EDUCATION does not seem to be receiving the attention it deserves this election season. Despite its role in preparing Filipinos to meet present and future challenges, both the candidates and much of the general public appear to have only a limited appreciation of education issues and policies.

What has been discussed, so far, has to do with increasing teachers' salaries. Undoubtedly, the teachers are deserving. But what policymakers have neglected is the negative side effects experienced by the private education sector, which does not enjoy the same support for its teachers. As a result, private schools are struggling to retain their teaching staff, many of whom are migrating to public schools because of the higher pay.