Monaliza Barrientos' Profile

Education Opens Doors

by: Mylene Ruby B. Llander

No single action can change a woman’s life for the better more than gaining a college education. Education is of benefit to everyone but is especially important for women to help level the playing field and open doors they often find closed to them without a degree. When deciding on your potential field of study, you are wise to consider several factors. First, realize you have a dream and that you desire to reach it. You would think this was the easy part... however for some; this can be the most difficult point to reach. Next is your second home; the University. But how can we assess the quality of education offered by a college or university? How can we know reliably whether or when learning is taking place?

I once interviewed a Mass Communication student of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). I asked her some questions regarding her present life in PUP. Polytechnic University of the Philippines has a mission of providing the highest quality of comprehensive and global education and community services accessible to all students, Filipinos and foreigners alike. No doubt, PUP is providing quality students just like Monaliza Z. Barrientos.

Monaliza is a regular third year student of PUP, 18 years of age, and currently residing in Payatas A, Quezon City. Her mother wanted her to be a Nursing student while her father wanted her to take up Law but she really wanted to part of the Accounting world but, unfortunately, she wasn’t able to avail a slot so she decided to choose another course which is broadcasting. On the other hand, her family is supporting her all through out the way even though they are not satisfied with what she’s taking up right now. At first, it was very difficult for her to adjust because she took up the course that’s not really her choice. She chose Broadcast Communication because she has a background in Journalism since elementary. Mona studied in Batasan Hills National High School and she’s living with her parents in Payatas. Practically speaking, Mona chose to study in PUP because of low tuition fee. She doesn’t want her family to spend lots of money in her studies so she really strived hard to enter in PUP. Aside from having a low tuition fee, she had this impression in PUP that it is one of the most respected Universities in the Philippines. Lots of her neighbor wishes to study in PUP but unfortunately failed from PUP College Entrance Test.

As she enter the University, not all her expectations as well as impressions, met. According to her, the system inside the PUP is not really good. She does believe in most of the Professors in PUP are very reliable and a good proof that PUP is giving a quality education. “Kaso lang marami rin sa kanila ang nagiging dahilan ng pagka-discourage ng student. Tulad na lang ng mga Professors na tamad magturo, ang tendency nun ay tamarin na rin pumasok yung student, tapos ibabagsak nila, that’s unfair”, she added. The bottom line is that a good Professor plays a huge role in student’s growth and achievements so they should learn to persuade students well.

When it comes to lacking of facilities, she really pointed out that it is really a hindrance to the students to concentrate well in listening or studying. It makes the students uncomfortable. “Tulad na lang ng sumisingaw na cr na bongga sa panghi. Tapos yung kulang na mga chairs sometimes. Yung mga sumasabog na electric fans, hindi na nga aircon, delikado pa”, she said. She is also frustrated when it comes to resources matters. The 1:21 ratio of the computers and the inadequate supply of books in the library is really a hindrance to students’ success. She’s trying to say that the Administration of PUP is focusing on the outer part not on the inner portion of the school. Therefore, horrible facilities divert students to acquire high grades.

As we all know, PUP is well-known for its activist students. They are just creating vandals around the campus and nasty noise among the classes. Some of them don’t even know what they are shouting and fighting for. According to Monaliza, they are causing no good in the University; they hinder the University to grow. When I asked her about the unique qualities of PUP from other State Universities, her answer is like this: “Tayo ang nag-oofer ng mas maraming magaganda at indemand na courses, mababa ang tuition fee, maraming activists, maraming styles ng uniform, tayo rin ang nag-aalow ng student na maging malaya ng sobra na hindi na maganda. My last question to her is what she can offer in the progress of PUP. “I will bring change in the PUP through my inscriptions. Naniniwala pa rin ako na madadala pa rin ang karamihan sa mga nababasa nila at syempre sa pagiging mabuti ko na ring student. Hindi ko kailangan sumama sa mga rallies para lang humingi ng justice para sa kapwa ko student, kung hindi naman nakapag-dudulot ng maganda para sa karamihan. That’s all, Thank you!” she replied with courage in her face.