6/5/2012The current picture <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Filipino nation is undeniablycatastrophic made evident by <strong>the</strong> local media. Thecountry is marred by <strong>the</strong>se burning issues: <strong>the</strong> appeal for<strong>the</strong> President’s impeachment and <strong>the</strong> threats <strong>of</strong>destabilization, <strong>the</strong> flaring Charter Change issue that haslaunched a national feud among <strong>the</strong> different sectors <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> society, <strong>the</strong> national budget deficit, <strong>the</strong>uncontrollable fall <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy, <strong>the</strong> grime <strong>of</strong>corruption in <strong>the</strong> governement, oil spill in <strong>the</strong> Guimarasand too many more to mention. These are <strong>the</strong> recentevents that define <strong>the</strong> state <strong>of</strong> our nation today.It is depressing for us that we encounterunpleasant news recurrently. However, it would beeven more saddening for <strong>the</strong> youth for at <strong>the</strong>irvery young age, <strong>the</strong>y have witnessed <strong>the</strong> “gradualfall” <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Philippines. But sadly, a majority <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>m are not fully aware <strong>of</strong> it. Probably because<strong>the</strong>y prefer watching entertaining televisionprograms over news reports and lay <strong>the</strong>ir hands onfascinating magazines instead <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> countryconcerns <strong>the</strong>m. Thus, this ignorance has been asign <strong>of</strong> immaturity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> youth and must soon beabated.People mature not only in physical, mental andemotional aspects, but also in social dimensions, whichinclude political development. Given <strong>the</strong> complicatedcondition <strong>of</strong> our government and society today, <strong>the</strong>Filipino youth cannot stay indifferent to <strong>the</strong> politicalmatters concerning <strong>the</strong>m. They must not easily shrug<strong>the</strong>ir shoulders and say no-big-deal for <strong>the</strong> aftermath <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> decisions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> administration seriously affects <strong>the</strong>welfare <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> youth and <strong>of</strong> everyone. They have to bepolitically mature enough in order to cope with <strong>the</strong>intricate system <strong>of</strong> living nowadays.Political maturity is characterized by critical analysis,rational judgment, and broad knowledge andunderstanding <strong>of</strong> issues regarding our economy andgovernance. If <strong>the</strong>y were not accustomed to suchpolitical matters, what kind <strong>of</strong> future would <strong>the</strong>Philippines have? The young Filipinos are <strong>the</strong> next totake responsibility over our mo<strong>the</strong>rland.The call for political maturity must be answeredurgently. Political Literacy is <strong>the</strong> fundamental tool inaddressing this issue. The academic community is morelikely to be <strong>the</strong> avenue <strong>of</strong> political education. Schoolsplay a potent role in <strong>the</strong> students’ political formation.And <strong>the</strong>se can only be made possible if schools create aclimate where political matters are espoused. Teaching<strong>the</strong> Constitution effectively in order that <strong>the</strong> childrenmay be cognizant <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir 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. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore,schools must provide opportunities for <strong>the</strong> students toair <strong>the</strong>ir views. The students must be encouraged toparticipate in social movements with patriotic cause.When <strong>the</strong>se 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 <strong>the</strong> vital contribution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> schoolin <strong>the</strong> enlightenment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> young. The school asan influential institution is tasked with bringing <strong>the</strong>young Filipinos out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir shell, exposing <strong>the</strong>m to<strong>the</strong> challenge <strong>of</strong> times and making <strong>the</strong>m awareand responsive to what is going on around <strong>the</strong>m.By tradition, politics is not for <strong>the</strong> young.However, <strong>the</strong> present circumstances dictate thateven <strong>the</strong> youth must have <strong>the</strong> opportunity tospeak out and must be made mindful <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> twistsand turns <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country’s fate. Indeed, <strong>the</strong>re mustbe “politics” in school.1. What is <strong>the</strong> title <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> essay? What does ittell you about <strong>the</strong> author’s purpose or topic?2. There is no date for <strong>the</strong> essay, but can youinfer from details when it was written?3. What can you hypo<strong>the</strong>size about <strong>the</strong> personwho wrote it? What is his pr<strong>of</strong>ession? Whatis his educational background?4. Do you agree or disagree with this essay?Why or why not?2
6/5/2012Developmental ReadingThe way a person feels about an idea orconcept, event, or ano<strong>the</strong>r person can bequickly determined through facial expressions,gestures, and in <strong>the</strong> tone <strong>of</strong> voice. In literaturehowever, an author sets <strong>the</strong> tone throughwords. Tone typically referes to <strong>the</strong> author’sstance toward his or her readers and message.Specific documents or authors can be describedas having a proud, arrogant, pedantic, racist,confident, or satirical tone.AngerArrogance/PrideConfusionSadness1
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