The recent episode of ‘Laro, Laro, Pick!' of It’s Showtime became a controversy due to its guests—consisting of honor students—who were seen struggling to answer the given acronyms of the government sectors. In an era where societal issues are increasing rapidly, the awareness of such institutions should be part of every Filipinos’ basic knowledge. However, this raises a considerable question too: does medals should always equate to what you know beyond the four-cornered classroom?
Most netizens blamed the honor students who participated in the show, expressing their frustration and disappointment towards them. Yet, it’s not always a student factor. Let’s look at the bigger picture. How are we certain that the curriculum we have currently is enough to provide learners with the knowledge they should be equipped with? As cases of classroom backlogs remain unresolved, school administrations face faculty shortage, and learning material shortage, all of these indicate a limited learning opportunity to students.
Moreover, titles aren’t always earned for knowing everything—for going above the uncertain. Sometimes, it reflects on the efforts, consistency, and determination the student has placed. Academic excellence awards come from the high scores, their ability to participate, and the extracurricular activities they engage in. Their capacity to be responsible and active in the school administration they are in makes them an honor student.
Instead of focusing the blame on the students, why not paint a picture of this time’s education curriculum? Why does it encourage learners more to memorize key concepts than to actually learn lessons by real-life applications? Oh! They cannot. Teachers don't have a choice but to limit their learning inside a classroom. Laboratories and other facilities aren’t sustained enough—left decaying in termites and webs despite the higher budgets placed for us. So, learning still feels like a privilege nowadays.
Us honor students didn’t fail the system; it is the system that failed us. If only they study curriculums under more scrutiny, then progression will be unstoppable. See how the smallest little problem could lead us to compare it to existing major problems? That’s just proof of a ruined education system.
Written by Matilde Grace Vibar, Insight PH
Matilde Grace Vibar, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
