A famous quote by Douglas MacArthur cited in Anderson (2015) states that ‘A true leader has

the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the
needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader but becomes one by the equality of his actions and
the integrity of his intent’. “Leadership is defined as a process of individual influence on a group of
individuals aimed at the achievement of individual and or common goals of the group or the
organization”
Today academics, theorists and psychologists have discovered numerous common traits that
define a great leader. A famous quote by Ross Perot cited in Anderson (2015) states “Lead and inspire
people. Don’t try to manage and manipulate people. Inventories can be managed but people must be
led” (Anderson, 2015).
These are my strategies as a good leader:
 Confidence
 Toughness & inspiration
 Ability to communicate the vision & values
 Establish the right culture in the organization
 Honest, integrity and transparency
 Humility
 Learn from failure and bad experiences
 Commitment
 Ability to identify and attract talent
A good leader leads by example and will do anything to ensure that moral values, principles, and ethics
of the organization are maintained by his or her followers (Mills, 2005:13). A good example of a good
educational leader who practices exemplary leadership and good principles.

SONNY V. MATIAS
PhD Educational Leadership and Management

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intension, sincere effort, intelligent
direction, and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.”

Progressivism is based on the positive changes and problem-solving approach that individuals
with various educational credentials can provide their students. Progressivist educators are outcome
focused and don’t simply impart learned facts. Teachers are less concerned with passing on the existing
culture and strive to allow students to develop an individual approach to tasks provided to them. John
Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) and John Dewey (1859–1952) are the guiding minds of progressivism.
Rousseau maintained that people are basically good, and that society is responsible for corrupting them.
He supported education in nature, away from the city and the influences of civilization, where the child’s
interests (as opposed to a written set of guidelines) would guide the curriculum.

SONNY V. MATIAS
PhD Educational Leadership and Management
Five (5) usual problems in the Department of Education

1. Budgetary constraints

The economics and political stability of the country confronts Philippine education today. While many
students are hungry, homeless and can hardly go to school, the government cannot amply support the
basic education requirements because of overpopulation and budgetary constraints. Education is also
taken for granted, even if it’s of paramount importance in this highly competitive world. – Rodolfo
Capili, Caloocan City

Due to debt payment obligations, our education budget is inadequate. The children of the poor, who
need education most, are cheated. – Al Lopez, Manila

Budgetary issues. Kulang ang pondong inilalaan ng gobyerno natin para sa edukasyon. That’s why public
schools have incomplete learning facilities. – Erwin Espinosa, Pangasinan

2. Quality of education

Why can’t the DepEd institute a quality control system on all public schools to determine the
competence of teachers? Many are more preoccupied with activism and money-making schemes than
methodical teaching. – Rodolfo Talledo, Angels City

We can reform the Philippine educational system by upgrading the standard of living of teachers
and building schools in rural, highland areas. – Vic Alim, Caloocan City

Almost everyone knows that the quality of education in our country has deteriorated. The causes of
the worsening quality of education are obvious to us all: Lack of teachers, lack of classrooms, and lack of
textbooks. The Department of Education should not pay lip service but instead address these issues by
implementing concrete action. - Juan Deveraturda, Subic, Zambales

Deterioration. The quality of education in the Philippines has deteriorated since FM’s new society in
1972, when Marcos distorted our history into “his story” to create his superhero image and Imeldific’s
roots in aristocracy. Cory’s reign only made it worse. Erap made it even worse and PGMA blew her
chance by getting anomalous deals instead of prioritizing quality education. – Gerii Calupitan,
Mandaluyong City

3. Erroneous textbooks

Textbooks with grammatical and historical errors have been exposed many years back, but, this
year, many of them are still being used in private and public schools. - Nina Say, Zamboanga City

Books with errors. Whatever happened to scrutiny before printing? Incompetent teachers. Pitiful
classrooms. How can 60 students fit in a 20-seat room? English decline. “It’s raining, aren’t they?” - Rico
Fabello, Parañaque City

4. Incompetent teachers

The lack of competent teachers is the major issue confronting education today. After World War II,
many schools were destroyed and we lacked almost everything in teaching, but our teachers then, many
of whom were graduates of Philippine Normal School and National Teachers College, made do with their
skills, initiative, and resources in imparting to us the education we deserved. I declare positively that our
teachers then were much better than teachers today. - Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City

A major problem is the lack of qualified educators - a result of a deteriorated educational system and
corrupt leadership. – Ed Alawi, Davao City

More than the shortage of classrooms and textbooks, our more pressing problem is the shortage of
quality teachers. – Leonard Villa, Laoag City

Lack of qualified and dedicated teachers, both in private and public schools, who will really work to uplift
the learning abilities of their students. – Loi Castillo, Davao City

5. Rising cost of education

It’s rising costs, particularly of tuition fees even in universities with government subsidy. – Digoy Coro,
Batangas

The high cost of tuition fees and lack of classrooms, teaching materials like books, and qualified
teachers. – C. Manalastas, Manila