Lesson 3: Promoting Human Development, Ending Poverty (Philippines)

# Lesson 3: Promoting Human Development, Ending Poverty ## A. Poverty in the Philippines ### What is Poverty Poverty is a state or condition in which a person or community lacks the financial resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living. According to the World Bank Organization Pover...

# Lesson 3: Promoting Human Development, Ending Poverty ## A. Poverty in the Philippines ### What is Poverty Poverty is a state or condition in which a person or community lacks the financial resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living. According to the World Bank Organization Poverty is hunger. Poverty is a lack of shelter. Poverty is being sick and not being able to see a doctor. Poverty is not having access to school and not knowing how to read. Poverty is not having a job, is a fear for the future, living one day at a time. Poverty is both an individual concern as well as a broader social problem. On the individual or household level, not being able to make ends meet can lead to a range of physical and mental issues. At the societal level, high poverty rates can be a damper on economic growth and be associated with problems like crime, unemployment, urban decay, poor education, and health. Governments often put social welfare programs in place to help lift individuals, families, and communities out of poverty. ### Types of Poverty #### Absolute Poverty Known as extreme poverty, it involves the scarcity of basic food, clean water, health, shelter, education, and information. Those who belong to absolute poverty tend to struggle to live and experience a lot of child deaths from preventable diseases like malaria, cholera and water-contamination-related diseases. Absolute Poverty is usually uncommon in developed countries. #### Relative Poverty It is defined from the social perspective that is the living standard compared to the economic standards of the population living in surroundings. Hence it is a measure of income inequality. For example, a family can be considered poor if it cannot afford vacations, or cannot buy presents for children at Christmas, or cannot send its young to the university. #### Situational Poverty It is a temporary type of poverty based on the occurrence of an adverse event like environmental disaster, job loss, and severe health problems. People can help themselves even with a small assistance, as poverty comes because of unfortunate events. #### Generational Poverty It is handed over to individuals and families from one generation to the one. This is more complicated as there is no escape because the people are trapped in its cause and unable to access the tools required to get out of it. #### Rural Poverty It occurs in rural areas with a population below 50,000. It is the area where there are fewer job opportunities, less access to services, less support for disabilities, and quality education opportunities. People tend to live mostly on farming and other menial work available to the surroundings. #### Urban Poverty It occurs in metropolitan areas with a population of over 50,000. These are some major challenges faced by the Urban Poor limited access to health and education, inadequate housing and services, violent and unhealthy environment because of overcrowding, and little social protection. ### How is Poverty measured in the Philippines? Based on Executive Order No. 352 or the System of Designated Statistics, the Technical Committee on Poverty Statistics (TC PovStat), a committee coordinated by the PSA consisting of experts on poverty statistics, was tasked with the development and formulation of the official poverty estimation methodology. The current methodology is based on National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) Resolution No. 9 series of 2011. Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) Technical Staff is in charge of the compilation and estimation of the official poverty statistics based on the approved methodology. There is an ongoing review of the official poverty estimation methodology following the provision in the resolution that the methodology should be reviewed every 10 years. The Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) releases poverty statistics to serve as a tool for the decision-making of the government and the private sector. Poverty in the Philippines is typically measured using income-based and non-income-based indicators. The primary source of data on poverty in the Philippines is the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which conducts regular surveys and studies to assess the poverty situation in the country. Here are some of the key methods and indicators used to measure poverty in the Philippines: #### 1. Income-Based Measures - **Poverty Threshold:** The poverty threshold, also known as the poverty line, is the minimum income level required to meet the basic food and non-food needs of an individual or a family. It is updated periodically by the PSA to account for inflation and changes in living costs. $Poverty Threshold = Food Threshold/Food Expenditure/Total Basic Expenditure$ - **Income Poverty Incidence:** This indicator measures the percentage of the population whose income falls below the poverty threshold. Poverty incidence can be reported for various segments of the population, such as urban and rural areas, regions, and specific income groups. $Poverty Incidence = Sum of the Poor/ Total Weighted Population$ - **Subsistence Incidence:** Subsistence incidence measures the percentage of the population whose income is below the subsistence threshold. The subsistence