Neo-fascism as the Apparatus of Neoliberalism’s Assault on Philippine Higher Education:

Towards an Anti-Fascist Pedagogy Gerardo M. Lanuza

Introduction
 Abstract
o Main arguments
o Purpose of the article
 Thesis Statement

Body Paragraphs
 The effect of neoliberalism on Philippine educational system in terms of quality
education
 The appearance of neo-fascist practices like militarization, violence, and propaganda
 The challenges or opportunities in making an anti-fascist pedagogy

Conclusion
 Summary of main points
 Some effect and significance of this reflection paper
 Possible actions and recommendation
 Neo-fascism as the Apparatus of Neoliberalism’s Assault on Philippine Higher Education:
Towards an Anti-Fascist Pedagogy Gerardo M. Lanuza

Introduction
Like brief summary lang ng Article from abstract, main arguments and points. Then one
sentence lang ng Thesis Statement (yung stand natin)
 Abstract
o Main arguments
o Purpose of the article
 Thesis Statement: As a PUP student, I agree with Lanuza that the neoliberal and neo-fascist
assault on Philippine higher education has undermined the democratic and emancipatory role of
education, and that we need to develop and practice an anti-fascist pedagogy that empowers and
liberates the students and the teachers

Body Paragraphs
 The effect of neoliberalism on Philippine educational system in terms of quality
education
o Turns young Filipinos into workers for developed countries, instead of molding
and training them to serve their country. (pp.148)
o The aim of education is less to train students to critically evaluate the
government policies and actions but to confine learning to purely academic
excellence and compete with other privatized schools for branding. (pp.149)
o Students are no longer considered primarily as learners but as customers and
clients with specific needs and demands. (pp.152)
o Removal of vital subjects such as Filipino, Literature, and Philippine Government
and Constitution at the tertiary level. (pp.154)
 The appearance of neo-fascist practices like militarization, violence, and propaganda
o Social Division (pp.157)
o Creation of a Mythic Past which distorts the present and rewrites the past
(pp.157)
o Similar Repressive conditions from Martial law era. (pp.158)
 rule of the military,
 the strong anti-communist drive of the state,
 mass killings, arrests, human rights violations, and selective martial law,
 passage of Anti-terrorism Law, and repression of press freedom.
 The challenges or opportunities in making an anti-fascist pedagogy

Conclusion
 Summary of main points
 Some effect and significance of this reflection paper
 Possible actions and recommendation
Criticisms
1. Does not discuss the positive and negative impact of neoliberalism in education
2. Given that Neoliberalism has its positive and negative effects, there is no analysis on
whether Neoliberalism in education do more bad than good.
3. Does not provide empirical evidence or data to support its claims about the impact of
neoliberalism and neo-fascism on Philippine education
4. Does not acknowledfe the complexity of the education system and assumes that there is
a homogeneous neofascist ideology and practice that affects students
5. Anti-fascist pedagogy will not solve the problems related with student learning. No
concrete of feasible solutins
a. Does not specify objectives of AFP and how it can be adopted in the existing
curriculum
b. Does not address potential resistance from neoliberal and neofascist forces
c. Lack of resources; government may not fund anti-fascist projects

Thesis Statement: I argue for a better resolution for the problems faced by the Philippine
education which involves a balanced consideration of both internal and external factors. (should
be holistic)

Lanuza’s proposal is acknowledfed, but including a deep analysis of neoliberalism’s positive and
negative effect, evidence and recognition of the complexities in the education system is a more
effective strategy.

Possible Internal Approach:

1. Curriculum enhancement – Regularly review and update curriculum
2. Faculty – invest in teacher trainings, professional development programs and enhanced
teaching methods
3. Infrastracture and technology – invest in modern infras and tech, improve access to
digital resources and learning platforms

Positive Effect of Neoliberalism in Education:

1. Competition: Neoliberalism encourages universities to compete against each other to be

the best. This can lead to infrastructure improvements, better quality teaching, and
enhanced research and innovation.
2. Efficiency: Neoliberalism can lead to increased efficiency in universities because it
pushes them to reduce costs, streamline operations, and optimize resources
3. Choice: Neoliberalism can increase the choice and diversity of universities for students
and staff, as they can select the institution that best suits their needs, interests, and
preferences.
4. Private Funding: Neoliberalism can attract more private funding and investment to
universities, as they can offer more market-oriented and profitable programs and
services.
Neoliberalism in Education (Definition, Pros, Cons) (2024) (helpfulprofessor.com)

Negative Effects of Neoliberalism:

1. Inequality: Neoliberalism can exacerbate social and economic inequalities, as

universities that have more resources and reputation can dominate the market and
exclude or exploit those that have less.
2. Standardization: Neoliberalism can impose a standardized and homogenous model of
education, as universities have to conform to the market demands and expectations, and
lose their academic freedom and autonomy
3. Commodification: Neoliberalism can reduce education to a commodity or a service, as
universities have to cater to the consumer preferences and satisfaction of students and
staff, and neglect the social and civic values and purposes of education

The impact of neoliberalism on academics and students in higher education | Journal of

Academic Language and Learning (aall.org.au)
Neoliberalism in Education: The Consequences and Pushbacks for Students - Catalyst
(catalystmcgill.com)

My Questions

Introduction:
- Main points, summary
- Thesis statement (stand)

Body Paragraphs:

1. What is AFP? And how it will address the problems in the Philippine education system?
2. Why is AFP not enough to solve the problems faced by the education system?
3. Why is a holistic approach or a balanced internal and external approach is necessary to
address the problems faced by the education system?
4. Finally, What are the internal approaches could be combined with AFP (external
approach) to solve the problem?

Conclusion:
- Restate thesis statement
- Recommendations