p. 12 | Education in the Philippine Islands by A. Carter

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 21, 1912

Education in the Philippine Islands

By A. Carter

A. CARTER

THE message from heaven as given by the angel to John was, “Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” Rev. 10: 11. The way in which the Lord is preparing the world for the hearing of his last message is of thrilling interest to us who are to “prophesy again,” or teach “many peoples.” A very interesting example of this is now to be seen in the Philippine Islands.

This group consists of more than twelve hundred islands, with seven million inhabitants, who are divided into two hundred tribes. If the Bible and the books our canvassers are selling had to be translated into these two hundred languages, the task would indeed be a slow and laborious one. But the Lord is preparing the way for the gospel to go to these people more speedily. It is good to see how eager the natives are to learn. American school-teachers are doing a great work among them.

From a newspaper published in Manila last June, we learn the following interesting facts: More than half a million schoolchildren have been enrolled. Mr. Frank R. White, director of education, “is greatly encouraged with the bright prospects for a most successful year.” He reports that the last nine years have shown wonderful development of the school system in the Philippines, and that every year the teachers and pupils are becoming more efficient, and are realizing the benefits of the public-school system.

“The teachers of the educational bureau,” he says, “are more heartily in sympathy with the work than ever before, and have especially shown enthusiasm in the industrial and agricultural branches of the schools.”

Ten years ago there was not one Filipino teacher; now there are 8,170. The enrolment of schoolchildren in 1901 was less than 100,000, while to-day it is over 500,000. There is less need every year for a compulsory system of education, “as the Filipino has rapidly come to realize the advantages of the present system, and has himself compelled his

children to attend the schools.” The industries being taught are weaving, lace making, domestic science and housework, carpentry, and agriculture.

I wish to draw special attention to the fact that this large number of native children are being taught in the English language, and every year there will, therefore, be an increased number of teachers and scholars who will be able to read our books and magazines. How necessary, then, that such good literature as we have be placed in their hands.

Thousands of customers for our publications now await our canvassers, and five hundred thousand persons are being so instructed that they will soon be ready to receive the gospel truth for these days.