REPUBLIC SERVICE
Conclusion of the last of three parts
[These are the final five paragraphs of Ricardo Saludo’s column on Friday September 16. Owing to the length of the piece (1,287 words) these paragraphs could not be accommodated in yesterday’s issue.]
The distance learning programs should be undertaken in more courses, to bring Ateneo learning and values to the broader national community. This writer has taken graduate courses by distance learning at the University of London, Oxford and Cornell. There may be resistance to this, as there was when Cambridge offered an off-campus MBA, then quickly canceled it due to alumni objections.
While quality and some residency standards must be upheld, the imperative to spread knowledge—the mission of every university—must be fulfilled, especially for sectors bereft of learning.
The third proposed initiative, social monitoring and evaluation, is also not new to the academe, the Ateneo included. Just yesterday, a forum at the Loyola campus presented two studies by the respected Institute of Philippine Culture, assessing the impact on the poor of the 2008 global recession and the 2009 mega-floods. More such reports should be done in collaboration with leading media, to ensure that findings are disseminated to policymakers and public alike. One dream project: report cards on elected leaders and state bodies based on governance parameters and hard facts.
In these studies, it is also imperative that the Ateneo always holds fast to its independent, impartial and institutional perspective. Too much news and commentary today are laced with partisan slants and lacking in solid data. The academe must ensure that its reports and positions benefit not only from diligent research and objective reporting, but also from openness to different points of view and interests, even those seen to be in the wrong. Taking sides before listening to all sides would make those not listened to, also refuse to listen.
Alumni connections, distance learning, and social monitoring and evaluation are our humble suggestions to the Ateneo, for which we would be willing to contribute time and expertise. Congratulations to Fr. Jett Villarin and best wishes to our beloved alma mater!
May the Ateneo teach us the way to be brave and gracious and true.
Magandang gabi at magandang simula sa ating lahat.
The first and second parts were published on Monday and Wednesday.
Ricardo Saludo (Ateneo High School 1973, College 1977) heads the Center for Strategy, Enterprise & Intelligence, publishing The CenSEI Report (
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
), and teaches at the Ateneo.
