Why does CamSur need ALS?
Camarines Sur has one of the highest illiteracy rates in the Philippines, falling behind the national average for functional literacy across all age brackets. Additionally, it is estimated that there are more than 44,000 out-of-school youth in the province (Abot-Alam National Survey).
Adding to the problem of illiteracy in Camarines Sur is the related issue of poverty. In 2012, Rappler reported that 43.1 per cent of families living in the province were considered ‘poor’. In 2009, a family could only be considered ‘not poor’ if its income reached PHP85,000 per year. In Camarines Sur, the average income for families falls short of this mark by a staggering PHP52,000, sitting at only PHP32,702 per year.[1] These statistics indicate the necessity of maintaining, improving, and expanding ALS programs throughout the province.
The Bicol Mail, citing an official from the National Economic Development Agency (NEDA), stated that for most Filipinos the key to escaping poverty is securing well-paid employment[2] – and a good job requires a good education. The right to quality, basic education is enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution; ALS plays an essential role in helping DepEd deliver on that obligation.
References
[1] Gutierrez, Natasha. 2013. ‘CamSur: Among the poorest, with no new choices’, Rappler January 5 www.rappler.com/nationa/politics/elections-2013/27930-camsur-among-the-poorest,-with-no-new-choices (Accessed February 5, 2016).
[2] Barcia, Rhaydz, B. 2013. ‘Regional economy growing but poverty still high’, Bicol Mail August 1 www.bicolmail.com/2012/?p=10160 (Accessed February 5, 2016).
Adding to the problem of illiteracy in Camarines Sur is the related issue of poverty. In 2012, Rappler reported that 43.1 per cent of families living in the province were considered ‘poor’. In 2009, a family could only be considered ‘not poor’ if its income reached PHP85,000 per year. In Camarines Sur, the average income for families falls short of this mark by a staggering PHP52,000, sitting at only PHP32,702 per year.[1] These statistics indicate the necessity of maintaining, improving, and expanding ALS programs throughout the province.
The Bicol Mail, citing an official from the National Economic Development Agency (NEDA), stated that for most Filipinos the key to escaping poverty is securing well-paid employment[2] – and a good job requires a good education. The right to quality, basic education is enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution; ALS plays an essential role in helping DepEd deliver on that obligation.
References
[1] Gutierrez, Natasha. 2013. ‘CamSur: Among the poorest, with no new choices’, Rappler January 5 www.rappler.com/nationa/politics/elections-2013/27930-camsur-among-the-poorest,-with-no-new-choices (Accessed February 5, 2016).
[2] Barcia, Rhaydz, B. 2013. ‘Regional economy growing but poverty still high’, Bicol Mail August 1 www.bicolmail.com/2012/?p=10160 (Accessed February 5, 2016).