“Overpopulation in the Philippines: A Short Documentary”

The documentary film entitled, “Overpopulation in the Philippines: A Short

Documentary” by Vince Baranggan, Ruleen Berezo, Jhess Harold Durano, and Kyron Paul Liston,
released on May 20, 2021, talks about the overpopulation happening in the Philippines mainly
its causes and results. Where it stated that there are 3 main results to this issue: resource
exhaustion, population, and agricultural consumption, and that if there are too many people
then there will be too little space.

The issue of overpopulation in the Philippines is intricately woven into its historical
fabric, stemming from the effects of Spanish colonization, post-independence economic shifts,
rapid urbanization, and cultural dynamics. The colonial era introduced changes in agriculture
and urban development, influencing population growth. Post-independence, economic shifts
and urbanization attracted rural migrants, straining social services and infrastructure. Cultural
values, particularly influenced by Catholic teachings, contribute to larger family sizes. The
consequences of overpopulation are pervasive, affecting education, healthcare, and
employment, while also intensifying environmental challenges. Government initiatives face
hurdles, balancing the need for economic development with population control. As the
Philippines strives for sustainable development, addressing the complex roots of
overpopulation remains a crucial aspect of ensuring a balanced and prosperous future.

In their documentary, 'Overpopulation in the Philippines: A Short Documentary,'

filmmakers Vince Baranggan, Ruleen Berezo, Jhess Harold Durano, and Kyron Paul Liston assert
that the burgeoning population in the Philippines is giving rise to critical challenges, namely
resource exhaustion, heightened competition for agricultural consumption, and spatial
constraints. Through an exploration of these consequences, the documentary aims to
underscore the urgent need for comprehensive population management strategies to alleviate
the detrimental impact of overpopulation on the country's resources and space.
 The film highlights the cultural dynamics, particularly influenced by Catholic teachings,
contributing to larger family sizes. The consequences of overpopulation are portrayed as
pervasive, impacting education, healthcare, employment, and intensifying environmental
challenges. Despite government initiatives, the filmmakers stress the need for comprehensive
population management strategies to alleviate the strain on resources and space, emphasizing
the importance of finding a balance for sustainable development in the Philippines.

In the documentary addressing overpopulation in the Philippines, the filmmakers

strategically employed cinematic techniques to underscore the gravity of the subject matter.
One noteworthy approach involved the incorporation of a dim light effect and rough texture in
a particular video sequence. This deliberate choice in lighting and texture aimed to evoke a
somber and gritty atmosphere, effectively conveying the harsh realities of overpopulation. The
dim lighting accentuated the shadows, symbolizing the obscured challenges faced by the
population, while the rough texture added a layer of visual discomfort, mirroring the tough
living conditions many endure. The overall impact of these techniques was a heightened sense
of realism and urgency, fostering a deeper emotional connection between the audience and the
documented issues. By immersing viewers in a visually intense experience, the filmmakers
successfully heightened awareness and empathy, compelling audiences to reflect on the urgent
need for solutions to the complex problem of overpopulation in the Philippines.

This documentary appears designed to have a significant impact on its viewers or

audience by employing cinematic techniques to evoke an emotional response and foster a
deeper connection with the issue of overpopulation in the Philippines. The deliberate use of
dim lighting and rough texture in certain sequences creates a somber and gritty atmosphere,
effectively conveying the harsh realities faced by the population. By immersing the audience in
a visually intense experience, the filmmakers aim to heighten awareness and empathy,
compelling viewers to reflect on the urgent need for solutions to the complex problem of
overpopulation.
 The emotional connection established through these cinematic techniques is likely to
leave a lasting impression on the audience, making them more inclined to engage with the issue
on a personal level. The heightened sense of realism and urgency may prompt viewers to
consider the consequences of overpopulation in the Philippines and support or advocate for
comprehensive population management strategies. Overall, the documentary seems poised to
prompt a thoughtful and emotional response, potentially inspiring action and raising awareness
about the challenges posed by overpopulation.

The documentary presented about half information about the issue where it focuses
only on its causes and effects, so here’s an additional information about the issue being
discussed. Overpopulation in the Philippines has become a pressing issue with far-reaching
implications for the nation's socio-economic landscape. As one of the most densely populated
countries in the world, the Philippines grapples with the challenges of providing adequate
resources and opportunities for its citizens. The rapid population growth strains essential
services such as education, healthcare, and housing, leading to increased competition for
limited resources. Overcrowded urban areas face congestion, pollution, and inadequate
infrastructure, exacerbating the difficulties of maintaining a high quality of life. Moreover, the
job market struggles to absorb the expanding labor force, contributing to unemployment and
underemployment issues. Addressing the complex problem of overpopulation requires a
comprehensive approach, involving education, family planning initiatives, and sustainable
development strategies to ensure a balanced and prosperous future for the Filipino population.

The documentary "Overpopulation in the Philippines: A Short Documentary"

significantly broadened my understanding of the social science topic by delving into historical,
economic, and cultural dimensions of overpopulation in the country. The exploration of
historical roots, including the impact of Spanish colonization and post-independence economic
shifts, provided a nuanced perspective on the interconnected factors contributing to the issue.
The film's emphasis on cultural dynamics, influenced by Catholic teachings, highlighted the role
of societal values in shaping population trends. The use of cinematic techniques, such as dim
lighting and rough texture, effectively conveyed the urgency and gravity of the problem,
creating a strong emotional connection with the challenges faced by the population. The
documentary also deepened my awareness of the far-reaching implications of overpopulation
on education, healthcare, employment, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the
need for comprehensive and culturally sensitive solutions to ensure sustainable development
for the Filipino population.

In conclusion, 'Overpopulation in the Philippines: A Short Documentary,' the filmmakers

skillfully unravel the complex tapestry of overpopulation, examining historical, economic, and
cultural dimensions. The documentary illuminates the interconnected factors contributing to
the issue, from the legacy of Spanish colonization to post-independence economic shifts and
cultural dynamics influenced by Catholic teachings. Through compelling cinematic techniques,
the film creates an emotional connection, emphasizing the urgency and gravity of
overpopulation's consequences, including resource exhaustion, heightened competition for
agricultural consumption, and spatial constraints. The documentary's significance in social
science education lies in its ability to expand students' understanding of societal challenges,
prompting critical thinking about the intricate interplay of factors impacting sustainable
development. By delving into the real-world implications, the film encourages students to
grapple with the complexities of overpopulation, fostering a deeper awareness of its wide-
ranging consequences on education, healthcare, employment, and environmental
sustainability.