Republic of the Philippines

Philippine Normal University Visayas

The National Center for Teacher Education
Center for Environment and Green Technology
Education

Global Problems in Local Context – Cases in Developing Countries

Global Problem 1: Poverty Global Problem 2: Climate Change

Local Context: Philippines Local Context: Bangladesh

Description: Description: 63 million children in Bangladesh may become physically and socially
vulnerable due to increased frequency and enormity of hazards like floods, cyclones and
The Philippines presents a curious case: despite recent economic strides, 16.6% of storm surges, tornadoes, riverbank erosion, drought and sea level rise. In 2008
its population, roughly 17.6 million individuals, grapple with poverty. This stark approximately 49 schools were washed away and 700 schools were seriously damaged
reality stems from a potent cocktail of factors. First, an egregious wealth gap sees causing severe disruption in access to education for around 50,000 children. The total
the top 1% cornering a whopping 17% of national income, while the bottom half rehabilitation cost to the damages was approximately USD 8 million. 5. Tropical
scrambles for just 14%. Second, limited access to quality education perpetuates cyclones from the Bay of Bengal accompanied by storm surges are another climate
the cycle, with poorer children struggling to attend and complete higher education, change hazard that will have serious negative impact on Bangladesh. The cyclone SIDR
hindering their earning potential. Third, rural communities bear the brunt of affected education of more than 100,000 children in 589 schools in 12 districts of the
inequality, facing limited access to services and opportunities compared to their country. The total cost of reconstructing of the schools, supply of textbooks and other
urban counterparts. Finally, frequent natural disasters like typhoons and materials was approximately USD 85 million. This is almost 30 times higher than the
earthquakes wreak havoc, displacing families, destroying livelihoods, and average USD 35 per pupil expenditure. Adaptation measures could include hazard
straining already scarce resources. These intertwined issues paint a poignant specific school design and construction, retrofitting the existing schools to withstand
picture of a nation struggling to bridge the gap between economic progress and further hazards, flexible school calendar and test schedule, provision of emergency pool
widespread prosperity. of teachers and educational materials, boat schools, food, water and medicine storage
for children in schools, include climate change in curriculum for both teachers and
students, community awareness about continuing education during hazards. 7. National
architecture for climate change response is quite robust. The National Disaster
Management Bureau along with several national and international NGOs has developed
a mechanism for early warning, crisis management and post-crisis rehabilitation, which
include provision for education.
Solution through Education Initiatives/Efforts: Increase in sink can be promoted through
educating the children, increasing awareness
While economic progress seems to shine on the Philippines, the shadows of of the community and using the school as a
poverty remain deeply entrenched. Recognizing education as a beacon of hope, demonstration unit. The school can act as a
2S-SOC-16: Transformative & Civic Education 1
 Republic of the Philippines
Philippine Normal University Visayas
The National Center for Teacher Education
Center for Environment and Green Technology
Education

the government spearheads variousGlobal Problems

initiatives. in Local
The Universal AccessContext
to Quality – resource
Casescentre
in Developing
in this respect. InCountries
order to make
Tertiary Education Act lowers financial barriers for higher education, while the it a reality, the teachers need motivation and must
Senior High School program equips students with relevant skills for immediate believe by heart that there has to be a constant
employability. The Alternative Learning System empowers adults with missed campaign to keep the awareness alive. This
opportunities, and the Madrasah Education Program caters to Muslim Filipinos' requires a thoughtful teachers’ training component
that deals with right kind of materials and
needs. Technical and Vocational training aligns skills with industry demands,
pedagogy. However, motivation of the teachers and
while scholarships bridge the financial gap for underprivileged students. Despite political will are the two fundamental pillars of the
challenges like funding constraints and rural teacher shortages, these initiatives success towards combating climate change. There
represent a crucial collective effort to empower Filipinos through education and follows a summary of the mitigating actions that
break the cycle of poverty. could be promoted and practised through schools.
The matrix reflects the lines of thinking by BCCSAP,
NAPA, DMB, the outputs of the National Workshop
and the outputs of PVA
Reference: https://adelaideeconomicsclub.medium.com/how-frangas-aid-the- https://www.preventionweb.net/files/16355_climatechangeedbangladesh.pdf
economy-a-brief-analysis-16491e128103

2S-SOC-16: Transformative & Civic Education 2

 Republic of the Philippines
Philippine Normal University Visayas
The National Center for Teacher Education
Center for Environment and Green Technology
Education

Global Problems in Local Context – Cases in Developing Countries

Global Problem 3: Gender Inequality Global Problem 4:

Local Context: India Local Context

Description: Description:

Differences in education and early life nutrition may explain why women have
worse late-life cognition than men, according to an analysis of data from the
NIA-funded Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI). The results suggest that
education during adolescence and young adulthood may be critical for cognitive
health later in life. Additionally, where there are high levels of gender inequality,
the data indicate that women must reach a higher level of education to reach the
same level of late-life cognition as men.

Head and shoulder portrait of an older woman

In fact, in several low- and middle-income countries, older women tend to have
worse cognition than older men, and other studies have suggested that gender
differences in educational achievement may partially explain this disparity. In
the LASI study, an international team of researchers from the University of
South Alabama, University of Southern California, University of Michigan, and
the International Institute for Population Sciences in Mumbai have started to
uncover the reasons for the gender gap in late-life cognition in India.
Solution through Education Initiatives/Efforts:

India, despite strides forward, still battles entrenched gender inequality. Girls,
especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, face hurdles completing education,
limiting their career prospects. Women earn less than men and encounter
difficulties reaching leadership positions due to societal biases and unfair

2S-SOC-16: Transformative & Civic Education 3

 Republic of the Philippines
Philippine Normal University Visayas
The National Center for Teacher Education
Center for Environment and Green Technology
Education

practices. Shockingly high ratesGlobal Problems

of domestic in Local
violence, sexual assault,Context
and child – Cases in Developing Countries
marriage perpetuate fear and restrict women's freedom. Deep-rooted historical,
cultural, and economic factors, like patriarchal attitudes and limited resources,
contribute to this disadvantage. Recognizing education as a key weapon, India
has launched initiatives like the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign to
incentivize girls' education and tackle barriers. Teachers receive training to
address classroom biases and create inclusive environments. Life skills training
and vocational programs empower women with confidence, decision-making
abilities, and marketable skills, boosting their economic independence. Civic
education raises awareness of gender equality, human rights, and legal
protections, fostering positive attitudes towards women's empowerment. While
challenges remain, these initiatives demonstrate India's commitment to using
education as a powerful tool to equip women and dismantle the entrenched
structures of gender inequality.
Reference: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/education-and-gender-inequality-
may-explain-why-indias-women-have-worse-late-life-cognition

2S-SOC-16: Transformative & Civic Education 4

 Republic of the Philippines
Philippine Normal University Visayas
The National Center for Teacher Education
Center for Environment and Green Technology
Education

Global Problems in Local Context – Cases in Developing Countries

2S-SOC-16: Transformative & Civic Education 5