threshold represents the minimum income needed to cover only basic food needs. $Subsistence Incidence = Sum of food poor/Total Weighted Population$ #### 2. Non-Income-Based Measures - **Human Development Index (HDI):** The HDI is a composite measure that takes into account income, education, and life expectancy. It provides a more holistic view of well-being beyond just income. - **Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI):** The MPI considers multiple dimensions of poverty, including education, health, and living standards, to provide a more comprehensive assessment of poverty. ### Poverty Situation in the Philippines Philippine Statistics Authority reported Among families, poverty incidence was also at a record low of 16.5 percent in 2015, versus 19.7 percent in 2012 and 21.0 percent in 2006. Also, the subsistence incidence, which measures extreme poverty, was reduced significantly as of 2015 s has resulted from a generally low and stable inflation, improved incomes, and higher employment rates in the period. Attaining the target of halving extreme poverty under the first Millennium Development Goal of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger. The United Nations Millennium Declaration of 2000, set the framework for concerted time-bound actions at both international and national levels to achieve certain standards of human welfare and development, otherwise known as Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs include targets for indicators associated with extreme poverty and hunger, basic education and health, and environmental sustainability. The Philippines' poverty rate has shown a steady decline over the years. In 2012, the poverty rate was 64.90%, showing a 1.2% decline from 2009. In 2015, the poverty rate stood at 60.10%, marking a 4.8% decrease from 2012. In 2018, the poverty rate was 53.50%, reflecting a 6.6% decline from 2015. Finally, the latest data from 2021 indicated a rate of 55.30%, which was a 1.8% increase from 2018. Half of all Filipino families described themselves as poor in March 2023 finding barely changed from December 2022, according to a Social Weather Stations survey. The polling organization said the survey conducted from March 26 to 29, 2023 found that 51% of families self-rated as poor, while 30% rated themselves as "borderline," and 19% rated themselves as not poor. Some 14.0 million families self-rated as poor in March 2023, compared to 12.9 million families for the same percentage in the December poll. "To arrive at the estimated numbers of Self-Rated Poor families, the percentage of respondent households rating themselves as poor was applied to the Philippine Statistics Authority medium-population projections for 2023 and 2022. In Metro Manila, the self-rated poverty (SRP) threshold the "minimum monthly budget self-rated poor families say they need for home expenses in order not to consider themselves poor" rose to P20,000 in March 2023 from P15,000 in December 2022.In other areas, the SRP threshold remained steady: P15,000 in Balance Luzon and the Visayas and P10,000 in Mindanao. In the Philippines, poverty has been a widespread and challenging problem for a long time due to several economic, social, and political causes. Based on levels of income, the Philippine government defines poverty according to official poverty statistics. The poverty level is the amount of money needed to cover basic needs for both food and non-food items. Philippine poverty rates have been steadily declining over time, according to official government statistics. However, a sizable section of the populace continues to live in poverty. The following are some essential details to comprehend about poverty in the Philippines: #### Environmental Calamities: The Philippines is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. These events can devastate residences, livelihoods, and infrastructure, aggravating poverty in the impacted areas. #### Agriculture: The Philippines' economy heavily relies on agriculture, although many rural farmers their struggle with issues like landlessness, a lack of access to advances in farming methods, and price instability. <start_of_image> Agriculture: the Philippines' economy heavily relies on agriculture, although many rural farmers' struggle with issues like landlessness, a lack of access to advances in farming methods, and price instability. #### High rates of unemployment and underemployment: Both are significant causes of poverty, with high rates of both. Most Filipinos labor in the unorganized sector, which frequently offers little in the way of benefits or job security. #### Income disparity: The income gap is one of the major causes of poverty in the Philippines. While a huge majority of the country's citizens live at or below the poverty line, a small percentage of the population controls a sizable portion of the nation's wealth. #### Initiatives by the government: The Philippine government has implemented several measures to combat poverty, including the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which offers conditional cash transfers to qualified households. The success and scope of these projects can differ, however. ## B. Constraints to Poverty Reduction In the Philippines, it's nonetheless challenging to combat inequalities and poverty. Over the past forty years, the number of households below the official poverty line has decreased gradually and unevenly, and the rate of poverty reduction has been substantially lower than in nearby nations like the People's Republic of China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Economic growth has gone through boom-and-bust