Empowering The Philippine Economy Today Through Socio-Civic Education
As the May 2022 Philippine Presidential Elections draw near, more efforts are being initiated for Filipino citizens to vote wisely. One of these efforts is the “MULAT” program, by PHINMA education, which uses curricular and extra-curricular activities to increase the students’ social awareness, educate them about their rights, promote human dignity for all, and encourage them to take an active role in pursuing positive social change in the Philippine economy today.
What Is the Effect of COVID-19 On the Philippine Economy?
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the employment rate in the country was at 91.2 percent in February 2021. The number of unemployed Filipinos 15 years old and over also increased to 4.2 million in February 2021, about 234,000 higher than the reported 4 million in January 2021.
The government in partnership with the IT and Business Processing Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) is currently providing more job opportunities for underemployed individuals.
How Voting Impacts Philippine Economy Today
According to a survey conducted in February 2021 among 7,139 college students, they showed a positive attitude towards registration and voting. However, 30% of students had not yet registered.
When more youth are educated in socio-civic affairs, there is a unified effort in creating solutions to positively impact the Philippine economy today and minimize concerns like unemployment and current health conditions. Making well-informed and unified voting decisions also strengthens the gap between the citizens and the government and better addresses the concerns of the majority.
About the MULAT Program
“MULAT” is a Filipino term for “eyes wide open”, MULAT aims for the next generation to be socially aware and contribute to civic consciousness using significant training. It was established in 2020 by PHINMA Education, which provides quality education to underserved youth who are often the first in their family to enter college. PHINMA owns and operates nine schools in the Philippines namely: PHINMA Araullo University, PHINMA Cagay-an de Oro College, PHINMA, University of Pangasinan, PHINMA University of Iloilo, Southwestern University PHINMA in Cebu City, PHINMA Saint Jude College in Manila, PHINMA Republican College in Quezon City, PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna, and PHINMA Union College of Laguna) and manages one in Indonesia.
MULAT Program Modules
The MULAT program consists of modules that are taught in various learning experiences such as webinars and training sessions. Each of these modules aims to:
- Understand the self in the context of Filipino psychology putting emphasis on the value of kapwa (kindred) and pakikipagkapwa (fellowship), Martial Law, authoritarianism, disinformation, and how to counter it, democracy, human rights, and good citizenship;
- Encourage heroism and ethical leadership;
- Lobby for a rights-based governance platform, instead of a personality-based one
- Learn how to address current issues such as extrajudicial killings, press freedom and disinformation, authoritarianism, democracy, climate crisis, pandemic, and the importance of the youth vote in the upcoming elections.
What You Can Do To Be Involved
Whether you are a student or professional, your small participation in lobbying for socio-civic education can create a positive ripple effect on the Philippine economy today You can be actively involved by liking PHINMA Education’s Facebook page and viewing and sharing their video learning sessions. You can also partner with them by emailing them at makinglivesbetter@phinmaed.com.
