A widespread destruction

EDUCATION is an instructive and enlightening experience. Every child is entitled to it. It takes place in schools or school-like environments. Children learn from their environment and activities, and the adults around them act as teachers. In more complex societies, where there is more knowledge to be passed on, a more selective and efficient means of transmission -- the school and teacher -- become necessary.

But how does a child gain education if the environment where he is supposed to acquire such thing is described to be chaotic and full of fears? I feel for those students who were and are continuously assaulted by high-rifled weapon done nevertheless by the communist rebels, by the New Peoples Army. And I also feel for those teachers who were/are treated by the same manner. Teachers are supposed to be loved and respected. Students are supposed to be given enough education and the right to live without fears.

The harassment made by the rebels to the faculty and students from a town in North Cotabato poses and inflicts pain, danger and terror. Accordingly, the school has been closed for two months now. Is education being properly catered through these means? I doubt it.

I still can't stand the fact that teachers are also victims in this menace. So, teachers together with businessmen and those in far flung areas are also part of their game. They recruited minors and now, they are assaulting elementary pupils. What saddens me the most is the fact that they are destroying lives.

The faculty and students fear for their lives. I fear for them.

Even minors are subjected to their anti-government adherence of ideology. Just recently, an 18-year-old NPA member surrendered to government authorities. The infiltration they made is of different forces. The destruction they brought surpasses lives and hinders economic, political and social developments. They are of widespread destruction.

Nothing compares to a smile being worn by a child, with the feeling of bliss, felicity and contentment felt in school as teachers facilitates and elevates their knowledge and as teachers also serve as students' mentors. So, please, have a heart for these people.

Please, cease your doings.

Janice Anne Mercado
janiceannemercado@yahoo.com
Cotabato City