TO: REV. FR.

EDWIN BARUELO
FR: HENDRICKS VILLOCILLO
RE: MIS-EDUCATION OF THE FILIPINO
DT: AUGUST 10, 2022

Summary:

I have the idea that there is much more to the Philippine educational system than what we
now see after reading "The Mis-education of the Filipinos." Many of the ideas put out by the
author have been taken for granted by national leaders, curriculum developers, and other
influential figures in the field of education. It is clear that no educator has developed a nationalist
educational system. The educational system is based on the American instructive arrangement,
which initially succeeded, the author underlines in the article. However, once we achieved our
independence, the educational system's context was no longer effective because it was designed
exclusively with the American framework in mind. American education helped them subjugate
the Filipinos. Americans therefore taught Filipinos to make competent colonial administrators.
Filipinos were taught to write, read, and talk in English; they became literate, but they were
brainwashed and lost touch with their own culture and history. The Americans built education
using an American structure not just to educate the Filipinos but also to maintain and manage
their power over our nation. The US is the master of our own home in terms of economics,
politics, and culture. The sort of nationalism the Filipinos require receives little attention from
them. Since the first grade, Americans have been indoctrinating Filipinos with the idea that they
are a kind nation that came to the Philippines to save us from Spain, but in reality, they were
colonizing it via education. Americans regarded the nation as an agricultural one that ought to
stay that way. The idea that industrialization is bad for the Filipinos is ingrained in their thinking.
Constantino further argued that due to this American perspective, the recent economic
emancipation and assertion of political sovereignty forced our educators to reconsider the whole
strategy, principles, and philosophy of education. Filipino education must be provided to
Filipinos. It must be based on the national objectives and requirements. Its main purpose is to
create citizens who value and are aware of their nationhood and who have national ambitions for
the improvement of society rather than merely being self-sufficient individuals. Therefore,
Filipino education must result in citizens who are aware of the nation's concerns and who
comprehend the fundamental answers to these problems. Additionally, it should create Filipinos
with the guts and compassion to work hard and make sacrifices for their nation.

Reaction:

I agree when the author claims that the ultimate purpose of education is to instill in
individuals a sense of their distinct identity as a people. The creation of a curriculum or
educational system that is entirely Filipino is required. Every Filipino must have access to an
educational system that fosters and nurtures our sense of nationalism and love for our homeland.
Additionally, Filipinos should not only attend school to receive their degrees but also to instill in
them a desire to graduate and support/serve their nation.