"Environmental problems are really social problems anyway. They begin with people as the cause and end with people as the victims" 

 — Edmund Hillary

The Lack of Education Hinders Us to Move Forward

 By: Princess Pauleen M. Guiuan

"Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource". A quote from John F. Kennedy, where generally depicts that without human knowledge, there would be no sign of hope in a nation. In the Philippines, countless problems are circulating including the issue of the Lack of Education. According to ISSN (2019), the Lack of Education is where poor quality education and poverty are fostered in children. "Education continues to be an elusive privilege for millions of children around the world today. More than 72 million primary school-age children are not in school and 759 million adults are illiterate and do not have the ability to improve their own living conditions or those of their children. " 

By raising our voice, we can use any means to this way. First is by addressing the problem itself. What factors cause a lack of education?

• Poverty: This has been a major issue in the Philippines that doesn’t change until now. If there is poverty, other issues would also arise, just like the lack of education. Poverty and lack of education are big issues facing the world; the concern is that low-income households do not send their children to school. Even if they wanted to, there are no suitable schools. Government schools do not give a high-quality education, and students that attend them wind up working in low-wage occupations. Low-income families are less likely to be able to afford healthy nutrition, and they frequently lack basic household essentials. These families may be forced to send their children to school without breakfast or lunch due to a lack of financial knowledge and poor salaries. According to a study, not eating enough lowers the brain's ability to learn, and kids who are malnourished cannot do as well as their peers.

• Pandemic: According to Childhope (2022). “Due to COVID-19, education issues in the Philippines have increased and received new challenges that worsened the current state of the country. With the sudden events brought about by the health crisis, distance learning modes via the internet or TV broadcasts were ordered. Further, a blended learning program was launched in October 2020, which involves online classes, printouts, and lessons broadcast on TV and social platforms. Thus, the new learning pathways rely on students and teachers having access to the internet.” Hence, most of us, Filipinos, do not have enough access to this blended learning. The lack of electronic devices, (particularly the WIFI, computers, phones, etc.) is also a factor that hinders someone’s want for education.

• How can we address it to the public?

  It would be either having a campaign that aims to solve this particular issue and would ask for the public's assistance. Second, social media platforms since this one help a lot nowadays. Lastly, more seminars from the different LGUs to communicate with the residents and hear their concerns and issues.

This problem can be addressed by using social media platforms to inform people all over the net about the problem that needs to be solved. Moreover, by supporting and/or joining NGOs (Non-profit organizations) that intend to help and want to make a better change in our nation. 

Article XIV of the Philippine Constitution contains the State philosophy and principle of Education, it is stated that “The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all”. Where the government aims to grant education to everyone and to offer high-quality basic education that is accessible and serves as a basis for lifelong learning and public engagement. Although there are still flaws in the government that we can observe today. This is why I hope they would continue to build a system that empowers the youth which means helping them reach their full potential because, during these times, they need aid from those who can help uphold the rights of the less privileged. These include kids in the streets and their right to attain quality education.

I was born and raised as a Filipino, therefore, I am proud and happy for who and what I am right now. I appreciate and value everything from the smallest to the biggest things that I have inherited from my mom and my grandparents. In addition, being a Filipino made me more respectful, responsible, honest, hospitable, etc., which makes us unique from any other nationalities. In return, I will make sure that I can return what our nation has provided us, and I will strive harder to make it more progressive.

 "Lack of education is an extraordinary handicap when one is being offensive."

— Josephine Tey

Inequality in Philippines: Poverty Rates and Globalism

 By: Cheline J. Estacio

Inequality is a major problem in Filipino society. Our country has one of the world's highest rates of income inequality. More children, families, and individuals suffer as a result of this inequality. And because of that, they chose to do bad things in order to survive. In the Philippines, many issues of inequality exist, such as low wage rates, jobs accepting only those with good backgrounds and histories, and the type of education they received. According to the ASEAN Trade Union Council (2022), the Philippines has the highest rate of economic and social inequality in Southeast Asia. This problem is not limited to personal wealth, land distribution, educational and vocational opportunities, and basic welfare programs are all impacted by the growing disparity between the Philippines' richest and poorest citizens. As in many other parts of the world, it is often the indigenous population that suffers the most. In the Philippines, approximately 1.7 million people from the country's 100 ethnic groups remain the most disadvantaged, with discrimination and a lack of opportunities creating significant barriers, and this is according to Childfund (2022). Jobs are harder to come by nowadays because employers are selective about who they hire, which is why many Filipinos choose to work as Overseas workers to support themselves and their families. They give up their time and longing for their loved ones because they can't find a way to help them survive in their own country simply because they lack something.

We can solve the issue of inequality by providing people a chance to prove themselves because judging people based on their background, history, or education is unjustified. We all have our unique abilities and shortcomings. So, even if we cannot provide them with absolute equality, we must provide them with the equality they deserve as fellow humans and citizens of this country. 

