‘Sick books’—a poisoned chalice that has affected DepEd

It is disgusting to see that like the deadly Ebola virus, the so-called, “sick books” seem to have also infected the minds of some people in the Department of Education. The issue really is very simple and I’m frankly clueless regarding the defensive attitude of DepEd officials who engage in double speak, denial and obfuscation as to the existence of errors in the “sick” books our children are using. It is plain to every person with common sense that the errors Antonio Calipjo Go has pointed out are not just figments of his imagination. These errors would not be evident only to those who don’t want to see them.

Furthermore, these errors poison the minds of the young. Therefore, the sensible and more responsible thing the DepEd should do is to rectify the mistakes pronto and not allow teachers to get their hands on the poisoned chalice. The existence of errors in the sick books is dangerous for they will lead young minds in the wrong understanding of the world around them. Moreover, what can we expect children to learn from the bad attitude of the DepEd? Is the DepEd promoting the bad idea that “little” inaccuracies here and there are OK and won’t harm children? Is the DepEd tolerating the “puede  na  ’yan” attitude instead of instilling passion for excellence?

Spiritual writers say that small sins lead to big sins if not nipped in the bud. It is distressing to witness the level of mediocrity among young graduates today. Many dread and avoid tasks that involve hard thinking and analysis. And it does not matter whether these are graduates of top universities in the country. Moreover, today’s students are victims of “cut and paste technique”—and this is so evident in term papers and essays they submit. How many of those who have obtained their doctor’s and master’s degrees are the real authors of the papers they submit? Their papers are written by paid hacks who, like termites, weaken the foundation of the Philippine educational system. Add to this tragedy is the fact that in some instances the teachers themselves are the very authors of the papers of their students!

Clearly, big money is involved in prostituting young minds, as officials of the DepEd look the other way instead of taking to task consultants and writers of sick books. “Will anyone among you give a stone to his son that asks him for bread…?” (Matt. 7:09). Children deserve the truth, not half-truth.

—CARLOS ISLES,

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