Proceedings of the first Independence congress : held in the city of Manila, Philippine islands, February 22-26, 1930 / Published under the direction of Dean maximo M. Kalaw, executive secretary, University of the Philippines.

EDUCATIONAL SECTION

189

the past without adding to it the wisdom and experience of an
ever-changing world. The present era is eminently scientific
and we cannot reasonably live and survive by isolating ourselves in our own islet formed during the theological era. We
need to absorb and assimilate whatever else is of benefit to us.
That is the law, the task of all education and progress. From
the moment that the individual ceases to absorb new ideas or
try new experiences, he stops growing intellectually.
For this reason I consider that the universities of our land
and specially the University of the Philippines have a special
mission toward the people of the islands, and that is, to
stimulate a more scientific, reasoning and analytical mind among
its students, that the country might be prepared through them
for the struggle and contingencies of the future whether of
national or international character. In all frankness, I am
sorry to say that our mentality, in spite of the political and
social revolutions which took place in our soil has been very
little affected in its complexion and form as if nothing happened around us and that our adherence to old intellectual
habits and ancient precepts and beliefs, which are in complete
disaccord with the realities and for which we feel an exalted
pride, is the principal factor which retards our national development and our intimate association with the progress and ideals
of the present age.
The last speaker in the first session was the Chairman, Dean Benitez. He spoke as follows:
OUR EDUCATIONAL POLICY IN RELATION TO
INDEPENDENCE
By DR. FRANCISCO BENITEZ,
Dean, College of Education, U. P.
For the last fifty years at least, the fundamental concern of
our people has been and is in the struggle. for the achievement
of independent nationhood. After these years of efforts, our
people today, an impartial observer will see, are as well prepared