EDITORIAL - Solve the usual problems first

Saying the present educational setup is not enough, a Metro Manila congressman who is running for the Senate in the May 10 elections is pushing for two more years for elementary. Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon said the additional years can make the country globally competitive in the race to produce talented graduates.

Since Filipino graduates are now finding a hard time landing a job in Europe and the United States, Biazon said he wants to encourage the next administration to adopt a 12-year education program in the country.

Biazon, son of outgoing Senator Rodolfo Biazon, explained that some countries have disagreed with the 10-year education program adopted by the Philippines. He said the additional two years will be less expensive because the government will finance it.

Well, Biazon is not the only one clamoring for an extension in the country's education program. There are those who even go as far as calling for an overhaul of the system.

The government has implemented some changes to keep the system more attuned to the global needs. In fact, the Commission on Higher Education has already extended by one year some four-year courses.

While the extended program will be beneficial to the Philippines' education system, we see nothing wrong with the present setup being adopted by the country.

The present education system has gone through many decades. It even survived the ravages of the world war, producing bright leaders in various corporations and industries.

The government should first look into the plight of underpaid teachers and the situation of schools across the country before considering adding several years to the educational system. Extending the elementary for two years would only prolong the agony of students who had to take lessons under the trees for lack of classrooms.

Undeniably, a teacher with an empty stomach cannot really teach the students well. Students cannot really understand properly when classes are being held under the heat of the sun. And these are the usual setbacks that the government should first address.