MANILA — Public schools and state colleges and universities (SUCs) are free from the influence of local government officials, education officials assured.
During the pre-State of the Nation Address 2018 Forum at the Philippine International Convention Center on Wednesday, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Officer-in-Charge Prospero de Vera III said local government officials cannot decide on the curricula, rules and regulations, teacher employment, and list of graduating students, which are the responsibilities of the colleges’ and universities’ respective boards of regents.
Though not sure what local government officials might do to influence or intrude in the public education system, de Vera said some local officials provide funds and create college education opportunities for the poor.
This, he said, is not an example of intrusion or an exercise of political influence on the education system.
“Ang tingin ho namin diyan, ang mga local governments ay kakampi ng pamahalaan dahil nagbibigay po ng pondo ang local government sa pagpatakbo ng mga local universities and colleges. Konti lang ho ‘yung subsidy ng national government para sa tuition saka miscellaneous (We think the local governments are one with the national government because they provide funds for the operation of local universities and colleges. The subsidy from the national government is small for the tuition and miscellaneous fees),” he said.
Noting that local government officials have no say on the decisions made by state colleges and universities, de Vera urged learners and their parents to report any violation of the rules and regulations made by local government officials in their respective educational institutions.
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones said the delineation of responsibilities of the local and national governments is clear.
Briones explained that DepEd is tasked to deal with the implementation of the laws pertaining to basic education and resolve issues related to it.
“Sa pagpili naman ng mga guro [sa DepEd ‘yan]; division superintendents, regional directors, at highest officials ay nasa Presidente.’Yan ay maliwanag sa Konstitusyon at itinuro ‘yan sa atin nung bata pa tayo (The selection of teachers [is by DepEd]; division superintendents, regional directors, and highest officials is up to the President. It is clear in the Constitution and that was taught to us since we were young),” she said. (Ma. Teresa Montemayor with reports from Lyda Gail Suyu, OJT/PNA)
