QUALITY EDUCATION has always been accessible only for those who are rich enough to afford it. Public school education, as mandated by the law, may be considered an option, yet these institutions often are underfunded, understaffed, and overpopulated.
In paper, the country has been showing a steady increase of literacy rate in the country to progress quality education. However, this still leaves more than one million documented people aged twenty-five and over who have not completed any level of education.
In reality, being able to read and write is not sufficient in today’s employment landscape. With most entry-level jobs requiring at least a college degree, even the overqualified and overeducated fresh graduates are having difficulties with selecting the right occupation. The difficulty exponentially rises for those who have not finished formal education.
Scholarships may be available for those who are talented or smart enough to ace their exams, but most accessible opportunities are focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. As an example, Department of Science and Technology scholarships—the prime scholarship program for undergraduate students—may only be accepted if the scholar takes up one of its priority programs.
STEM has always been regarded as the priority in education and for scholarships due to it being “crucial for the country’s economic growth and development.” Programs under Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences are simply snubbed most of the time.
Applying for scholarships, however, is gut-wrenching. The act of quantifying your family through billing statements and financial records is a long and strenuous reality check. Arguably, one must label themself “poor enough” to get a chance of a better future.
Meanwhile, Ateneo strives to embody the “persons-for-and-with-others” by being welcoming to all students, regardless of socioeconomic status. The University has seen a constant increase in the number of accepted scholars each year through the Office of Admission and Aid’s (OAA) efforts.
However, living as a scholar surrounded by the elite can leave you with questions of why you chose this university in the first place.
As a scholar, I find myself weighing whether to spend thousands of pesos per month to stay along Katipunan or lose six hours a day in commute. I find myself having to choose between Php 50 for a tricycle ride to campus or to walk under the scorching sun and attend class covered in sweat. I find myself running to be one of the first to get the free-for-all Php 500 food stubs from the OAA.
While my friends enjoy their personal drivers and car rides, I end up having to squeeze myself in trains and buses during peak rush hours to get home on time. Sure, money cannot buy happiness nor class, yet money is a massive deciding factor for scholars like me.
To study in the Ateneo is indeed a privilege. Likewise, the lack of inclusive opportunities and scholarships nationwide proves that education remains a privilege—only for those who are rich enough or smart enough.
Emman is a Computer Science student and a Financial Aid scholar from the Ateneo de Manila University, expected to graduate in 2024. He utilizes his knowledge in programming to tell immersive stories and to make a change in the world.
Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed by the opinion writer do not necessarily state or reflect those of the publication.
