A Study on the Political Awareness and Student Activism in the University of the Philippines Integrated School (U.P.I.S.)

Abstract

This study aims to explore and discuss political awareness and activism among the high school students of the University of the Philippines Integrated School (U.P.I.S.) through their knowledge on certain political and social issues and the actions done on these. A total of 120 male and female students were chosen; 30 from each year level (Grades 7-10). They were chosen based on the categories mentioned in the study. The concepts of political awareness and student activism, specifically in U.P.I.S., were looked at using a semi-structured interview centering on the following parts: (1.) definition and forms, (2.) history in U.P.I.S. context (3.) contributory factors, (4.) responses of stakeholders, (5.) probable outcomes, and (6.) recommendations and suggestions. The results clearly show that the U.P.I.S. high school students have a very high political awareness due to their great knowledge on national and local issues. Almost all of them were tremendously against political killings and the Arroyo administration. Many, on the other hand, were also against some policies inside the school. Majority of them think that there are other forms of activism, aside from street protesting. The key informant interviews showed the same result. Among these other forms were lobbying, manifesto signing, joining mass organizations, and educating others about the issues at hand. It is also shown in the study how great the impacts of newsletters, mass organizations, student council, family orientation, teachers and academic curriculum, and the school environment are in molding the political minds of the students. However, the results show that these students cannot act and materialize their political beliefs due to some limitations present in the school premises. Instead, they put their creativity and talents to full use to let out their grievances. Outcomes of political awareness and activism were also defined. Lastly, it is recommended in the study how political awareness can be further improved in such a way that these students would act towards it. The independent variables were used to ensure that the recommendations encompass each aspect. This is due to the reason that these students want genuine change in the system.