25/04/2026
Three small steps for a better Philippines
Every Filipino dreams of a better Philippines. But this aspiration could never be achieved overnight. We need to take small steps to gradually reach our ambition.
Step 1: Proper Nutrition. We should start with proper nutrition among the young Filipinos to nurture their physical growth. A healthy body supports a healthy mind. A healthy mind is more receptive to instruction.
Step 2: Critical Thinking. We should educate Filipino learners to be able to develop critical thinking. Filipino learners who graduate from high school should be able to analyze facts, evidence, and arguments to make sound judgments and informed decisions.
Step 3: Discernment. We should educate Filipino learners to be able to develop discernment. Filipino learners who graduate from high school should have moral clarity to be able to distinguish between right and wrong.
How to develop critical thinking among the Filipino learners? We should teach them how to examine information in detail, to evaluate the credibility of its source, to question its validity, and to form better decisions. We should allow them to ask thoughtful questions to challenge assumptions, to engage in discussions and debate ideas with others to broaden their perspectives, and to practice logical reasoning and problem solving.
How to develop discernment among the Filipino learners? We should teach them the Silver Rule (or do not do to others what you would not want done to you), the Golden Rule (or do to others what you would have them do to you), and the Platinum Rule (or treat others how they would like to be treated). The Silver Rule helps avoid actions that could harm others. The Golden Rule encourages empathy and reciprocity in the classroom. The Platinum Rule requires active listening and consideration of individual needs. We should also teach them how to build friendships, to work together harmoniously, to respect the adults, and to respect the property of another learner. Moreover, we should teach them that wrong actions have consequences to foster accountability and to prepare them for the real world governed by laws and ordinances.
These small steps would build the foundational skills that the Filipino learners should master before they choose their own career path to become community leaders, civil servants, law enforcers, business owners, healthcare professionals, legal professionals, educators, church workers, or media practitioners. Community leaders, civil servants, and law enforcers who have critical thinking and discernment are less likely to commit corrupt practices. Business owners, healthcare professionals, and legal professionals who have critical thinking and discernment are more caring to their clients. Educators, church workers, and media practitioners who have critical thinking and discernment are more respected because of their integrity. Critical thinking and discernment can transform every member of our society to become a better citizen.
We need schools that educate Filipino learners to be able to develop critical thinking and discernment. Taking the three small steps now could result in a much better Philippines in the future.
