Education

And
Development

Youth as the hope for our

nation

Submitted to:
Ms. Lorna Israel

Rona Alquiza Ysais

S.Y. 2006-2007
March 1, 2007
 I. Introduction

Youth as the hope for our nation.

“Ang kabataan ay ang pag-asa nang ating bayan”, the famous line of Dr. Jose P.
Rizal. It is not only our national hero has believed that the youths are the hope of this
nation and of this world, but also many other people; they may not be well-known just like
him, others from the government who looks up to the youth, and other people who believes
in the capability of the young people.
As part of them, I do believe that youth are the hope for our nation. I can see and
say that the youth, plays an important role in continues development and improvement of
our nation and society, as long as they earn the real sense of education.
I had chosen this statement as my focus for this paper, because I wanted to further
learned and be knowledgeable through the capability of youth today, to prove and agree to
it that youth like me, will push towards global competitiveness by having the proper
education that will laid upon us by the professors in our school.
Our parents is our first teacher, Sa loob nang tahanan natututunan ang wastong pag-
uugali at tamang pakikisalamuha sa kapwa… laging pinapaalala nang mga magulang mga
kagandahang asal na minana natin, tulad nang mabuting pagtanggap sa panauhin,
pagkakaisa sa oras nang pangangailangan, o bayanihan (kanalee2005@yahoo.com).
There are philosophers and writers believed that having a proper education for
youth means having a community of teachers and professors that fit well in molding the
youth, the generation that will bring the success of our nation. According to Martin
Haberman, a professor in the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee USA, Successful
schools share a number of attributes – good leadership, common vision that prioritizes
learning, teachers who use best practices, an effective accountability system and parent
involvement. …Learning is the primary purpose and the ultimate value to develop in their
workplace and that learning outcomes are the primary criteria in evaluating teaching
success. In addition to Haberman, Ligaya Rodriguez also elaborated that …considering
that education is not the concern of educators alone but of everyone who believes that the
best investment of any government to develop its citizens is the education of the youth,
then there is a great need for networking. As such, each school is expected to benefit from
the active involvement of parents, local government, executives and community leaders in
the running of its affairs. Local governance of education allows each school to take full
advantage of local resources available for education. Furthermore, public schools are
expected to formulate together with stake holders the school improvement plan which
focuses on the leadership of the school heads and the participation of the stake holders in
its implementation and in the affairs of the school. …Therefore, in our wish to make the
quality of the education system improve, a school must have strong collaboration among
its stake holders, who must give their optimum contribution towards the improvement of
our schools and our nation. Freire agrees with the two, it goes on to say that education is a
process of continuous group discussion (dialogue) that enables people to acquire collective
that they can use to change the society. In support of Freire, James Banks (1991; 1993) said
that …”knowledge is not neutral,” and that “an important purpose of knowledge
construction is to help improve the society.
We can not always rely on the positive side of the world that everyone can afford to
pay for the tuition fee and not only that there are no enough or adequate place for them to
study. For a youth to concentrate in there studies they should feel comfortable in their
study place. Let us face the fact that there are factors that will pull us down towards
achieving the dreams that we all wanted to pursue.
Out of school youth and adults are those who have no access to formal schooling or
those who have dropped out of school without completing formal elementary or high
school education. There reasons for being out of schools are directly link to poverty.
Among the reasons are the absence of a school community, the need to work for augment
family income, disability, no money for school – related expenses, gender discrimination,
and different learning styles. In support of this Andrew Gonzales said that …and we shall
unable to create any improvement unless we could somehow cope with the numbers
coming to our schools each year, how more to public schools rather than the private
schools because of the heightened cost of living and schooling. There must be of course
cost cutting measures, the avoidance of wastage, the minimizing of graft, but these do not
contribute to the gigantic problems as much as insufficient resources do. We have more
children to educate and therefore we need more resources to be able to cope with this
heightened demand, increasing each year. The only means we can do is allocate more of
our scarce resources to education and to this scarce to carry out educational task as
economically and as effectively possible for the least amount possible.
 II. Body (Subsections)

A. Poverty

According to Roberto S. Salva poverty is one factor that causes some of the young
people to quit in schooling, or sometimes because of this factor others are not given the
chance to go to school. This hinders the young one’s to achieve their dreams of learning
different knowledge that they can get from school. Poverty must put to an end. Just as one
of the goal in Millennium Development Goal (MDG) is to achieve universal primary
education, one of its targets is to achieve a universal access to primary education by
2015… while there is decreasing enrollment rate in the elementary school in a couple of
regions in the Philippines the proportion of enrollees at the beginning grade who reached
the final grade at the end of the required number of years of the study.
Also the first step in improving education is to recognize that the problems plaguing
our schools are rooted in the way our society is organized. We live in competitive economy
where business and individuals continually seek advantage and higher profits, and where
people on the bottom rung of the economic ladder are stigmatized as failures and are
blamed for their condition. Our culture glorifies violence in sports, movies, video games,
and on evening news broadcasts. It is a society where no one feels obligated to pay taxes
for the broader social good and where welfare “reform” means denying benefits to children
in their parents can not find work; a society that promotes the need for instant gratification
and uses youthful alienation to sell products; a society where those who do not fit in are
shunned (Bowles and Gintis 1976).
In addition to this, the NEDA reported that the proportion of the extreme poor in the
population is decreasing at the National Level. It also projects that by 2015, more than half
of the proportion of the extreme poor will be on its way up in the ladder of development.
 B. Educator and learner relations; Classroom Terrorism

