THERE'S some hope in the country's rise in the annual list ranking competitiveness around the world.
From being in the 43rd slot, the Philippines is now in the 39th in the survey that evaluates 58 countries according to 328 prerequisites for a climate conducive to investments and business.
According to The Associated Press report published in Sun.Star Cebu last May 23, the country's progress still pales when compared to that of emerging economies, such as China, rising to become no. 18, and India, no. 31, in the World Competitiveness Yearbook.
What will it take to boost the Philippines into the company of Singapore, rising from no. 3 in 2009 to no. 1 in 2010; Taiwan, from no. 23 to no. 8; and Malaysia, from no. 18 to no. 10?
Pushing literacy
Lawmakers recently urged again the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) to seek ways to improve programs to arrest the continuing decline of the Filipinos' literacy rate.
According to the 2003 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (Flemms) study conducted by the DepEd, National Statistics Council and Literacy Coordinating Council, four million Filipinos lack basic or simple literacy, making them unable to read and write in any language or dialect. Another 11 million are functionally illiterate, incapable of the reading, writing and numerical skills needed to communicate and negotiate on a daily basis.
Yet the Arroyo administration generally allotted two percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) to education. For developing countries to climb up the global competitive index, the United Nations recommends at least six percent of the GDP, reported Sun.Star Cebu last May 28.
While the quality of teaching and the curriculum and lack of infrastructure and facilities constrain the readiness of graduates to join the industry, rising costs and low salaries put education beyond the reach of many families whose hopes of rising above poverty ironically rests on their children's educational qualifications.
Reaching for a diploma
There is hope yet.
Out-of-school youths and adults that have not acquired formal elementary or secondary education can take a special Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Exam that will assess basic life skills, such as literacy, numeracy and problem-solving.
Those who pass the exam will be awarded an A&E certificate diploma by the DepEd's Bureau of Alternative Learning System (ALS).
The ALS A&E diploma qualifies the elementary level passer to enroll in high school, and the secondary level passer, to enroll in any college or vocational course. Since the ALS A&E diploma certifies that a person has the competencies comparable to a graduate of the formal educational system, it may also be used for applying for work.
According to DepEd Memorandum Circular 82, series of 2010, the ALS A&E tests will be conducted in two waves this year, with all regions except the National Capital Region scheduled for Aug. 1.
The registration period is ongoing and will end on June 15.
The memo also identifies those who are qualified for the ALS A&E test. An elementary dropout who is at least 11 years old on or before the testing date may take the elementary level exam while a high school dropout who is at least 15 years old on or before the testing day qualifies for the secondary level test.
Other qualified takers are those who failed in past ALS A&E tests, learners or those who completed the ALS program, and in-school youths and adults who are overaged for grade 6 (more than 11 years old) and fourth year high school (more than 15 years old).
According to the Deped website (www.deped.gov.ph), the registration and testing centers for Cebu City are at the Zapatera Elementary School, with Leonidesa Pangan as the test registration officer, and San Nicolas Elementary School, with Estefania Sato.
In Cebu Province, those interested to register for the ALS A&E exam should seek Shiela Gamboa at the Dalaguete National High School and Bebina Cordova at the Consolacion Elementary School.
The ALS A&E test is free, from registration to administration, processing and certification, according to the same DepEd memo.