In a country where obtaining a diploma shapes one's life, a significant barrier

hinders poverty-stricken individuals from accessing the supposed school for the
"poor". Recent data from the UP College Admissions (UPCA) presented a surge in
private school graduates qualifiers, overshadowing public school applicants and
heightening UP's appeal to private school college applicants. While this trend
highlights UP's academic prowess, even earning its place among the top State
Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the country, this 'attraction' dims the
prospects for public school graduates to qualify for UP, with more private school
graduates dominating the spots. Education is undeniably a right for all, but this
doesn't imply that everyone is financially or academically equipped to pursue
higher studies. Equity, rather than equality, is imperative for the underprivileged
to have a chance at a brighter future.

Recently, UP's three-year shift to a solely grades-based application process

triggered changes in its admissions model, but not without consequences. Since the
implementation of the UP College Admissions (UPCA), qualifiers from private schools
have surged, surpassing those from public schools. Despite a rise in public school
applicants, their average UPCA passing rate is 3.8 percentage points lower than
UPCAT 2020. In contrast, private school passing rates increased by 4.3 percentage
points due to a higher number of qualifiers. Nevertheless, the changes introduced
during UPCA to expand the grades-based component will continue in the 2024 UP
College Admission Test (UPCAT), as stated by the UP Office of Admissions (OAdms).

Over the years, UP accumulated numerous awards that solidified their reputation not
only in the country but also globally. But, what good is a reputation if it cant
even teach those people who need quality education the most? Yes, the increase of
private school applicants played a huge role on the successful performance UP.
However, is this the real goal of UP? To be blinded of fame and ignoring those who
are underprivileged—those who are held back not because they dont have the capacity
to qualify for UP, but their incapability to have an even footing against those in
private schools who have everything on their arsenal, fully equipped, and ready to
take the spot.

While this may appear to be a typical rich versus poor issue, this matter extends
beyond mere differences. A research paper published in SciSpace reveals that
private schools in the Philippines have several advantages over public schools.
Notably, private schools are found to be more cost-effective than public schools,
with public schools spending roughly twice as much per student on average
concludes. Even concluding that "Overall, private schools in the Philippines offer
better support, higher achievement goals, improved learning outcomes, and cost-
effectiveness compared to public schools." It is crucial for the governemnt realize
that the one lacking is not its learners, but the rotten education system that
chains the student into achieving a higher level of knowledge.

Beside the deteriorating education system offered in public schools, the financial
constraints faced by economically challenged students also place them at a
significant disadvantage compared to their counterparts in private schools. To
provide context, private school students can easily afford review centers, thereby
gaining an advantage. They are also capable of easily covering miscellaneous fees
and required forms. Additionally, numerous articles have indicated that private
schools typically award higher grades and efficiently process the necessary school
forms for student applications. In contrast, public schools represent the complete
opposite scenario. How can you expect an underprivillaged student to learn if
almost everything they have if not second class—a further burden added to their
backpack.