Creyzanne Fhae D.

Caoagdan
12-Faith (GAS)

Political Dynasty

Political dynasties are common in the Philippines. It is where members of the same family hold government positions over
many years. Some people believe political families bring consistency, but they also raise concerns about fairness,
corruption, and abusive power. This paper argues that political dynasties harm democracy by blocking fair representation,
increasing inequality, and limiting opportunities for new leaders. These issues make it harder for ordinary citizens to have
a voice.

Supporters of political dynasties argue that they bring stability and continuity to governance. They say families with a
long history in politics have a deep understanding of public service, which helps in developing consistent policies.
However, critics believe that political dynasties are a cause of corruption in the country. They argue that political families
often use government for personal gain. When power stays within a family, positions may be passed down by lineage
instead of the capabilities of an individual.

I strongly disagree with political dynasties because they promote unfairness and inequality. They create a biased system
where only the wealthy and influential can enter politics. This limits opportunities for qualified individuals from poorer
backgrounds. They treat government like a business for personal gain and cover up each other's wrongdoings. Countries
like Japan and South Korea, with anti-dynasty laws, show lower corruption and greater equality, proving that limiting
political families leads to fairer governance.

According to the Ateneo School of Government, political dynasties have grown since 1987 and now cover most local
positions. The percentage of dynasties went from 19% in 1988 to 29% in 2019, growing by 170 positions every election.
A study by Dean Mendoza, reported by INQUIRER.NET, found that 75% of district representatives, 85% of governors,
and 66.67% of mayors are from political dynasties.As for Daniel Bruno Davis, his research shows that areas in the
Philippines with more land inequality and where more of these titles were issued by 1918 have a higher concentration of
dynasties today. This dominance weakens democracy by focusing resources on areas controlled by their families.
Edylyn S. Dacalanio
12-Faith (GAS)

Is Social Media a Force for Good or Evil?

My topic is about whether social media is a force for good or evil. I believe it is more harmful than helpful. Social media
has a negative impact on mental health, privacy, and relationships. It spreads false information and creates division in
society. I will argue that social media does more harm than good.

Some people argue that social media helps people stay connected and informed. They believe it can bring positive change
and foster communication. However, many others argue that it causes harm by spreading negativity and fake news. Social
media also encourages unhealthy comparisons and unrealistic standards. These different opinions show the controversy
around its impact on society.

I strongly believe that social media is more of a negative influence than a positive one. While it can connect people, it
often leads to harm, like addiction and low self-esteem. People spend too much time online and become disconnected
from real life. Social media also contributes to cyberbullying and mental health problems. In my view, it does more
damage than good.

I chose this topic because social media affects everyone today, especially the younger generation. The addiction and
pressure it creates are real problems that cannot be ignored. Social media can cause anxiety, depression, and spreads
misinformation that can lead to confusion and fear. Social media is a significant source of distraction, According to study
by the University of California (2016). By being critical of social media, we can push for safer, healthier online spaces.
Jenelyn T. Icalla
12- Faith (GAS)

Should K-12 be Phased-out?

K-12 education is a comprehensive system for children aged 5-18, including kindergarten through 12th grade. It includes
elementary, middle, and high school stages, covering subjects like math, science, language arts, and social studies.
Available in public and private schools, it equips students with necessary skills.K-12 education plays a critical role in the
academic and social development of young people, preparing them for higher education, vocational training, or entry into
the workforce.

Opposing the K-12 system suggests that it may not be the most effective approach for all students. One major concern is
the cost, as extending education for an additional two years can strain public resources without guaranteeing better
outcomes. Others argue that the system does not meet the needs of students who prefer vocational or hands-on
learning.Additionally, many feel that K-12 education focuses too much on academic subjects and not enough on practical
life skills. Instead, some suggest that alternative education systems should be considered to better prepare students for the
real world.

I believe the K-12 system should be phased out because it doesn’t work for every student. Not all students learn the same
way, and the long years of school can be boring or stressful for some. The system focuses too much on academic subjects
and not enough on skills that help students in real life, like technical training or managing money. It also adds pressure,
which can hurt students’ mental health. Instead, we should consider other options that give students more choice in how
and what they learn, so they can grow in ways that suit them best.

While the old K-12 system is important, it may not match the needs of today's students and workforce due to its
unchanging structure, concentration om standardized testing, and lack of attention on practical skills. According to
research personalized learning can significantly improve students outcomes, as evidence by the RAND Corporation's
findings(RAND 2017), and alternative models such as Germany's vocational pathways have successful reduced youth
unemployment by aligning education with industry needs.Finland's model, which focuses on skill rather than testing
perform well in worldwide assessments , pointing out the value of flexibility education system(OECD 2020). This
examples show that moving to a simpler, skills oriented approach could better prepare pupilsfor future success.