Literacy Is The First Remedy

Alejandro Roces shares his thoughts about literacy in this essay: Literacy Is The First Remedy. Excerpts:

Yesterday, the United Nations commemorated International Literacy Day with the theme "Literacy is the Best Remedy", which focuses on the importance of literacy in the promotion of global health. The growing incidence of diseases in the world today is being traced to the most fundamental problem of poverty and lack of literacy. Poverty is a hindrance to literacy and education without which people become vulnerable to the increasing hardships from the environment, diseases such as AIDS, malaria and other communicable diseases. In other words, the lack of literacy, a big problem in itself, can lead to even greater problems of society.

On a positive note, the nation has 84 percent of its population who are functionally literate, and based on the FLEMMS definition, this means these are the Filipinos who can, not only read and write, but also possess number skills. Their being functionally literate means they have the ability to follow a written set of instructions for basic tasks. They also possess the competence needed to participate meaningfully in the workforce. Therefore, they are armed with the tools necessary to survive in the currently difficult times.

We have witnessed many highly educated and professional men and women of today who cause unrest and anarchy, who cause harm to the environment, who use their authority and power to promote their selfish agenda for material gain. They show that literacy and education are not enough to have a peaceful and just society.

Literacy is indeed the first remedy for a people to rise from poverty, disease and to survive life's hardships. To me, the more meaningful form of literacy is that imbued with values, a sense of discipline and strong faith in God. With these, and a responsible and compassionate government, we can hope and pray that even the poorest Filipino can survive.