Si Ka Pepe at Ang Kanyang El Filibusterismo

Recently, I have been drawn again to re-read one of Dr. Jose Rizal's masterpieces: "El Filibusterismo." I don't know why but there is a certain calling within me that want me to read it again. Lo and behold, El Fili is REALLY a MUST-READ for every Filipino.

At sa pagdiriwang ng ika-147 taong kaarawan ng ating dakilang pambansang bayani, Gat. Jose Rizal, aking itataas sa kamalayan ng mga Pilipino ang isa sa pinakamalaking ambag niya sa ating pagka-Pilipino: Ang El Filibusterismo.

Relevance of El Fili

Some would say that El Filibusterismo of Rizal is an out-dated novel that needs reality check for it to become relevant to our time. Many would say that a lot has changed and it doesn't reflect contemporary Philippine society. Some would even say that El Fili is now just plain and simple fictional literary piece; and a good material for a movie script.

Some also say that the brand of NATIONALISM it promotes is useless in this day and age of GLOBLIZATION. We are now citizens of the world. We no longer need to have loyalty to particular race or country. Nationalism only gets in the way of free trade, economic prosperity and freedom. It is only useful in times of war but there is none in sight.

Sorry, but I beg to COMPLETELY DISAGREE.

The Real Picture

Rizal's El Filibusterismo still clearly reflects our current situation. We have the same ills and problems that had remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The same ways of the Filipinos are still evident in our time. We may not have the abusive friars and Spanish conquistadores wrecking havoc in our land but a lot of their 'incarnations' are still hounding over us.

What are these problems? Let me cut it into different parts and relate each of these in the novel and our current situation.

Education in El Fili

I believe Rizal is the true epitome of a well-rounded student. He doesn't excel only at academics or in sports but is also aware of what is happening around him. He knows that he is part of the few lucky Filipinos during that time, that can afford to go to school. And that is why he didn't left out that issue of education in El Fili. Although most of the schools then are held by Spanish friars, wala it halos pinagkaiba sa sitwasyon natin ngayon.

He knew that access to good schools and universities giving quality education is determined on how much are you willing to pay. In his novel, we see this through Basilio wherein without the help of Kapitan Tiago, he can never go to school. Another example is Placido Penitente. His parents sold everything that they have so that he could study and graduate as a lawyer. (According to the novel, college students have only two careers to choose; either you become a lawyer or a doctor.)

Placido is also an example of a bright and idealistic student that was not given a chance to use it because of the rotten educational system. Padre Millon in this novel is an example of a corrupt professor who treats his student unfairly. You can all read at chapters 12 and 13.

Walang Pinagkaiba

Just like in El Fili, we still have an educational system that is only accessible to those who have the material wealth to pay for it, specially if you want quality education in a good school with good facilities and teachers. We may have a free public education up to high school but it is marked by lack of classrooms, chairs, books and toilets, underpaid and overworked teachers and a high number of dropouts due to different factors. (e.g. poverty)

In addition to this budget for education had been drastically cut since 2001. It may have increased nominally and at the top of the budget priorities (well actually debt service gets the bigger share) but its real value is far from what the education sector need.On the other hand, tuition fees re at an all time high. Schools are now seen more as a profitable venture rather than delivering quality education and producing best graduates.

Many of these schools are on the tertiary level wherein they are supposed to prepare the students for their chosen careers; not to suck out every centavo that they have. Even with the courses that they are offering, most of them are always geared towards a high-paying job. And once noble professions like nursing are now seen as cash cows. The sense of service and passion for their chosen profession is no longer important. It's all about money now.

And these schools also spend hundreds of thousands in advertising. College education is now treated in the same level as detergent bars, shampoos and deodorant; it has now become a commodity and privilege rather than a RIGHT. Some even offer discount, just like a mall on a 3-day sale.

And in this bandwagon of commercialized education, the government doesn't want to be left out.

Corporate University

The Arroyo regime is currently pushing State Colleges and Universities (SCUs) to adopt schemes to raise tuition and other fees. This is in line with Long-Term Higher Education Development Plan of this regime to make all SCUs fiscally autonomous by 2010. It means there is no more state subsidy for SCUs. So to pressure them to hurry up, the government have drastically cut budgets of SCU's since 2001. And one of the first to heed the 'call' was UP.

University of the Philippines is currently celebrating its 100 years of existence. But I would personally say that UP had died last December 15, 2006 when the traitors passed TOFI (Tuition and Other Fee Increase). UP is no longer a UNIVERSITY OF THE PEOPLE. It has sold its lands to corporations to put up a mall and call centers. They are now serving the interests of the business, the few filthy rich kids and the global market.

Malungkot na ganito pa rin ang ating kalagayan. Kung may nagbago man, mas lalo lang lumala. Pera ang nagpapaikot ng edukasyon. Kailan kaya ito magwawakas. Sana malapit na.

At malamang malungkot si Rizal sa kanyang kaarawan ngayon.

Happy Birthday, Ka Pepe.