cycles, and recent episodes of moderate economic expansion have had a limited impact on the poor. Some key factors constraining poverty reduction include #### Unmanaged population High population growth traps individuals, communities, and even entire countries in poverty. Not achieving sustainable population levels, locally and globally, hinders people from achieving the dignity and standard of living we all deserve. #### Corruption Corruption increases income inequality and poverty through lower economic growth, biased tax systems favoring the rich, poor targeting of social programs, and use of wealth by the well-to-do to lobby the government for favourable policies that perpetuate inequality in asset ownership. #### Underemployment and Unemployment The country has trouble creating sufficient employment opportunities, which results in high rates of underemployment and unemployment. Numerous Filipinos work in the informal sector, where benefits and job security are sometimes insufficient. #### Limited Access to Quality Education There are disparities in access to quality education, especially in rural areas. Disparities in educational performance are caused by a lack of resources, inadequate facilities, and skilled teachers. To end the cycle of poverty, education must be improved. #### Inadequate Healthcare Services particularly in rural regions, is a factor in poor health outcomes and the continuation of the poverty cycle. Improving the population's general health requires addressing healthcare inequities. #### Natural Disasters and Climate Change The Philippines is vulnerable to typhoons, earthquakes, and floods. Communities may be devastated by these occurrences, which can result in the loss of lives, assets, and livelihoods. Climate change makes these dangers worse, seriously jeopardizing attempts to reduce poverty. ## C. Human Development The term 'human development' may be defined as an expansion of human capabilities, a widening of choices, ‘an enhancement of freedom, and a fulfilment of human rights. According to the United Nations Development Program, human development is defined as “the procedure toward developing human beings' decisions”, with said decisions permitting them to “start a continued and flawless growth, to be educated, to acknowledge”, just as “economic freedom, other secured civil liberties” (Turner 2011). Human development should embrace human rights and socio-eco-politico freedoms. Based on the notion of human development. The first UNDP Human Development Report published in 1990 stated that: "The basic objective of development is to create an enabling environment for people to enjoy long, healthy and creative lives.” It also defined human development as “a process of enlarging people's choices”, “and strengthening human capabilities” ### Objective of Human Development: - True development has to be 'people-centered’. When development is defined in terms of human welfare it means that people are put first. This 'people-oriented' view of development is to be called human development. - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) developed the concept of the Human Development Index (HDI) in the 1990s. This index brought revolutionary changes not only in development but also in the policy environment in which the government was assigned a major role instead of market forces. - According to Amartya Sen, the basic objective of development is 'the expansion of human capabilities. The capability of a person reflects the various combinations of ‘doings and beings' that one can achieve. It then reflects what the people are capable of doing or being. Capability thus describes a person's freedom to choose between different ways of living. ### Components of Human Development There are six basic pillars of human development: equity, sustainability, productivity, empowerment, cooperation, and security. - **Equity** is the idea of fairness for every person, between men and women; we each have the right to education and health care. - **Sustainability** is the view that we all have the right to earn a living that can sustain our lives and have access to a more even distribution of goods. - **Productivity** states the full participation of people in the process of income generation. This also means that the government needs more efficient social programs for its people. - **Empowerment** is the freedom of the people to influence development and decisions that affect their lives. - **Cooperation** stimulates participation and belonging to communities and groups as a means of mutual enrichment and a source of social meaning. - **Security** offers people development opportunities freely and safely with confidence that they will not disappear suddenly in the future ## D. Population Growth Implications to Human Development The population growth in the Philippines has significant implications for human development. Here are some of the key aspects: - **Resource Allocation:** The rapid population growth places pressure on the allocation of limited resources such as food, water, and energy. This can lead to resource scarcity and unequal distribution, affecting the well-being of the population. - **Economic Impact:** While a growing population can potentially contribute to economic growth, it also presents challenges. With a large working-age population, there is an opportunity for a demographic dividend if these individuals can find employment and contribute to the economy. However, if there are not enough job opportunities, it can result in unemployment and underemployment, hindering human development. - **Access to Education:** The Philippines faces the