, reduction of student: teacher ratio, introduction of mother tongue in lower primary schools (STD 1-4), sound engagement of teaching trade movements and viewing them as integral partners in governance are some of the ideas which could change the status quo.

In conclusion, we call upon all stakeholders, individuals and communities to stand and extend a helping  hand in any possible way, to save the future of our country and to deeply consider giving the governance mandate to a better political leaders from a better political formation

Pako Aldrine Madigele

Information and Publicity Secretary

BCP YL