If we want to start making changes in social issues like inequality, I believe the most common way we can help them is to share and acknowledge each individual's strength. With that practice, fewer people will look down on others and more will see them in a favorable aspect, with each of us having a bright future ahead of us if we acknowledge one another. Using social media, as we always do, to publicize each individual's rights and the equality they deserve, regardless of where they come from, who they are, or what they appear to have done.

The Philippine government is working to improve access to health care, education, and land ownership for the poorest families in the country, but the road to recovery and improved equality is long. Household final consumption has increased significantly since 2006, according to the World Bank. During the same time period, however, household consumption as a percentage of GDP fluctuated. (Income inequality remains an issue in the Philippines, despite robust economic expansion. (2022). Oxford Business Group). The Government must consider tax reform, both for individuals and corporations, in order to increase consumer spending on education and health care while also assisting disadvantaged groups. Any tax policies, however, should be designed to have the least significant impact on job creation.

I was educated, raised, and grew up in the Philippines, and despite the difficulties and troubles that our country has, I can still say that I am proud to be a Filipino. Because, as a Filipino, I am well aware of our people; some are terrible, but the majority of us are still wonderful. We may have many issues in our country, but the most important thing is that there is still hope for everyone because, with the support of one person's voice, a large number of citizens will benefit, as will the country in which we live.

 "Inequality is the root of social evil."

— Pope Francis

Philippine Issue: Unemployment of Many Filipino Citizens

 By: Mart Jomer A. Trentado

The Philippines most serious challenges are unemployment and underemployment, which are crucial indicators of the economy's shortcomings. Around 4 million employees (around 12% of the labor force) are currently unemployed, while another 5 million (roughly 17% of those employed) are underemployed. So, Basically, This Reserve Army of workers reflects the state of the economy, particularly its inability to supply jobs (especially in the formal sector) for the country's increasing labor population. The societal costs of widespread unemployment range from lost wages to significant social and psychological issues caused by a lack of employment and uncertainty about the future. Overall, it results in significant social inefficiencies. 

The Pandemic has had a significant impact on people's health, jobs, and rights. The Duterte administration's weak pandemic response appears to have exacerbated Filipinos' suffering rather than alleviated its social and economic consequences. According to the government's labor force survey from February 2021, the unemployment rate is 8.8% or 4.2 million people. During the first implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine in April 2020, the highest unemployment rate was recorded at 17.6%. Aside from the large layoffs of personnel from closed businesses, thousands are placed on 'floating status.' During the pandemic, workers are on a "no work, no pay" basis. They are officially not counted among the unemployed since they are waiting for businesses to "recover" before returning to work. The Department of Labor and Employment granted a one-year extension of the floating status, which had previously been limited to six months.

To combat unemployment, it is critical to raise people's educational levels, making it simpler for them to find work. To achieve effective educational progress, this education should begin early in school, and teachers should pay great attention to and care for each kid. In the literature, a variety of additional solutions to the unemployment problem have been proposed. Worksharing, early retirement, and reduced migration, These policies have an impact on the labor market by reducing labor supply.

Small and marginal farmers should be provided with services such as irrigation, better seeds, manures, implements, financing, and so on. Self-employed people in metropolitan areas should also be provided with loans, marketing, raw materials, technical training, and other services. Also, The government may grant employment subsidies to businesses that recruit unemployed workers. Firms' production costs fall when they receive a subsidy because the price of each unit of labor resource falls. As a result, firms will be more willing and able to hire more workers, increasing the number of workers available. This helps to minimize unemployment by increasing the size of the workforce and the number of job openings. However, determining how much subsidy to pay and ensuring that enterprises are willing to retain the expanded size of their personnel when the economy shifts are tough for governments (eg. Recession).

Providing government training programs to the structurally unemployed, paying subsidies to firms that provide training to displaced workers, assisting the structurally unemployed in relocating to areas where jobs are available, and incentivizing prospective workers to continue or resume their education are all policy suggestions for reducing structural unemployment. As a result, the government can sponsor retraining programs for the unemployed so that they can improve or learn new skills that will help them find work. Another option for the government to handle the problem of unemployment is to maintain economic growth.

I'm happy and proud to be a Filipino even though We are facing Different issues in the Philippines, Seeing every Filipino willing to assist one another is amazing and makes me happy to be a Filipino. Beyond our endurance, adaptability, and courage in the face of adversity, Filipinos have demonstrated that we are also extremely kind, selflessly enthusiastic, and always willing to assist anyone in need. We Filipinos can be proud of our adaptability in addition to our ingenuity. We are extremely adaptable to new individuals, cultures, and situations, which contributes to our overall well-being. We not only bond with fellow Filipinos while abroad, but we also adapt well to different cultures and individuals.

 "We need to give importance to skill development because this way we can end unemployment."

