In defense of HUMSS

I commend the University of the Philippines Baguio and Mindanao, as well as the Philippine Normal University system, for defending humanities and social sciences (HUMSS) and I condemn UP Diliman for defunding the same discipline/strand.

It is lamentable that passing rates in licensure exams relating to social sciences and humanities have become dismal and prone to underemployment (with teachers bearing the brunt).

Adding insult to injury, not giving priority to teachers leads to poor quality of basic education in the Philippines. Not giving priority to lawyers leads to a distorted justice system. Not giving the same to psychometricians, psychologists, social workers, and guidance counselors leads to a sorry state of mental health. Not giving priority to journalists leads to easier manipulation of crucial news.

My HUMSS friends from all senior high schools share the same sentiments regarding the discrimination they experience from other strands in the academic track.

We hope that HUMSS will receive the same equitable access to education.

Bryan Celespara,
Department of Education,
Rizal