A survey of the educational system of the Philippine islands by the Board of educational survey, created under acts 3162 and 3196 of the Philippine Legislature.

108 EDUCATIONAL SURVEY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Probably the most pressing necessity of the University is additional
space in which to carry on its essential activities. Since the advent of
the business depression after the World War, only such minor buildings
have been constructed as without which it would have been necessary to
stop instruction in certain branches. Buildings essential to the efficient
administration of the institution have not been forthcoming. The University has no library building and its books are found upon wooden
shelves in a building erected for chemical laboratory purposes. They are
in constant danger of destruction from fire. The capacity of its main
reading room is 180 for a student body of 3,500. The College of
Medicine which has an enrollment of 470 students is attempting to
educate physicians for the Islands in a single building that was erected
fifteen years ago to accommodate 250. The efficiency of instruction in
the fundamental branches is greatly imperilled in the college by lack
of opportunities for laboratory and clinical research. These are but
two instances of a number that might be cited to indicate the great
need of additional space if the University is to conduct its work of
instruction and administration with efficiency. The Survey Board,
therefore, recommends that an appropriation be made to the University
of the Philippines to provide the proper housing of its present activities
and for its future growth, such appropriation to be available in annual
installments during the next five years.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
In concluding its study of the educational system of the Philippine
Islands, the Survey Board desires to bring together at one point those
major recommendations which will require legislative action, and those
which, being administrative in character, are within the power of school
authorities to carry out. Although many of these recommendations will
require years for their complete fulfillment, steps looking towards their
fulfillment should be taken without delay. Upon their adoption by the
Philippine Legislature and by the Bureau of Education the success of
the survey will depend. The Board is convinced that, if the Bureau
of Education is provided with the necessary legislative support, it will
insure the execution of the policies outlined.
With the hope, therefore, that the responsibility for carrying out its
recommendations will be placed squarely on the present administrative
personnel of the Bureau, the Board recommends to the Legislature:
1. That increased revenues for the schools be secured by raising the
real-property tax from seven-eighths to one per cent and by permitting
an additional levy of one-half of one per cent on real estate and an
increase of the cedula tax, the entire income from which increased taxes
should be devoted to educational purposes.