Education is said to be one of the principal means that society employs to carry out its national policies and objectives. Such aims of education are believed to greatly determine the nature of education that citizens acquire and consequently what kind of citizens – and or graduates – the country has.
The general aims of education in the Philippines, for example, are specifically set forth in Article XIV, Section 5 of the Constitution, as follows: “All schools shall aim to develop moral character, personal discipline, civic conscience, and vocational efficiency, and to teach the duties of citizenship.”
What most Pinoy graduates are poorly equipped with is that kind of education that hones minds and competencies, not merely indoctrinating and that which helps build a productive, responsible, and conscientious society.
The real work environment
Learning institutions abound with varied areas of specializations, but the ability to learn new things or new ideas is not only confined to the usual four corners of a formal classroom setting.
The acquisition of values through community outreach programs and the interactive mode of communications prepare the graduates in the soon-to-come battleground of reality. Equipping students with sound moral principles will increase the chance of producing successful individuals in various fields of specialization or disciplines.
Further, it becomes his/her responsibility to strive for excellence by acquiring skills in computer literacy and know-how in netizenism – helpful acts that go beyond what the classroom can offer. This we call as initiative.
True, graduation means completion. But only of the prerequisites of the real world. The battle is just about to begin. Thus, it is important that while still a student, one should have that zest for learning. One should learn and understand his or her field’s practices and principles by heart.
The corporate environment is always a tough one. We have been conditioned from childhood to compete and to succeed according to the world’s standards of success. Right after graduation, we carry the painful challenge of remaining selfless and pure of heart. So, it has been written that “we are to always put other’s needs above our own and fearlessly stand up for the values that clearly go against the world’s grain.”
The real work environment slaps us with issues on compensation, career ladder, growth, experience, and the value of position or designation. There is indeed a great force to reckon with – what lies at the back of our minds!
Our Pinoy graduates can become very competitive in the global market if their competence, efficiency, and computer skills are best suited to the demands of various industries. I mean “existing industries.” – Maria Eleanor E. Valeros with reports from Philippine Yearbook and The Philippine Star
