School Blues Written by Brad Burchards

It's June once again. Summer is just a blissful memory that came and went too soon. Now students and parents alike are preparing themselves for classes. Back when I was still studying (recently) I would always look forward to school since I was able to hog some cash by way of my daily allowance which though didn't really matter that much in elementary and high school, more when I was in college.

Back to the time when P50 was enough to "bathe" in beer or have a good time after or in between subjects. Don't get me wrong, getting drunk and having fun is not what I am talking about. As we move forward the economics of education has greatly changed. What was once a convenient way of putting a child, a brother, or a niece or nephew to school is now a great burden financially. Ten years ago tuition fees were 40-50% less than they are now. The figures may seem great or small but to put it in understandable figures, my tuition was around P9,000 to P12,000 pesos per year in high school which now is pegged at P16,000 to P19,000 pesos (best estimate).

In college it was about P150 to P200 pesos per unit which is now at P250 to P300 pesos (best estimate). If you add that figure on a yearly increment for a family with two to three children then you would end up having shelled out more than half a million the least for them to finish college.

It is true that no one can put a price on one's educational foundation and I completely agree with that hands down. I myself have gone with the risk of enrolling my little girl in my alma mater regardless of the fact that they have increased tuition more than 50% when I still studying there. Why do I do it, some would ask. It's simply because a good education (knowledge) is the best thing one can possess to excel in the world.

Why scrimp on education when you have the capacity to earn more by sweating blood and surpassing your limits, which would bear fruit in the end? Though I cannot say that this type of ideology is for everyone, it is better to put someone to school to increase their chances of having a better life rather than just surrendering to fate or poverty. Most success stories start off with nothing, and most self-made men and women start off with nothing but sheer determination and perseverance to grab their dreams.

Note to students: Be thankful for the education you have been afforded even at the expense of your parents’ fattened cow, pig, or prized fighting cock. Note to parents: Knowledge is the only thing that cannot be stolen and it is the best gift you can impart to your children so don't scrimp on education.

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