Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Episode 4: Universal access to quality tertiary education

The universal access to quality tertiary education bill sponsored by Sen. Bam Aquino was the topic of discussion at a round table  organized by his office. Among the bill's key features was the abolition of student fees at local and state universities, colleges and technical, vocational institutions. This provision was objected to by economists from within Pres. Duterte's cabinet based on analysis conducted by the government's think tank. Citing the Australian experience of free college from the 1970s-2000s, the Cusp's Doy Santos questioned the goals and timing of this bill, coming on the heels of the Philippine student loans program (UniFAST).

Listen to or download the podcast here.

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Episode 3: Assessing K-12 with Former DepEd Asst. Sec. Elvin Uy

He was the public face of the K-12 program in its infancy for most of the Aquino administration's term in office. Now former DepEd Assistant Secretary Elvin Uy sits down with The Cusp PH's Doy Santos to discuss the birthing pains of the program, and reflects on the lessons learned and next steps for reforming basic education.

Listen to or download the podcast here.

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Episode 2: Is Duterte's TRAIN on the right track?

The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusiveness package or TRAIN is the cornerstone of 'Dutertenomics'. Without it, the Build, Build, Build program, which seeks to spread the benefits of growth from Manila to the rest of the nation will simply stall. In this episode of the podcast, we look at what the reforms seek to achieve, and whether the policy tools used to achieve them are the right ones, from efficiency, equity and ease of administration perspectives.

Listen to or download the podcast here.