challenge of providing quality education to a growing population. Ensuring access to education for all is essential for human development. A rapidly growing population can strain the education system, affecting the quality of education and access to educational resources. - **Healthcare Services:** The demand for healthcare services increases with a growing population. Adequate healthcare is crucial for human development, as it affects overall well-being and life expectancy. Ensuring access to healthcare services becomes a priority to address the healthcare needs of a larger population. - **Environmental Sustainability:** Population growth can lead to increased environmental degradation, including deforestation, pollution, and habitat loss. Sustainable development practices are essential to mitigate these effects and ensure a healthy environment for current and future generations. - **Urbanization:** Rapid population growth often results in urbanization as people migrate to cities in search of better opportunities. This can lead to challenges related to infrastructure, housing, and the provision of basic services in urban areas. - **Income Inequality:** Population growth can exacerbate income inequality if economic opportunities are not distributed equitably. Addressing income inequality is critical for human development as it ensures that the benefits of economic growth reach all segments of the population. - **Family Planning and Reproductive Health:** Effective family planning and access to reproductive health services are crucial for managing population growth. These services empower individuals to make informed choices about family size and timing, contributing to overall human development. ## E. Coping Strategies and Safety Nets Poverty is one of the biggest problems we all face, especially in our country, the Philippines. Because many of us are not open-minded to develop. Others' strategies are just standard strategies. As long as you earn money, it's okay as long as you have something to eat. That's where everything is wrong because we should also plan for our future. If there is a proper plan and if people are open-minded to progress, it will definitely progress. With the large size of our population, we really need to take some action because we might lose the opportunity to get a job, or we might still face poverty. There are many strategies and other neat and safe ways to end poverty. First of all, it depends on our own hands. It is up to us whether we progress or not. Only ourselves will help us to become successful people while the people around us are only the ones who guide us. There are people who are bad for us and there are also people who are good and can help us just like our friends and family. What I said is just the basics to solve poverty. Moreover, poverty can be avoided or reduced by stimulating economic growth to increase the chance of having high wages and many employees. Everyone will benefit from that, so It's a win-win situation. Those who will benefit the most from that are of course the poor or those in dire need. The most important of all is that everyone should focus on education. Education is the key to poverty because that's where we start. There we can learn a lesson for what we will face in the future. We can enhance our ability in important things and also so that we can improve ourselves in things that will help us progress. #### Employment Opportunities: Create an environment that fosters economic growth and job creation. Encourage the development of industries and businesses that can provide stable employment with fair wages. ## F. Policy Assessment 1: Government Scholarship Program Poverty is one of the main reasons why parents can't afford to send their children to school. According to the World Bank in 2022 at 91% which means around nine out of ten children aged 10 struggle to read simple text. In 2023, the Philippines remains among the poorest in learning in East Asia and the Pacific, with nine out of 10 of Filipinos unable to read and understand a simple, age-appropriate reading material by age 10. Lack of financial resources and weak learning and social capabilities are expected reasons for the lower enrolment rate and education attainment of poor children. Introducing the Government Scholarship Program with different benefits focused on the children's education. In every Government Scholarship Program, there are application processes, eligibility, scholarship programs, financial assistance, and requirements. ### SOME GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS #### 1. DOST Scholarship For students who are interested in pursuing a career in science and technology, they are eligible the Department of Science and Technology Scholarship. DOST Scholarship is one of the best Government-funded Funded Scholarships for College Students. **Benefits:** - Tuition and other school fees - P40,000.00 / year - Book Allowance - P10,000.00 / year - 4MS/PE uniform (1st Semester of First Year only) - P1,000.00 - Group Health and Accident Insurance - (Premium) - Transportation Allowance (for those studying outside of their home province) - 1 Economy-class roundtrip fare - Monthly Living Allowance - 7,000.00 / month - Graduation Clothing Allowance - P1,000.00 - Summer Allowance (if required in the curriculum) - Tuition and other school fee P1,500.00 - Book Allowance P500.00 (to submit Official Receipt) - Monthly Living Allowance - P7,000.00 / month for two months **Requirements:** - Must be a Filipino citizen of natural birth. - You must have a good moral character and be in good health. - The applicant must not have earned any