The De La Salle University (DLSU) encouraged the government to prioritize addressing the actual problems faced by local higher education institutions (HEIs) instead of focusing on constitutional amendments.
In a statement on Tuesday, March 19, the university cited the recent findings of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), which highlighted the education crisis in the country.
The report pointed out the high student attrition, slow progress in creating centers of excellence and development, and challenges in maintaining quality instruction despite ongoing efforts to increase accessibility.
It said that the current regulatory framework is prohibitive and stifles the potential for innovation and growth among local HEIs.
For this reason, the university suggested that instead of prioritizing actions to liberalize the education sector for foreign ownership, the government must "consider reviewing and revising regulatory frameworks so that local HEIs can thrive and better serve our country's developmental goals."
DLSU noted that lawmakers should focus its energies on increasing public expenditure especially in tertiary education, addressing barriers to access, and establishing a solid support system for educational institutions.
"The government can look at progressively implementing existing policies that already provide for expansive cooperation between local and international institutions to engage in innovative programs that serve the development interests of our country without having to amend the charter," DLSU said.
It added that the university is wary of any moves to pursue Charter change (Cha-cha) in the context of shrinking democratic spaces and the potential for broader, but not necessarily "better" amendments to the 1987 Constitution.
DLSU then urged lawmakers to exercise full transparency during deliberations and prioritize the people's most pressing needs over educational restructuring and political maneuvers.
The university also encouraged Lasallians and concerned citizens to take a stand and engage in meaningful discussions towards genuine, people-centered socio-economic reforms to "lift more Filipinos from poverty and provide every citizen with high-quality public services" such as education.