QuestionsQuestions (LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 607)
The directive is addressed to the Secretary of Education and Culture, who is tasked to call upon the heads of private schools, colleges, and universities to join the community service programs under the “Balik-Barangay” concept.
“Balik-Barangay” refers to a national community development approach encouraging all sectors to return to their native roots and render community development service, particularly in barangays.
They are encouraged because of their “altruistic and public service orientation,” so they can assist least fortunate communities by sharing expertise and technology available in educational institutions.
The LOI mentions barangay communities and various groups including out-of-school youth, farmers, homemakers, fishermen, and other sustenance workers in rural areas.
The LOI mentions students rendering community service under the YCAP and the CAT programs.
The Secretary of Education and Culture is directed to call upon all heads of private schools, colleges, and universities to join by organizing, expanding, or strengthening their own programs for the barangay and for out-of-school youth.
The programs shall be monitored by the Department of Education and Culture through the Undersecretary of Education for Non-Formal Education.
Progress and implementation must be reported periodically to the President, since it is stated that the desire is to properly acknowledge the concern of educational institutions for least fortunate communities.
The LOI states that joining of those who “grain our youth” (i.e., educators/institutions) will have a salutary effect on these programs.
It emphasizes that current efforts are inadequate to solve rural problems, hence active involvement of all sectors—especially those with special expertise and knowledge—is needed.
It states that the President acted “by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution.” (No specific constitutional article is quoted in the text provided.)
The LOI suggests improved quality of life in barangays and benefits to least fortunate communities through the sharing of expertise and technology.
It includes both private schools and private colleges and universities, as it expressly directs the Secretary to call upon the heads of private schools, colleges, and universities.
The LOI ties its programs to barangay-based development under the “New Society” agenda and situates the directive in the period beginning October 1977.
It indicates that institutions already engaged in community service should enhance their efforts, and those without sufficient programs should organize initiatives for barangays and out-of-school youth.
It must coordinate the call for participation, monitor implementation via the Undersecretary for Non-Formal Education, and ensure that progress is reported periodically to the President.