There must be an order in the classroom, where there is a good relationship between
the teacher and the students. Having a good association in between can lead to a great way
of understanding each other in terms of education and social life.
According to Eppie A. Manalo of Adventist University of the Philippines, there is such
an issue about terrorism in the classroom, teachers thought that consciously or
unconsciously they may have been terrorist to those who are entrusted to them – to teach,
train, care for, and love, through practices and behavior in some cases, ruined the future of
their students. Classroom terrorism is a reality that educators and teachers in particular,
have to recognize and confront. Being aware that they all practice classroom terrorism, in
one way or another, and knowing that the results are damaging to the students, this will
help them to apply necessary measures to eradicate it.
Teachers’ and pupils’ attitudes during test taking by Linda Borja Frondarina of San
Felipe Elementary School, she has stated one factor that can cause classroom terrorism …
During the administration of the test, it was noted that the teachers were soliciting answers
from seatmates. It was an event that teachers do not like to happen when their pupils are
taking their exams. But, just like their pupils, even in the presence of the proctor, teachers
were also like them – sharing answers with one another. What if the pupils happened to see
this happening? It would have been a big question on our part as teachers, if one or more
pupils saw what we were doing. Lastly, we are teachers. It is expected from us to
demonstrate what is right. Let us be the role model of good values to our pupils.
Delaney J. Kirk, a professor of management at Drake University has suggested five
points in order to have the class run smoothly and to avoid a bad relation between the pupil
and educator, as well as classroom terrorism. First, show students you care about them as
people, learn their names and where they’re from. Second, be consistent. Third, establish
credibility on the first day of class. Let the students know why you’re the best person to
teach this course. Fourth, deal with discipline problems as soon as they occur. And fifth,
demonstrate that your knowledge of the material is up to date and will benefit them in the
long run.
 In addition, according to Bob Ong, “A teacher affects eternity, No one can tell where
his influence stops.”

C. Quality Education

Education is a virtual force that changes a man into a real man. It is the only element
that makes one a man fully armed with the necessary knowledge and skills and positive set
of values and work habits, this statement is according to Corazon Agcaoili Llapitan of
Claveria School of Arts and Trades.
Llapitan’s claim is supported by Venus P. Morales of Bayun Elementary School; she
said that Education is a very important treasure we have. It can lead us to greater chances
to face the ever changing world. We must be equipped with good education in order for us
to find decent jobs and greater offers the world could give. In the face of serious
competition from cyber space and big influence of media, quality education must be given
to the students in order to conquer the world. More innovations, programs, and policies in
education must be strongly implemented so that quality education will be achieved.
Lastly, according to Fernando C. Mateo of Abar First Elementary School; education
plays a strong foundation in our country. Our desire to achieve a more quality learning for
the native land entails a lot of challenges to focus on. Nevertheless, we should not leave
nor let chances and events hinder our quest for quality because education is a lifelong
process.

D. Youth Empowerment

Youth has the power to twist and make a change, nowawadys youth are more
stronger, brave and tough enough to bring out their best for their own interest and as well
as for the good of nation that they are living.
According to Nelson Felicisimo D. Luz, Philippines stands for global competitiveness,
and here we are, the young scientists, facing th challenge of the country. Yes, the trigger-
key to the world-class development and programs, racing with other nations, is a science
and technology oriented government and people. Today, the government keeps a sharp
focus on harnessing both human and natural forces, to realize sustainable and balanced
progress. We are to compete universally, in line with communication, education, health,
agriculture, industry, business and transportation; with our own resources as capital …there
must be a massive involvement of the youth, in all socio-economic programs. They are all
strong builders and producers who will turn energy and power towards a rich and peaceful
life. They will direct global competition into a country of peace and progress loving
citizens, and NO to destruction.
As to Domiciana Laguardia, she wrote a poem that supports the idea of Nelson
Felicisimo, entitled Working Youth Day:
A child should enjoy his youth and get run from playing,
His young mind develops as he keeps growing,
He learns more and more asnd progresses to the full,
Especially if he goes regularly to school.
He continues to acquire more and better education,
From elementary level to high school graduation,
His college education prepares him much further,
For him to get a job, and a lifetime career.
But due to difficult life, that we find ourselves in,
Even the young are forced to work for a living,
Most of them were abandoned or are either orphans,
Others work to comply with their parents’ demands.
These children are obviously in need of much mercy,
At a very young age, they’re working with urgency,
They should still be having run and enjoying their childhood,
But due to harsh circumstances, they’ve embraced parenthood.
It wouldn’t matter much, if the work is right for their age,
Work they’re capable of, light and easy to manage,
But if the work is service, and they’re treated cruelly,
This should be stopped and reported to the proper authority.
Others go to work after they’re through with their classes,
This is sheer ambitions coupled with sacrifices,
They’re improving themselves, as well as helping their parents,
They’ll finish their degree, success waiting at their hands.
Normally a person works, after completing his college course,
He’s now ready in mind and body, to enter the work force,
He’s had a lengthy preparations, to be ready and ensure
That the lifetime work he chose, gives him a truly bright future.
After all is said and done, let’s salute our young workers,
Who gave up their childhood, just to work as breadwinners,
They’re serving their families, as well as our government,
To all our Working Youth, receive or praise and compliments!
III. Conclusion

