Inflating Prices, Deflating Pockets

Filipinos, mostly below the poverty line, are surviving on a tightrope due to the adverse impacts of rising prices. As of January 2023, the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) reports that the country’s inflation rate blew up to 8.7% from 8.1% in December 2022, the highest annual rate recorded since November 2008. Protecting the country’s purchasing power must be the primary responsibility of the government, especially the Bangko Sentral, which is the country’s monetary authority. Recently, the value of onions has

In a report, the PSA states that the bottom 30 percent of the country’s population jumped to 9.7 percent in January, which left the poorest Filipinos suffering stress from high consumption expenditure. Inflating prices means deflating pockets, it reduces the spending and consumption of these million families who could not afford the rise in the prices of goods and services.

The current menace is inescapable, brought on by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, high oil prices, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the US Federal Reserve’s aggressive interest rate increases. The active response of the government is very necessary to adjust the afteref- in my opinion, the [ jeepney ] modernization program really needs to be done.” fects. Importantly in investing in the agricultural sector to increase and sustain productivity. The Philippines seeks actions for these short-term challenges. Bangko Sentral must put a higher tax on non-essential goods, collect charges from non-resident foreign tech giants, and digitalization. Encourage support for agricultural in-

Modernization vs Unprivileged Drivers

Maarisit)

The jeepney drivers are risking their income for a week. They are having a week-long strike to be heard. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) extended the phase-out of traditional jeepneys from June 30 to December 31 of this year. Public Utility Vehicle Modernization is the reason for the phase-out. Due to this, organizations of jeepney drivers will join the weeklong strike.

I know that the PUV modernization has an intension for as to have an eco-friendly country and vehicles that are more convenient and modern. But if I were put my feet on the shoes of the drivers, I will also understand the burden and distress that they are carrying.

One of the reasons why drivers are disagreeing with this phase-out is because of their financial needs. The authorities fail to see the tragic things that will occur if this phase-out happens. This is something personal to the drivers. This is not only a job but a job that provides their families’ needs for many years.

If there will be a modernization, these drivers will be forced to be in debt with big companies. Modern PUVs are expected to cost around P2.4 million to P2.8 million.

They are made by foreign companies such as Isuzu, Fuso, and Hyundai. These drivers are not going to be the boss of themselves, instead of having their own business, they will be in debt and be a slave for big corporations

This phase-out is anti-poor and fails to see the struggles of the drivers. Yes, it may have a good intentions but it fails to see the reality that the unprivileged drivers face.

We live in a country that suffers from an economical crisis. The government must always see reality as everyone. They must think of solutions that don’t cause anguish, even to the common people.

The LTRFB should stop putting deadlines on the drivers. These drivers are putting on hold their job for a week so that the LTRFB would listen to their cries. Other people are only thinking about the inconvenience that the week-long strike carriers but not the risks the drivers are taking. novation and biosecurity. Businesses may apply a cost of living allowance for employees to adjust their income from the minimum wage to mitigate the expensive value of consumption. These are needed temporary solutions to calm the inflationary pressures.

These drivers have families to feed and being a jeepney driver might be their only source of incomes.

Their voices deserves to be heard. Yes, we need to move forward but that doesn’t mean that some people will be left behind.

Kto12: Unraveling the Hope of Philippine Education

(Marjonie Cloma)

The K-12 education system has been on the long run for 11 years. It creates more opportunities and increases the likelihood of obtaining a secure job. Students can acquire new skills and find a job they truly enjoy. While students scramble to finish their never-ending schoolwork, the escalating issue of the push to abolish the K-12 program continues. The proposal to scrap the K-12 program, according to Education Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte, it is not something that can be decided “overnight” and must be discussed properly. While there may be a possibility for K-12 to be abolished, no one could deny that the curriculum has provided students with numerous opportunities and has assisted them in determining what type of profession they want to pursue in the future.

Republic Act 10533, or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, (“Enhanced Basic Education Act”), is one of the riveting reforms in the field of education. Students from all across the country had mixed opinions and feelings when the law was passed by the Congress on January 30, 2013, and approved by the president on May 15, 2013. When the program took effect, students in grades K–12 had access to all of these options that would help them determine their future careers. curriculum can be improved to teach students more relevant knowledge at a higher standard rather than spending the first six years teaching basic knowledge. K-12 acts not only as additional knowledge but also prepares the student for the programs they’d take in college. and connect with others is one of the many benefits of K-12 education. Obtaining this level of education not only increases your chances of landing a good job but also assists you in developing the life skills you’ll need to advance in your career.

Journalism programs are protected under Republic Act No. 7079, commonly known as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, which was enacted to guarantee press freedom on school campuses and to foster the development and growth of campus journalism. Student journalists are having a difficult time covering school events due to lack of investment in equipment such as cameras, microphones, speakers, lights, printers, school paper, and other recording devices. They face criticism as well, and others are unable to notice their program because they believe they simply

Furthermore, a K–12 diploma will increase a student’s chances of getting a job because employers frequently believe that someone who has completed the K–12 curriculum has the fundamental abilities required for the position, has good communication skills, can work well with others on the team, and follow objectives as they should.

Furthermore, a K–12 diploma will increase a student’s chances of getting a job because employers frequently believe that someone who has completed the K–12 curriculum has the fundamental abilities required for the position, has good communication skills, can work well with others on the team, and follow objectives as they should.

Myriads of Philippine towns and villages still lacks access to educational institutions within their communities. From students having to travel miles to teachers having to pay for their supplies, government support is still inadequate, and adding two more years to the overall curriculum will cause the downfall of the education system. However, while the system is well-received, the

Hardships for a Good Scope

(Stefhanie Kyle Carbon)

Campus journalism in the Philippines began in 1890, when the University of Santo Tomas published El Liliputiense. Journalism programs educate student journalists how to communicate, recognize the value of accuracy and open mindedness, and how to use their written words, to serve as the voice of the voiceless. However, in the country, many journalism programs lack basic equipment when reporting events or issues, as well as the recognition and compensation that young journalists deserve.

write and take pictures like normal individuals do.

Young journalists bear a great deal of responsibility and perform an important role in our country, not just at their school. Student-journalists need to broaden their perspectives, publish only facts without bias, and uncover news that the mainstream media may overlook.

Numerous citizens criticized the piece by youth working in the press whereas they perceive them as young individuals whose works are not as difficult as those of professional journalists. It is common for journalists to be criticized because most of them are blind from the truth and assume all journalists are biased. Filipinos should avoid stereotyping them as biased, and these hopes of truths should be more recognized by the public and in schools. The government should put more funds into journalism programs in schools around the country. Despite criticism and lack of recognition, young journalists continue to use their pens and papers to deliver the truth to the students in their school.