CHEd must repent and reform

There is now a suggestion that “CHEd must be God-centered!”

Let us not betray our being a predominantly Christian nation by being unjust to our own people!

Christianity is the dominant religion in the Philippines with approximately 90 percent of Filipinos identifying as Christian. Roman Catholicism is the largest denomination, counting 79 percent of the population.

Christianity has significantly impacted Filipino culture, influencing social norms, traditions, art, architecture, and even personal hygiene.

The Philippines is ranked as the fifth largest Christian-majority country on earth.

The foregoing render Philippine culture an enviable vibrant blend of indigenous traditions and influence from various foreign cultures, primarily Spanish and American. These influences are evident in language, religion, cuisine, art, music, and social customs.

Consequently, being predominantly Christian, Filipinos are governed by their faith-based way of life. “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but suffers the loss of his soul” is often hammered into students who may go to work in government after graduation.

If a person gains the whole world but loses his soul, the result, according to Christian doctrine, is ultimate loss and spiritual ruin. This emphasizes the value of honesty and integrity, along with the supreme value of the soul of a government official in the perspective of his Christian faith.

Now, let us ask only two questions: Is it Christian and legal for a chairman of the CHEd to appoint and re-appoint an ex-convict as president of a university of science and technology? Is it Christian and legal for a university president, regents and university officials to commit acts of deceit and abuse and issue utterly malicious and oppressive orders and terminate contracts without legal bases?

The CHEd officials and university president and members of the board involved must repent and reform.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) is the government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing higher education institutions. Its functions include promoting relevant and quality higher education, ensuring access, and protecting academic freedom.

CHEd must have a God-centered perspective. This implies that CHEd must operate with a focus on God’s will and principles. It suggests integrating faith into the educational system, potentially influencing curriculum, ethical guidelines, and the overall approach to learning.

A God-centered CHEd can best serve the poor and the marginalized by prioritizing access to quality, affordable education and promoting social justice initiatives rooted in Christian values. This includes scholarships, financial aid, and programs that equip students with skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Additionally, CHEd can foster a culture of service and compassion in higher institutions, encouraging students to address the needs of their communities.

CHEd can prioritize access and affordability by expanding scholarship programs and financial aid packages, specifically for students from low-income backgrounds.

It should encourage the development of affordable degree programs and vocational training options that align with the needs of marginalized sectors.

It should foster social justice and service-learning programs by integrating service-learning components into curriculums, allowing students to engage with marginalized communities and address social justice issues.

Finally, CHEd should encourage partnerships between universities and local organizations that serve the poor and marginalized, creating opportunities for collaborative projects and initiatives.