post-secondary (college or vocational) units. - The student must have a grade of 9, 10, and 11. #### 2. Hawak Kamay Scholarship Hawak Kamay Scholarship 2023 is open to apply for all Eligible Filipinos. With the Araullo University (AU) HawakKamay (HK) Scholarship, incoming freshmen college students will have the opportunity to receive a scholarship grant that will be valid until the completion of the chosen college program, with no need to maintain grades. **Benefits:** - Scholarship Grant of up to 75% Discount in Tuition and Miscellaneous Fees. - Hawak Kamay Scholarship is a 4-year college scholarship. - You can Renew this Scholarship every semester. - There is No requirement to maintain grades. #### 3. Bangon Marawi Scholarship Program The Bangon Marawi Science and Technology Human Resource Development DOST-SEI Program. **Benefits:** - Stipend - P7,000/month - Learning Materials and/or Connectivity Allowance - P10,000/AY - Group Accident Insurance (Premium) - Thesis Allowance P10,000.00 **Requirements:** - Be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines. - Be a direct family member who was affected by the violence or who was forcibly removed from their Marawi community, as determined by the local government office. - Be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines. - Have a 2.75 overall weighted average (GWA) across all academic areas, or a 2.75 weighted mean average across all math, science, and engineering courses taken during the first year of college. - Be enrolled as a regular second-year student at one of MSU's campuses—Main Campus, IIT, or LNCAT—in a DOST S&T priority program during the first semester of AY 2022-2023; - Not a recipient of any other scholarship offered by a national government, university, or private organization; and - Be of good character and of good health. #### 4. U-GO Scholar Grant Program The Ayala Foundation will be in charge of managing every part of the program's execution, including the review of applications, scholar monitoring, and interviews. **Benefits:** - As long as He/she maintains good academic performance, Each Scholar will get a Php 40,000 reward that renews yearly. **Requirements:** - Demonstrate Financial need - Be a community model of integrity - Aspire to bring positive change to Society - Desire to excel, have a minimum of GPA 85% - Be an active member of the community without any disciplinary or administrative cases #### 5. Commission of Higher Education Scholarship The goal of CHED Scholarship 2023 is to provide financial assistance to incoming first-year college students who are planning to enroll in authorized public or private colleges or universities, or Higher Education Institutions (HEI). **Benefits:** - Book/Connectivity allowance - Tuition and other school fees (TOSF), - Stipend per semester **Qualifications:** - The applicant must be a Filipino citizen - The student must be a Graduating high school student/ High school graduate with a general weighted average (GWA) of at least 90% - Must be a Student-applicant belonging to the special group of persons such as the underprivileged and Homeless Citizens under Republic Act (RA) No. 7279, Persons with Disability (PWDs) under RA No. 7277 as amended, Solo Parents and/or their Dependents under RA 8371, shall submit certifications and/or Identification Cards (IDs) issued by the appropriate offices or agencies. - Avail of only one government-funded financial assistance program. - The student must enroll in the Courses as intended in the list of CHED Priority Programs. - Required Documents for CHED Scholarship 2023 **Academic Requirements:** - High school report card for incoming freshmen students eligible for college; and - Duly certified true copy of grades for Grade 11 and 1st semester of Grade 12 for graduating high school students - Proof of Citizenship: A Certified true copy of Birth Certificate - Income Requirements (whichever is applicable) - Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or guardian - Certificate of Tax Exemption from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) - Certificate of Indigence either from their Barangay or Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - Case Study report from DSWD; and - Latest copy of contract or proof of income, for the children of Overseas Filipino Workers and seafarers **Other Requirement** - Identification Card (ID) - Special Group (Underprivileged or Homeless, PWD, Solo Parent, Senior Citizen, Indigenous People) #### 6. OWWA Scholarship The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is a group that promotes the well-being of Filipino workers who are employed abroad. The following scholarship programs are only open to candidates who are dependent on an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). These scholarships are the best options for Filipino students whose parents work overseas. **Qualifications:** A child of an active OWWA member or a sibling of a single active OWWA member who is: - Incoming Freshman (1st-year college) (Single) - Not more than 21 years old - For those already enrolled in 2nd year to 5th year in college - Single - Not more than 30 years old **Requirements:** - Scholarship application Form; (can be acquired at the Regional Welfare Office) - Active OWWA membership of OFW - 2 pcs. 2×2 I.D picture - Proof of Relationship to OFW member i.e. Birth Certificate from PSA or LCR; - Cenomar of OFW (if single) (If the applicant is a sibling of the OFW); - Applicant's Form 137/ Certified true copy of Form 138/ Transcript of Records (TOR) (for incoming freshman) - Grades from previous school year for 2nd year to 5th year applicants; - Certificate of