Module 1. Societal Problems

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OBJECTIVES:

After completing this module, the student should be able to:

  • Enumerate the social problems associated with underdevelopment;
  • Describe these problem conditions; and
  • Establish trends when appropriate.

ACTIVITIES:

Read the Prologue and Chapter 1 of your textbook, Introduction to Development Communication. Perform the following activities:

Activity 1.1. Determine the unemployment rates of the past ten years from National Economic Development Authority sources. Plot the rates on a two-dimensional plane with the x-axis representing the years. Connect the points with a line. Is the unemployment rate increasing or decreasing?

Activity 1.2. Listed below are three societal problems requiring statistics that need yearly updates. For each of these problems associated with underdevelopment, research the figures for the past ten years. Draft three graphs like the one you drew in Exercise 1 for unemployment. Do not forget to cite your references.

  • Low Food Production 
  • Illiteracy Rate
  • Spiraling National Debt

ANSWER:

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate generally decreased from December 2012 to 2019, with some fluctuations along the way. In 2012, the unemployment rate was 7.0%, and it reached its lowest point in 2019 at 5.1%. There were small fluctuations in the unemployment rate between 2012 and 2019. These fluctuations were relatively minor, suggesting some stability in the job market during this period. In 2020, there was a significant spike in the unemployment rate, jumping to 8.7%. This increase can likely be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a severe impact on economies worldwide, including the Philippines.

By 2021, it had already improved to 6.6%. This decline suggests that the economy may have been recovering from the initial shock of the pandemic.

Food Production Index

According to the World Bank Data Indicator, the Food Production Index data indicates that food production in the Philippines generally increased over the period from 2012 to 2021. While there were some fluctuations from year to year, the overall trend shows an increase in food production, particularly from 2014 to 2017, where it reached its highest point at 102, and even though it declined slightly in the following years, it remained relatively stable above the baseline value of 100, suggesting continued food production growth.

Literacy Rate

Global Data on the literacy rate in the Philippines from 2012 to 2021 reveals a consistent and positive trend. Over this period, the literacy rate steadily increased, starting at 98.4% in 2012 and gradually rising to 99.27% in 2021. These figures suggest a noteworthy improvement in literacy levels in the country, reflecting the effectiveness of educational programs and initiatives during this time. 

Spiraling National Debt

Data shows that from 2012 to 2020, the total government debt steadily increased, rising from 5,437.10 billion pesos in 2012 to 11,728.50 billion pesos in 2021. Notably, the domestic debt consistently exceeded the foreign debt throughout the decade, indicating that the Philippine government primarily relied on borrowing from domestic sources to fund its activities.

The consistent increase in both domestic and foreign debt can be attributed to various factors, including economic development, infrastructure projects, and addressing budget deficits. However, the significant spike in 2020-2021 may be linked to the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments worldwide had to increase borrowing to stimulate their economies and finance public health initiatives during this challenging period.

The sustainability of this debt depends on multiple factors, including the country’s economic growth, interest rates, and the government’s ability to effectively manage and service the debt. High and rapidly growing debt levels could pose a fiscal risk if not managed prudently. Therefore, it’s crucial for the Philippine government to carefully monitor its debt situation, control budget deficits, and consider strategies to reduce reliance on borrowing, particularly from foreign sources, in order to maintain fiscal stability and long-term economic health.

References:

  • Domingo, R. W. (2023). Philippine debt stock down to P13.42T at end-2022. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  • BSP External Debt FAQs (2023). Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Retrieved September 20, 2023. 
  • “Philippines external debt hits record high $111.3 billion in 2022.” Philippine Star. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  • “General Government Debt.” Department of Finance. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  • Selected Economic and Financial Indicators (2023). Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  • “Philippine debt balloons to new record-high P12.76T as of end-April.” GMA News Online. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  • Global Data. (2023). Literacy rate in the Philippines. Link
  • Philippine Statistics Authority. (2023). Functional Literacy Rate is Estimated at 91.6 Percent in 2019. Retrieved from https://psa.gov.ph/content/functional-literacy-rate-estimated-916-percent-2019
  • World Bank. (2023). Food Production Index from 2012-2021. Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/AG.PRD.FOOD.XD?end=2021&locations=PH&start=2012
  • Philippine Statistics Authority. (2020). Literacy Rate and Educational Attainment Among Persons Five Years Old and Over in the Philippines (2020 Census of Population and Housing). Retrieved from https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/population-and-housing/node/1684059980

MODULE 1 NOTES:

  • Evolution of Development Communication:
    • Emerged in the 1960s to address pervasive problems in post-colonial countries.
    • Aims to render itself irrelevant by solving societal problems.
  • Objectives:
    • Enumerate social problems linked to underdevelopment.
    • Describe these problems and establish trends.
  • Third World Legacy:
    • Despite the decline of the term, issues persist.
    • Problems persistently recur, prompting the need for development communication.

Key Societal Problems:

  1. Poverty:
    • Most menacing problem.
    • Causes societal instability, vices, and diseases.
    • Examples from different countries illustrating extreme measures due to poverty.
  2. Unemployment:
    • Distinction between unemployment and underemployment.
    • Questioning the improvement of these issues despite optimistic figures.
  3. High Population Growth:
    • World population reached 6 billion.
    • Developing countries, with youthful populations, face challenges.
    • A critical concern for resource-limited world.
  4. Inequality:
    • Not all men are equal; born rich or poor.
    • 10% controlling 90% of economic resources in the Philippines.
    • Global wealth distribution disparities.
  5. Environmental Degradation and Loss of Arable Land:
    • Rich in natural resources, yet ecosystems are degrading.
    • Concerns about industrial pollution, loss of arable land, and coastal environment.
  6. Malnutrition:
    • Two faces: undernutrition and overnutrition.
    • Persistence of malnutrition-related issues despite optimistic projections.
  7. Ethnic Conflict:
    • Modern conflicts rooted in cultural and ethnic differences.
    • Examples from various regions.
  8. Societal Priorities:
    • Discrepancy in global spending priorities.
    • Military, drugs, and alcohol overshadow basic education, health, and nutrition.

Summary:

  • Development communication responds to underdevelopment issues.
  • Problems include poverty, unemployment, population growth, inequality, environmental degradation, malnutrition, ethnic conflicts.
  • Global priorities, as reflected in spending, may not align with the severity of societal problems.