44 TIMBANG, Frances Patricia D.

2A PH

The Present Philippine Society

According to the recent study conducted by the Asian Development Bank, one of the
causes of poverty in the Philippines is high levels of population growth. The uncontrolled and
rapid growth of population of the Philippines, especially the young, greatly contributes to the
increase in the dependency rate and a decrease in the workforce of the Philippine economy. This
factor is also relative to the increase in the drop-out rates in the Philippines.
Lack of education is a huge problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. In
general, having little or no general education about household duties and knowledge results in
poor household planning, can lead to ignorance to the rightful duties of each family member. It is
evident in both rural and urban settings here in the Philippines the sudden increase in the number
of informal settlers, street dwellers and street children working on the streets. This evident
problem in our country is an alarming case, because in majority, we can consider our country as
a Christian community and thus, we must practice what Pope Francis had mentionedmercy and
compassion.
As for USAID, Most of the poor in the Philippines live in rural areas and work in the
agriculture sector, mainly in farming and fishing. Urban poverty, however, has been increasing in
recent years. Migrants without jobs or with low-paying jobs are unable to afford decent housing.
As a result, Philippine cities have high proportions of informal settlers who are among the
poorest of the poor. This can present the irony that people in the agriculture sector is among the
poorest sector in the Philippines even though in the international setting, our country is
considered an agricultural country. Back in the past, we used to teach our neighbouring countries
like Vietnam and Thailand rice agriculture, but in present we are importing rice from them. We
have a vast agricultural land, instead of cultivating and improving our technology with it, higher
national leaders tend to focus on other aspects, such as business and other investments so as to
cope up with the first-world and developed countries like USA, Singapore and more.
These problems are caused mainly by the following: corruption in the government,
poverty, inefficiency in processes, lack of education, difference in cultural identity and colonial
mentality. As a Christian Catholic and as a citizen of the Philippines, we should contribute to the
progress of the nation. Just like what our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal stated Ang kabataan ay
ang pag-asa ng bayan. I can contribute in my small little ways. Studying hard so as to become
a member of the workforce in the future, to actively participate in charitable works, and to live
life according to the teachings of Christ are my goals in life.
References:
http://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/27529/poverty-philippines-causesconstraints-opportunities.pdf
https://www.usaid.gov/frontiers/2014/publication/section-1-extreme-poverty-philippines
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-problems-facing-the-Philippines