Electing education champions (2)

My preference is that local government units (LGUs) will play a vital role in addressing the education crisis.

To recall, the Philippines ranks as one of the lowest in terms of functional literacy or the skill to understand what you read.

A report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said there are 19 million functionally illiterate Filipinos that have completed secondary schooling.

In terms of basic literacy, 5 to 9-year-olds have the lowest rate next to the 60 and above segment.

Recent studies revealed that we do not invest enough in primary education to ensure that more students will be able to complete their education cycle and graduate at the secondary and tertiary levels.

LGUs can make education a priority and focus. This does not mean just building more schools or classrooms but offering incentives, services and infrastructure aimed at increasing the participation and completion rates for students in their respective LGUs.

This midterm election represents an opportunity for candidates and voters alike to be part of the solution to the education crisis.

While there is a temptation to be cynical and to focus on putting our own needs ahead of everything else when we vote next week, let us reflect on the platforms of the candidates and ask if they are aligned with the needs and problems of our country.