ACADEMIC FREEDOM

            I  believed that all individuals possess different attitudes, values, and viewpoints that drive them to form their own personal philosophy. These innate philosophies shapes one’s philosophical orientations which relate to the goal of education to the students and to the role of teachers. 

            I would like to give my reactions about the case that was filed by Kristine Rea M. Regino and represented by Armando Regino, petitioner, vs. Pangasinan Colleges of Science and Technology, Rachelle A. Gamurot and Elissa Baladlad, respondents. The case stressed out how academic freedom works and its reciprocity to the part of the student/complainant. 

            In the Philippines, the educational system sprang a strong rejection of the traditional philosophy of education. The academic freedom boasted its strong impact especially to the students that entertains the existence of any source of objective, authoritative truth and ethics. This emphasized on the side of the complainant against the teacher in the institution. The way I see it in the case, an individual should be responsible in determining for themselves what is “true” or “false,” “right” or “wrong,” 

            In the classroom, subject matter takes second place to helping the students understand and appreciate themselves as unique individuals who accept complete responsibility for their thoughts, feelings, and actions. The teacher’s role is to help students define their own essence by exposing them to various paths they may take in life and creating an environment in which they may freely choose their own preferred way. Since feeling is not divorced from reason in decision making, the situation demands the education of the whole person, not just the mind. Although there are educators provide some curricular structure more than other educational efforts, students academic freedom is in great latitude in their choice of options. On the other hand, the Reciprocity of the school-student contract in any institution especially in the higher educational institutions must have a reciprocal relationship towards one another. The contract should imbued the public interest which considers the higher priority given by the constitution to education. CHED also has the power to monitor and a take part in any higher education institutions for the protection and welfare of students and the teachers as well as the institutions.