Caves Constraining the Philippine Youth: A Persistent Struggle

 

Caves Constraining the Philippine Youth: A Persistent Struggle

 

Despite the system that the Philippines has, still like any other nation, we are susceptible to several challenges that hinder the progress and well-being of its youth. The very becoming of the country aiming to develop young’s full potentialities are impeded due to the “caves” that constrain the young generation free from the bondage of ignorance.

Philippines is a democratic country after the fall of authoritarian regime. According to national data, more than 42% of Filipinos are under 18 years old and poised to become influential participants in Philippines’ democracy (National Democratic Institute, 2019). However, as the technology constantly developing such as the influence of social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and many more, the state of vulnerability of misinformation increases as well. Youth today becomes ignorant of the current issues of the country simply because of the potential distortion of truth appeared before them. Even the citizens of the Philippines are swallowed by unethical used of technological advancement. Truth now is clouded by lies of information and gradually changing the scars brought by history. Hence, youth is in the verge of enchainment.

One of the most prominent caves that persistently shackle the Philippine youth is the issue of educational inequity. Despite efforts to improve access to quality education, stark disparities remain between urban and rural areas, as well as among different socioeconomic classes. As a result, many Filipino children and young adults are deprived of equal opportunities for learning, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and limiting their potential for personal and national growth.

According to a report by UNICEF Philippines (2018), around 2.8 million children in the country are out of school, with the majority coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. Lack of access to quality education further exacerbates existing social and economic inequalities, creating a significant barrier for the Filipino youth to overcome. Such educational inequity restricts their chances of acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to participate effectively in the workforce and contribute to the nation's development.

Unemployment and Underemployment: The second cave that continues to hinder the progress of the Philippine youth is the pervasive issue of unemployment and underemployment. Despite being equipped with education and skills, many young Filipinos struggle to find suitable employment opportunities that align with their qualifications. The lack of decent job prospects not only limits their economic prospects but also undermines their motivation and sense of purpose.

Statistics from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reveal that as of 2020, the youth unemployment rate in the country stands at 16.1%, significantly higher than the national average (PSA, 2020). This alarming trend not only reflects the challenges faced by the youth in securing stable employment but also highlights the broader structural issues within the Philippine economy. The inability to find gainful employment not only restricts individual growth but also hampers overall economic progress and social stability.

The Philippines continues to grapple with several challenges that constrain the potential of its youth. Educational inequity, unemployment and underemployment, and political disempowerment stand out as significant caves that persistently shackle the Philippine youth. Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts from government, civil society, and stakeholders at large. By prioritizing equitable education, creating more employment opportunities, and fostering youth participation in political processes, the Philippines can work towards unshackling its youth, enabling them to become catalysts for positive change and sustainable development.


References:

National Democratic Institute. (2019). The Role of Youth in Philippine Politics and Democracy: Results from a Nationwide Survey. Retrieved from https://www.ndi.org/sites/default/files/NDI-Philippines-Polling-Brief-1_2019-Youth-Politics-Democracy.pdf

Philippine Statistics Authority. (2020). Employment Situation in October 2020. Retrieved from https://psa.gov.ph/content/employment-situation-october-2020-final-results

UNICEF Philippines. (2018). Achieving Quality Basic Education for All: A Comparative Analysis of Education Sector Policies and Programs in Selected Countries. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/philippines/reports/achieving-quality-basic-education-all-comparative-analysis-education-sector-policies-and


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