Education for all?
Government statistics show that for the last six years there was a steady increase in total school enrollment, but there was also an increasing proportion of elementary school-age children who remained out of school. In the 2005-2006 school year, almost 65 percent of six-year old children did not begin their primary education on time.
Read more at Mongster’s Nest
Bright versus Spice
The Spice Boys and Bright Boys are still prominent politicians of the country. Although this time they have already shed their image as young idealist leaders. They are now traditional politicians.
Read more at Mongster’s Nest
Sputnik and RP education
In the US, there are scientists who are hoping for another “Sputnik” to spark more interest in science and space exploration. The Philippines needs another “Sputnik” too. But hopefully, educators will not be distracted from their primary mission of eradicating illiteracy and lack of basic skills among students.
Read more at Mongster’s Nest
Corrupt nation
Laws, programs and government agencies are not enough to win the battle against corruption. Political will and empowerment of the people are also needed. When politicians seem oblivious to the pleas for honesty in public service, the people can make a direct action to punish the corrupt and unrepentant leaders of the country.
Read more at Mongster’s Nest
Organic agriculture
Organic agriculture is not the magic pill that will eliminate poverty in the country. But it can increase farmers’ income and “help restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.” Organic agriculture will not solve hunger but it can be a key component to realize food sustainability
Read more at Mongster’s Nest
Neri and Karina
Neri can sleep peacefully since he refused an offer which couldn’t be refused and more importantly, he has not violated the vow of omerta, oops, executive privilege. Neri is no Chavit Singson, Clarissa Ocampo or Karina Constanito David. Neri is, well, Neri. The witness who told the convenient truth but left out the inconvenient truth.
Read more at Mongster’s Nest
Is the Philippines overpopulated?
The Philippines is the 14th most populous country in the world and third in the Southeast Asian region. Managing population should not be equated with abortion as some religious leaders claim.
Read more at Mongster’s Nest
Lessons from Estrada’s verdict
The guilty verdict brought against Estrada has shown that the most powerful leader of a country can be punished for violating the law. But this is only possible if the leader is ousted from power.
Read more at Mongster’s Nest
Corruption in high places
There are “inconvenient truths” to be culled from the ZTE brouhaha. First, it affirms the rules haven’t changed over the years. A powerful broker is crucial to finalize fraudulent contracts. The First Family is the most reliable “partner in crime” to extract bountiful illegal profit from millions of starving Filipinos. Is corruption a favorite pastime of the First Family?
Read more at Mongster’s Nest
Impunity
Like global warming, the word impunity was esoteric or unknown to most Filipinos a few years ago. But thanks to political groups which favor the use of the word impunity to describe the state of lawlessness, violence and government wrongdoings in the country, many Filipinos are now familiar with the term.
Read more at Mongster’s Nest
