The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (Cocopea) has expressed concern over the proposal to allow foreigners to control higher learning institutions in the country. According to Cocopea President Fr. Albert Delvo, this move could potentially threaten Filipino culture and values. The issue was discussed during a hearing chaired by Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, who heads the Subcommittee on Senate Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 6.
During the hearing, Dr. Karol Mark Yee, the executive director of EdCom 2, highlighted that the Philippines has one of the strictest regulations on foreign ownership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In contrast, countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia allow full foreign ownership of schools. Yee emphasized that the Philippines is unique in stipulating foreign ownership of educational institutions in its Constitution.
Cocopea, representing 70 percent of the country’s private basic and tertiary educational institutions, aims to work constructively with legislators to enhance the quality of education while safeguarding the interests of Filipino citizens and learners. Delvo cautioned that allowing foreign citizens to control and administer educational institutions could jeopardize Filipino culture, values, morals, and spiritual matters.
The Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU) shares Cocopea’s concerns. Joshua Alexander Calaguas, counsel for PACU, echoed the call for lawmakers to exercise prudence and foresight in their deliberations on this matter. He also pointed out that certain proposed amendments may conflict with other provisions in the Constitution, which emphasizes fostering patriotism and nationalism.
Former Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) chairman Patricia Licuanan explicitly opposed RBH 6, stating her opposition to foreign ownership of schools. She urged lawmakers to focus on more pressing matters rather than engaging in wasteful and divisive activities.
Sen. Angara clarified that RBH 6 should not be interpreted as a means to amend basic education. He emphasized that the intention of the resolution is to keep basic education in the hands of Filipinos. He also suggested that before seeking to amend the constitutional provision on ownership and control of higher education institutions, there should be greater precision in the language of the amendments.
The current provision in the Constitution, Article 14, Section 4 (2), states that educational institutions, except those established by religious groups and mission boards, should be solely owned by Filipino citizens or corporations with at least sixty percent of the capital owned by Filipino citizens.
Angara stressed the importance of maintaining an open mind and fostering constructive dialogue on the proposed amendments to the economic provisions. He emphasized that this is just the beginning of the discussion and that further refinement of the language is necessary.
In conclusion, the debate on foreign ownership of educational institutions in the Philippines is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. The concerns raised by Cocopea and other educational associations highlight the need to balance the potential benefits of foreign investment with the preservation of Filipino culture and values. As the discussion continues, it is crucial for lawmakers to engage in open and constructive dialogue to ensure the best outcome for the country’s education system.
Source: The Manila Times
