Payback

Today, I had the chance to read another article from one of my favorite columnists, Michael Tan, and as usual, his article inspired me to write.

Today’s article is a very simple one; he talked about the Cum Laudes, which he preferred translating as “with praise” rather than the usual “with honors”

But indeed, who should be praised? Those who had medals hung upon their necks during the graduation day?

His answer was indirect. He answered by discussing a most recent development in the University of the Philippines, the RSA (Return Service Agreement). The idea is not new. It simply states that UP graduates, specifically those from the UP College of Medicine, would be compelled to serve the country for two years after they graduate. If they fail to return the service within five years after graduating, they will be compelled by law to pay back double the cost of their education, minus the tuition they paid. Upon entry to UP, a freshman will sign a memorandum of agreement which stipulates the RSA.

After reading the article, I can’t help but ask how UP can be so aggressive and somehow fast in making productive moves such as this, and why PNU can’t. [Although in fairness, they have yet to prove their might by implementing this plan.]

They focus on doctors and I don’t see any reason why this should not be applied in the premier institution for Teacher training. Anyway, DOST scholars in PNU are also bound by the same concept.

Implementing such an agreement in PNU would create a big impact in salvaging PNU from a possible “natural death” and later on rescuing the Philippine education system from the mire that it has been sunk. Most students in PNU do not really want to become teachers. Most of them were sent there by their parents because of cheap tuition. And this seemingly simple problem becomes the root cause of the degrading quality of students. Most students just come to school for the heck of attending and not for learning and creating “scholarly outputs”. Most unfortunately, these spoils affect the potentials. Weeding out the rotten fruits would retain the freshness and potency of those who really want to teach.

But then again, I can just dream for PNU. I can only contribute by doing my part—teach.