— Narendra Modi

Drug and substance Abuse in the Philippines

 By: Shane Andre D. Somido

Drug and Substance abuse is one of the most common problems that our country The Philippines is facing. Many Filipinos from a poor Families ages of 16 to 64 are addicted to a drug called methamphetamine or "shabu" this drug remains to be the main drug abuse comprising ninety-four percent of the total submission. The Philippines has the highest rate of methamphetamine abuse among countries in Southeast Asia. Drug abuse affects almost all the countries of the world. In the Philippines, it has reached epidemic proportions and is one of the top priorities on the government’s agenda.

I or we can Address these issues about drugs and substances abuse by Learning how to cope with stress and relax without the use of drugs, and by educating the people about the cause of using drugs and substances for them to be not ignorant and for them to know the risk factors of using Drugs so that they become aware and lessen the risk of becoming addicted to drugs, and there are many ways to overcome or prevent addiction, The first one is by surrounding yourself by supportive people or find new hobbies that can help you be distracted.

We can start to address this issue our way by spreading awareness on the internet and supporting the people by communicating with them and helping them to overcome their mental illness. Develop healthy friendships and relationships by avoiding friends or family members who pressure you to use substances. People often turn to drugs and alcohol when something in their life is missing or not working. Practicing stress management skills can help you overcome these life stressors and will help you live a balanced and healthy life.

The government created good communities that play a huge part in preventing teenagers like me from early substance use, and they've created many organizations to help families learn about drugs and substance abuse and support them to develop more effective leadership and governance for drug abuse prevention. Our government develops these strategies to help our country prevent drugs and substance abuse, first is Drug supply Reduction, the objective of this strategy is to take away the drugs from the person, next is the civic awareness and response this strategy is to promote public awareness about the effects of using dangerous drugs by prescribing the non-use of illegal drugs and substances.

I am happy to be a Filipino And I am happy to be born in this country, yes there are many problems that we Filipinos are facing in our country but we can still be happy and there are many positive things that this country has, besides having a major problem about drugs, We Filipinos are respectful and Kind towards our parents and to our neighbors, We learn to respect and give high gratitude to the elderly, and as a Filipino, we can make our country a better place not by hating our country or by blaming it, but by understanding what are the needs of every Filipino.

 “Drugs take you to hell, disguised as heaven.”

— Donald Lyn Frost

The Government of Philippines: Corruption and Poverty

 By: Kurt Andrei P. Badillo

The problems faced by Filipinos in their lives are poverty, high rate of unemployment, War Against Drugs, Killing of Political Activists, Community Leaders, Human Rights Defenders, Attacks on Civil Society, freedom of media, children's rights, sexual orientation , and gender identity and the death penalty.

We can address all the problems faced by Filipinos by forming groups in our society that will help to communicate with the members of the group they will show cooperation, goodwill, cooperation and respect for each other. Members of the group possess a sense of unity and a sense of brotherhood. Group members are always willing to sacrifice themselves for the group. Let all Filipinos have the right to speak and be heard by our government. Strengthen the response to the security of Filipinos. Have enough money for projects to be done such as housing for homeless Filipinos.

I will begin by addressing the issues by convincing other people that we should have a good group to help other people who need help. And be a good role model to other people in a way that always obeys the law, volunteers in the activities that exist in our community, and is a good person to the people we meet.I will also always be good to others so that I can deliver a smile and good vibes to them

What the government helps with the problems I mentioned is providing leadership, maintaining order, providing public services, providing national security, providing economic security, and providing economic assistance. Provide residents with guidelines for everyday behavior, shield them from outside intrusion, and frequently ensure their well-being and happiness.

I am glad and proud to be a Filipino, since I was born, Filipino blood has been the lifeblood of my personality. I have experienced the different types of Filipino behavior based on my lifestyle. the behavior described by my parents is helpful, caring, and stable. Another characteristic of a Filipino that I am proud of is the association with other types of people. Being a part of a wonderful culture, a culture filled with amazing foods, beautiful languages, and having a great homeland to go to. When I tell you the food is amazing, it is so good. Seriously, once you taste it, you will fall in love with it. Being Filipino means we love company. Yeah, we don't really mind being alone, but we prefer to be with others most of the time. It does not mean we're like an overly attached girlfriend to society. It just simply means we like to go around and converse with others. Family members stick together for better or for worse. Amidst hardships and difficulties in life, Filipinos can still smile and be happy. That’s grace under pressure at its best. Basically, anyone, we consider a loved one is a part of our family. We will never leave their side. No matter how hard the journey is, how long it is or how rough, we will always be there for someone. So, yes I am happy and proud to be a Filipino. Because we are very optimistic about everything, we can endure different challenges like floods, earthquakes, or even this pandemic, with a smile on our face no matter how hard our life is. 

 "What saddens me is the corruption of youth and beauty, and the loss of soul, which is only replaced by money."

—  Lisa Bonet

ABM 11-01 (S.y. 2021-2022)

 Group 10 Authors:

Badillio, Kurt Andrei P.

Estacio, Cheline J.

Guiuan, Princess Pauleen M.

Somido, Shane Andre D.

Trentado, Mart Jomer A.