The news on Ayala Corp. taking over the prestigious educational institution, the National Teachers College (Business, 2/9/18), is a shaky event in the field of education.
NTC had been producing thousands of teachers who in turn produce thousands of graduates. Its contribution in molding quality teachers in an affordable scheme is priceless.
In fact, it exists within the same plane with the government’s Philippine Normal University.
Schools being run by a popular business organization is not new. It only fortifies that education is a bright venture for businesspeople.
In fact, many businessmen are investors in most of the big universities in the country. I mean who are the investors or the board of directors of De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, Xavier School, and many more?
But why invest in schools? Educational institutions offer a safe environment for portfolios since internal rules and regulations are already set. Student population is also growing.
It is indeed a smart decision for Ayala to acquire NTC this year because graduates of the K-12 program will flock to colleges and universities at the opening of SY 2018-2019.
Perhaps NTC buildings will be renovated and the entire campus will see massive educational innovations with advanced facilities and excellent programs.
But who shall win? Obviously, Ayala Corp., in its brilliant vision of success at the expense of education or in its benevolent mission to renew and ignite the role of the NTC.
CARLOS ERWIN I. FAJARDO, fajardocarloserwin@yahoo.com