Having read and studied all the related literature and issues on Education: Youth
towards Global Competitiveness, it made me more believe on the capabilities of youth
today with regards to the development that they can persuade to their nation and
society.
Factors that affect youth in gaining their knowledge through education, must be
eliminated, like the issue of poverty. Also issues that rise up between students and
proctors of educators must be resolved. There should be a harmonious relationship
between the students and the teachers. The teachers should be enthusiastic in teaching
students who are eagerly in learning more, and in that way students will be more active
in participating in classroom discussions and activities. Learning ought to be fun and
exciting. Quality education can be achieved through having teachers and professors
that fits well and really educated about the subject they are imparting to their students.
More and new ways, methods must be used in presenting or in teaching in order to
eliminate boredom, because boredom affects the concentration the youth who wants to
learn more. And youth empowerment is seen on youth’s that have hearts for their
nations, those who are willing to sacrifice their youthfulness to pursue that they want
and sometimes to risk their dreams just to help others, like their family.
Education has really a big responsibility in molding and developing the minds
of the youth, training them for the best that they can be. As what Mr. Florencio “Butch”
Abad said, “The failure of education represents the failure of society. The failure of
education represents the inability of society to adequate; prepare its young for their
inevitable ascendancy into leadership roles in the future. The failure of education
represents the inability of society to properly perpetuate itself through succeeding
generations. In addition, Leticia Ramos said that nation depends on the kind of
education the children get, the knowledge to advance it, skills upgraded, and values in
grained in the heart, mind and sinews.
Finally, the essence of education is drawing out the best potentials of a person
so that he or she can be fruitful in serving his family and society as well. Youth must be
given the importance, especially on their needs of learning; they can bring the success
and compete for the best of their nation. The government must hear their cries, because
the voices of the youth will tell the path way to success and development of a nation.
Reference:

Journal:

A. Domiciana Laguardia, Working Youth Today, in The Modern Teacher vol. LV, no. 9
February, 2007. published by In The Grace School Inc. Paterno, Quiapo

B. Eppie A. Manalo, Terrorism in the Classroom, in The Modern Teacher vol. LV, no.
9 February, 2007. published by In The Grace School Inc. Paterno, Quiapo

C. Nelson Felicisimo D. Luz, The Youth towards Global Competitiveness, in The

Modern Teacher vol. LV, no. 9 February, 2007. published by In The Grace School
Inc. Paterno, Quiapo

D. Venus P. morales, Quality Education: A Bridge to the Competitive World, in The

Modern Teacher vol. LV, no. 9 February, 2007. published by In The Grace School
Inc. Paterno, Quiapo

E. Fernando C. Mateo in The Modern Teacher vol. LV, no. 9 February, 2007.
published by In The Grace School Inc. Paterno, Quiapo

F. Corazon Agcaoili Llapitan in The Modern Teacher vol. LV, no. 9 February, 2007.
published by In The Grace School Inc. Paterno, Quiapo

G. Linda Borja Frondarina, Teacher’s and Pupils’ attitudes during test taking. in The
Modern Teacher vol. LV, no. 9 February, 2007. published by In The Grace School
Inc. Paterno, Quiapo

H. Kanalee2005@yahoo.com in The Modern Teacher vol. LV, no. 9 February, 2007.

published by In The Grace School Inc. Paterno, Quiapo

A. Bowles and Gintis 1976 in Allan Singer & Michael Pezone Education for Social
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B. Freire in Allan Singer & Michael Pezone Education for Social Change in
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C. James Banks (1991;1993) in Allan Singer & Michael Pezone Education for Social
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Ligaya Rodriguez in Community and School Network in the Philippine Journal of
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Andrew Gonzales, Setting our education priorities straight in the Philippine Journal of
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Florencio “Butch” Abad Schools are first: Empowering Schools to improve Philippine
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Martin Haberman, in Transforming Schools into Learning Community in Educator’s

Journal vol. 24, no. 10, March 2005

ABNKKBSNPLAKo?!, Bob Ong, 2001, Visual Prints Enterprises