ACTIVITY NO. 2: Imagine that you are a writer for a leading newspaper company in the Philippines. You are asked to write an argumentative text about one of the topics listed below. Your output should not be less than 400 words and should reflect key structural elements and language features of an argumentation. Do this in your notebook. 1. High Inflation rate in the Philippines: Rising rice, energy, and other goods prices 2. Implementation of DepEd MATATAG in response to the declining quality of education in the Philippines 3. Proposal for DepEd's confidential funds for national security can you gave me a 400 words
Answer (1)
Answer: 3. Proposal for DepEd's Confidential Funds for national securityThe recent proposal for the Department of Education (DepEd) to receive confidential funds for national security has sparked significant debate. While proponents argue that these funds are essential in safeguarding schools and ensuring a conducive learning environment, critics contend that allocating confidential funds to DepEd is a misstep, especially given the current educational crisis the country faces. The question remains: is this allocation of resources justified, or does it divert attention from the more pressing needs of the sector?First and foremost, the Philippines is grappling with an alarming decline in educational quality. Data from various studies highlight poor student performance in key subjects such as reading, mathematics, and science. Given these challenges, it is imperative that DepEd’s resources be channeled towards improving the quality of education. Hiring more competent teachers, improving school infrastructure, and investing in updated learning materials should take precedence over allocating funds for security purposes. The core mission of DepEd is to educate, not to manage national security concerns.Proponents of the confidential fund argue that schools are vulnerable to various threats, such as illegal drugs, terrorism, and other crimes that can disrupt the learning environment. They believe that DepEd must be equipped with the financial capability to address these concerns discreetly. However, it is worth noting that there are already existing government agencies, such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of National Defense (DND), whose primary responsibilities include ensuring national security. Shifting this responsibility to DepEd seems redundant and potentially inefficient.Moreover, the issue of transparency is another critical concern. Confidential funds, by their nature, are not subject to the same rigorous public scrutiny as other budget allocations. In a department that already struggles with issues of corruption and mismanagement, introducing opaque funding mechanisms could exacerbate these problems. The Filipino people deserve accountability, especially when it comes to the education of their children. Trust in public institutions is eroded when funds are not handled transparently.In conclusion, while security concerns in schools should not be overlooked, the allocation of confidential funds to DepEd appears to be a misallocation of limited resources. The department’s priority should be on addressing the immediate and severe educational deficiencies plaguing the country. National security is a critical issue, but it should be left in the hands of agencies with the proper mandate and expertise. DepEd must focus on its primary mission: providing quality education to every Filipino student.
