Education versus Drug Abuse

by Mr. Victoriano J. Capagngan, Jr.
Contributor

BEING a teacher in profession and having so much concern on the lives of our youth in the society especially in our very own town of Mahinog, I made myself more aware and available to share my personal reflection hoping that this would give lesson and inspiration to the readers.

I discovered that Article XIV, Section 3, subsequent 2 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution stipulated the objectives of all schools in our country.

It says that schools shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love for humanity, respect for human rights, appreciate the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical values, develop moral character and personal discipline, encourage critical thinking, broaden scientific and technical knowledge, and national efficiency.

These brief and accurate objectives should trigger off the home, schools and society to pond their resources in meeting the high quality of education for global competitiveness and national self-sufficiency.

For parents and students, this constitutional prerequisite should provide a well-defined direction on what to expect in the hierarchy of formal education. A balanced education covers all areas mentioned above.

In the framing of curriculum and program of studies, mentors and school administrators should consider the objectives mentioned in the Philippine Constitution. Courses should alter the behaviour of people and create civilized and humane citizens of the country.

For society and working institutions, qualifications of applicants should include general criteria that respond to the needs of people. The 10 points stated in the objectives are vital in creating a morale and principled society that puts priority on values and virtues as perpetual and provides legacy for the next generation.

After all, education is basic in producing citizens who are knowledgeable not only in theory, but preparing them with the ability to understand and regulate the ever-changing leaning in societal relationships.

However, sometimes if not oftentimes, illegal use of drugs can be a barrier of achieving all of those objectives of education.

Drugs are to be found everywhere. Look! From your family medicine cabinet to ads on TV to the corner grocery stores, there they are.

In fact, everybody takes drugs; after all drugs can be helpful. Drugs treat all kinds of diseases and ailments. A drug is a drug is a drug, right?

Illegal drugs don’t come with warning labels, and they don’t come with a list of possible side effects. Drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, taking illegal drugs, and sniffing glue can all cause serious damage to the human body.

So what’s a big deal about illegal drugs? The big deal is, like it or not, believe it or not, illegal drugs are illegal for a reason. These precarious substances can mess up every aspect of our lives! Taking drugs or not is our choice! And that is a big deal!

Life is a gift from God. Everything in this world is set for man to use and avail for its human growth. On the other side, education helps very much the perfection of God's plan for human beings. However, it is man’s own and personal choice to make his/her life successful or failure. And that too is a big deal!