Good Moral Character; - Medical Certificate (Note: Physical Check-up only, no need for laboratory test) **Benefits:** - Financial Aid (tuition, accommodation, books, or any other educational expenses) PHP 20,000.00 every school year List of scholarship programs under the Scholarship and Training Programs offered by OWWA #### 1. Education for Development Scholarship Program (OWWA EDSP) The OWWA EDSP or Education for Development Scholarship Program is a scholarship offered by the agency under their Scholarships for Dependents Program. It is open to all eligible beneficiaries and dependents of active OWWA members belonging to the top 400 passers of the pre-qualifying test administered by the Department of Science & Technology Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI). To avail of the 60,000 pesos per school year financial assistance offered under EDSP, interested OFA dependents must apply for the program and be prepared to enroll in a four or five-year baccalaureate course at any of their preferred colleges or universities. #### 2. Education Livelihood Assistance Program (OWWA ELAP) The OWWA ELAP is similar to EDSP, this scholarship is offered by OWWA as part of their Scholarship for Dependents Program. It offers a two-part assistance package in the form of either an educational scholarship grant for the beneficiary or a livelihood assistance grant for the spouse of deceased OFWs. The program offers the option for either an educational financial assistance ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 pesos depending on the age and educational level of the child-beneficiary or a livelihood assistance of 15,000 to help the spouse of the deceased OFWs support not only the education but also the other needs of the family. #### 3. OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (OWWA ODSP) It is one of the leading scholarship programs offered by OWWA to qualified dependents of active member OFWs. The program offers financial assistance amounting to 20,000 pesos per academic year to eligible OFW dependents who are enrolled or planning to enroll in a four or five-year baccalaureate degree at a state college or a university. The only difference is that this program is only available to active OWWA members whose monthly salary as an OFW is below $600. #### 4. Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (OWWA SESP) The OWWA SESP refers to OWWA's Skills for Employment Scholarship Program. It is an education and training project pioneered by OWWA under the Short-Term Training Programs for OFWs & Dependents so OFWs and their dependents may upgrade their technical-vocational (Tech-VOC) skills through six months to one-year career-enhancing courses. The program offers grants ranging from $7,250.00 to $14,000.00 for those who are taking six-month vocational courses and one-year technical courses, respectively. Unlike the others, the cash grant offered by this program is disbursed directly to the training institute where the OFWs or OFW dependents or beneficiaries are enrolled. #### 5. OWWA Seafarer's Upgrading Program (OWWA SUP) One of the OWWA programs offered specifically for sea based OFWs or seafarers is the OWWA Seafarers' Upgrading Program (SUP). It was developed by the agency in an effort to support the seafarers in their bid to upgrade their skills and cope with the ever-changing technologies and international maritime standards. Under the SUP, the seafarer-applicant or grantee may receive financial support ranging from $1,200.00 to $7,500.00, provided that they are enrolling in any pre-approved MARINA- or TESDA-accredited training course offered by OWWA-approved training providers. #### 6. OWWA Information Technology (IT) Training Program The OWWA Information Technology (IT) Training Program is yet another program offered under the Short-Term Training Programs for OFWs & Dependents. It was initially designed to set up IT Training centers in OWWA Regional Offices and other overseas posts to help connect OFWs with their families. Later on, the program evolved to include basic literacy training programs with lessons on IT applications so OFWs and their families may upgrade their skills and improve their employability. #### 7. OWWA Mariner's Dugtong Aral (Bridging) Program (OWWA MDA) Yet another educational and training support offered by OWWA is the Mariner's Dugtong Aral (Bridging) Program or OWWA MDA. It is one of the Mariners' and Seafarers' Educational Programs offered by OWWA to help selected engineering students become marine officers on board an ocean vessel. The program has very specific requirements for those who are interested. to get a maximum of 38,120.00 plus $15,000.00 for a 3- month stipend. They must be qualified graduates of BS Mechanical Engineering and BS Electrical Engineering, who are studying for a course leading to a BS Marine Engineering degree. #### 8. OWWA Tuloy Aral Project (OWWA TAP) The Tuloy-Aral Project (TAP) was launched in December 2004 to offer educational assistance and monitoring to the less fortunate children of former OFWs and children belonging to poor, needy families. #### 9. Pre-Departure Education Program The OWWA Pre-Departure Education Program entails the hosting of orientation seminars meant to help OFWs and would-be OFWs become more familiar with the language, culture, and stress management options in the host country and their future work environment. It is offered either as Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS), one-day Country-Specific Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS), one-day Country-Specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), and four- to