PDF handout of the 32 Powerpoints - Mark Fullmer

6/5/2012The current picture of the Filipino nation is undeniablycatastrophic made evident by the local media. Thecountry is marred by these burning issues: the appeal forthe President’s impeachment and the threats ofdestabilization, the flaring Charter Change issue that haslaunched a national feud among the different sectors ofthe society, the national budget deficit, theuncontrollable fall of the economy, the grime ofcorruption in the governement, oil spill in the Guimarasand too many more to mention. These are the recentevents that define the state of our nation today.It is depressing for us that we encounterunpleasant news recurrently. However, it would beeven more saddening for the youth for at theirvery young age, they have witnessed the “gradualfall” of the Philippines. But sadly, a majority ofthem are not fully aware of it. Probably becausethey prefer watching entertaining televisionprograms over news reports and lay their hands onfascinating magazines instead of readingnewspapers. Their dislike to watch news andcurrent events and this not-to-read phenomenonhas resulted in apathy. They ignore political andeconomic issues. They tend to forget thateverything that’s happening in the countryconcerns them. Thus, this ignorance has been asign of immaturity of the youth and must soon beabated.People mature not only in physical, mental andemotional aspects, but also in social dimensions, whichinclude political development. Given the complicatedcondition of our government and society today, theFilipino youth cannot stay indifferent to the politicalmatters concerning them. They must not easily shrugtheir shoulders and say no-big-deal for the aftermath ofthe decisions of the administration seriously affects thewelfare of the youth and of everyone. They have to bepolitically mature enough in order to cope with theintricate system of living nowadays.Political maturity is characterized by critical analysis,rational judgment, and broad knowledge andunderstanding of issues regarding our economy andgovernance. If they were not accustomed to suchpolitical matters, what kind of future would thePhilippines have? The young Filipinos are the next totake responsibility over our motherland.The call for political maturity must be answeredurgently. Political Literacy is the fundamental tool inaddressing this issue. The academic community is morelikely to be the avenue of political education. Schoolsplay a potent role in the students’ political formation.And these can only be made possible if schools create aclimate where political matters are espoused. Teachingthe Constitution effectively in order that the childrenmay be cognizant of their rights, responsibilities, andwhat is legal or illegal would help. Classroom discussionsmust be infused with national and local concerns too.Requiring students to read newspapers and view newsprograms would also be indispensable. Furthermore,schools must provide opportunities for the students toair their views. The students must be encouraged toparticipate in social movements with patriotic cause.When these are done, youth become politicallyresponsible citizens.An old proverb says, “He whose eyes are closedenters and when he comes out his eyes are open.”This only shows the vital contribution of the schoolin the enlightenment of the young. The school asan influential institution is tasked with bringing theyoung Filipinos out of their shell, exposing them tothe challenge of times and making them awareand responsive to what is going on around them.By tradition, politics is not for the young.However, the present circumstances dictate thateven the youth must have the opportunity tospeak out and must be made mindful of the twistsand turns of the country’s fate. Indeed, there mustbe “politics” in school.1. What is the title of the essay? What does ittell you about the author’s purpose or topic?2. There is no date for the essay, but can youinfer from details when it was written?3. What can you hypothesize about the personwho wrote it? What is his profession? Whatis his educational background?4. Do you agree or disagree with this essay?Why or why not?2