Classes at all levels in both public and private schools opened in June 2025. Sadly, public schools continue to grapple with perennial problems: insufficient classrooms, inadequate facilities, a shortage of textbooks and a lack of teachers. I find it perplexing why the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) consistently face these issues. There should be comprehensive, long-range plans to address these crucial concerns.
Cebu stands as a prominent educational hub, home to accredited universities offering well-balanced curricula. Many boast international linkages for exchange programs, and faculty development often includes masteral and doctoral programs. Additionally, these institutions extend their reach through various community projects in barangays.
Education remains a significant factor in achieving social mobility and economic security. The Filipino love for education traces back through our history, particularly to when the Americans introduced public school education and how the Thomasites effectively instilled its value. We are immensely proud of how Filipinos continue to excel in their educational pursuits, becoming educational leaders across the globe.
Cebu, in particular, attracts many foreign exchange students, especially in medical and business courses. During my own educational trips abroad to observe new trends in teaching techniques, I consistently encounter highly respected Filipino teachers and students, a testament to our quality. As sociologist Frank Lynch once stated, the primary goals of Filipinos are to “attain economic security and social mobility,” and education is indeed the best tool to achieve these aspirations.