six-day Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) and is a must before one can leave the country for deployment. #### 10. Educational Assistance through Scholarship in Emergencies (Project EASE Scholarship) Project EASE refers to OWWA'S Educational Assistance through Scholarship in Emergencies component of the CARE amelioration program package developed to ease the plight of OFWs affected by COVID-19. It is an educational assistance program that pays $10,000.00 per year for a maximum of four years to cover for the college-level education of qualified dependents of active OFW members who were repatriated during the pandemic. It also covers children of married or single-parent OFWs or siblings of single OFWs. #### 11. Tertiary Education Subsidy for Dependents of Repatriated OFWs (Tabang OFW Scholarship Program) The OWWA Tabang OFW Program is a Tertiary Education Subsidy for Dependents of Repatriated OFWs-a special collaborative educational assistance program by OWWA, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) offers a one-time grant amounting to $30,000.00 for the benefit of one (1) unmarried college-level dependent OFWs who were either killed, repatriated or displaced, or had their salary reduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program beneficiaries may either be an unmarried child of married OFWs or an unmarried child, sibling, nephew, or niece of an unmarried OFW under 30 years of age. It is not an OWWA loan so there's no need to worry about paying it back later on. Scholarships for College Students in the Philippines have opened lots of opportunities. Students can apply for any of these college scholarships and receive financial assistance for their education. It has a big impact on the lives of students, as this alleviates the burden of costs as well as providing access to a basic human right. Education is an investment as it is the path that leads towards empowerment and employment. Here in the Philippines, not everyone was given a chance to study most especially during college due to financial difficulties. Education is essential here because most of the time, it will dictate someone's future and sometimes, it is an escape from poverty. Scholarships really play a big impact on every student; it helps them with the burden of costly tuition fees. When we look at how education pays off for our learners, we must realize that education is a service department whose main goal is to produce educated men and women who will largely contribute to the economy as it is largely responsible for the development of our country's human resources. That's why both the public and private sectors are participating in giving scholarships to people. ## G. Policy Assessment 2: Assessing TESDA Performance: Is it Making a Dent in Promoting Human Development? The education system in the Philippines embraces formal and non-formal education. It is closely related to the American mode of education as they have a similar number of school years. It embraces the K- 12 Program which covers 13 years of education from Kinder to Grade 12. On the other hand, non-formal education includes education opportunities, even outside school premises, that facilitate the achievement of specific learning objectives for particular clientele, especially the out-of-school youths or adult illiterates who cannot avail of formal education. An example is functional literacy programmes for non-literate and semi-literate adults which integrate basic literacy with livelihood skills training. TESDA, or the Technical Education and Skills and Development Authority, is one of the Philippines' most influential and effective government entities. It provides free education to all Filipinos through online courses and in-person training. TESDA was established in 1994 with the purpose of improving the technical capabilities of its trainees. Those with limited capacity to pursue higher education can avail of the TESDA’s tech-vocational courses in order to earn a certificate and be eligible for work right after training, not only locally but even overseas. **TECHNICAL-VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (TVET)** is the education or training process that involves, in addition to general education, the study of technologies and related sciences and the acquisition of practical skills relating to occupations in various sectors of economic life and social life, comprises formal (organized programs as part of the school system) and non-formal (organized classes outside the school system) approaches." (UNESCO). Republic Act No. 7796 (TESDA Act): Technical Vocational Education became under the jurisdiction of the Technical Vocational and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as legally mandated by the law, which was signed on August 25, 1994. ### TESDA as the Authority in TVET **Mandate:** “TESDA is mandated to provide relevant, accessible, high quality and efficient technical education and skills development in support of the development of high-quality Filipino middle-level manpower responsive to and in accordance with the Philippine development goals and priorities”. Given its mandate, TESDA envisions being the leading partner in the development of the Filipino workforce with world-class competence and positive work values. Its mission on the other hand is to provide direction, policies, programs, and standards towards quality technical education and skills development. TESDA has also a quality policy that states that “We measure our worth by the satisfaction of the customers we serve.” To facilitate the delivery of its mandate, TESDA defines its Core Business which is comprised of