New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-09-08
BY Newton w. Gilbert.

IN T6NltNllB NllS ileloiS Oh liz
American occupation Of the Philippine
Islands the great emphasis placed upon
the public schools appeals most promi-
nently TO the American investigator.
In introducing the present system of
education it was the avowed intention
Of the government to give through the
nublic schools to every Philippine boy
and girl a chance secure a thorough
modern secular education to fit them
for all phases of their business and So
cial environment, TO make English the
basis Of instruction and the means Of
uniting into one political entity numer-
Gus groups e people differing much in
customs and speech.
The successful implantation Of such
system of education, revolutionary IN
the Far East, is due in part 10 the
Ubole-souled devotion Of the men and
women charged with this work. but
still more TO the hearty cooperation
and support Of the people themselves.
During the Spanish regime, in lS6O.
z carefully planned -ystem of educa-
ton was promulgated for the entire
archipelago. This system provided one
school for boys and one for girls n
every pueblo, with schools for special
advanced instruction in Manila and the
largest provincial capitals.
In the primary schools the course OF
study consisted Of % a course n
Christian doctrine, morality and sa-
cred history suitable for children; 60
reading, To- writing, a. practical in
struction in Spanish grammar and or
thogra ply, 90 principles Of arithmetic
comprising the four rules for figures,
common fractions, decimal fractions,
ordinary weights and measures and
their decimal equivalents; 90 instruc-
ton in general geography and Spanish
history and Cd vocal music.
Course Never Carried Out.
AS a matter Of fact, this excellent
course was never fully carried into ef-
feet. the instruction being confined al
most wholly 10 reading. writing. little
arithmetic and much Christian doc
trine. instruction in Spanish was prac-
tically ignored, due primarily TO the
fact that the few men and women pro-
fcient in Spanish could not be induced
10 engage in educational work in the
public schools. owing 20 tn pittances
granted by law to teachers in the
government schools. Furthermore no
attempt was made TO establish schools
in any except the largest centres OF
population in each municipality or
township, with the result that only the
children OF the richest Filipinos Sc
cured the advantages Of a public school
education, such as II was.
On August 13, 1898. the American
forces took possession Of the Philippine
Islands. A few months later-in fact
as soon as active hostilities ceased
Chaplain McKinnun Of the lst Cali
fornia Volunteers was detailed 10 or
game the Lhdil4ld SNAODAo' A-' N
expiration Of his assignment as Super
intendent Of City Schools thirty-seVen
schools were in operation, in charge OF
$40 Filipino municipal teachers and
seven American teachers Of English.
The American system Of public schools
vas an accomplished fact
The story Of the educational move
nent in the Philippines during the last
thirteen years. If adequately told,
would require a volume. The follow
ing paragraphs, however. will be de-
voted to setting forth the work that is
being actually accomplished in the
direction Of giving the Filipinos a
broad. comprehensive, adequate educa-
ton 10 fit them 10 take an active part
in the business, social and political life
about them.
During the last twelve years the
courses OF instruction for the primary
intermediate and secondary schools
have been the subject Of constant re-
vision 10 adapt them more exactly to
the growing needs OF the pupils.
In the Primary Schools.
The course Of study as it now stands
IS as follows:
PRIMARY COURSE. FOUR YEARS.