NARRATIVE REPORT ABOUT STRUCTURE AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL

We, the 2nd year Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, wrote this brief narrative
report designed to provide a quick yet comprehensive overview of a given topic for our
reporting in front of class in the Economic Development subject. The title of our report is
‘Structure at the Community Level’ with sub-topics including:

a. Population growth and labor mobility, health and nutrition, poverty, and
inequality
b. Development and pedagogy of the oppressed.

This report explores the intricate relationship between community structure and
community level, delving into the various dimensions, indicators, and interventions that
shape the well-being of communities. Specifically, it analyzes the impact of population
growth, labor mobility, health, nutrition, poverty, and inequality on community
structures, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures for sustainable
development.

1. Overview about the structure at the community level

a. Community Structure: In economic development, it refers to the organization

and arrangement of social and economic interactions within a community or
society. Examining these provides insights into relationships, networks, and
collaborations.

b. Community Level: It encompasses activities, research, and interventions

addressing issues within communities. It signifies the quality of life within a
group of people within common characteristics.

c. Relation between Community Structure and Community Level: Understanding

how relationships and interactions contribute to the overall dynamics, resilience,
and well-being of the community. Efforts to optimize community structures are
crucial for policymakers, local leaders, and stakeholders to enhance
characteristics at the community level.
2. Community levels indicators

➔ The specific metrics or measures to assess and quantify various aspects of a

community's well-being, development, and quality of life.
➔ Community structures discussed earlier serve as crucial indicators, reflecting the
interconnected nature of community dynamics.

3. Various dimensions of community structures

Examining key components such as population, labor, health, poverty, and

equality, emphasizing their interdisciplinary nature and influence on overall community
development.

4. Population growth

Population - The total number of individuals of a particular species inhabiting a

specific geographic area or region at a given time.

Classifications of population as a community structure:

1. Demographic characteristics (Age Distribution & Gender Distribution)

2. Ethnic and Cultural Composition (Ethnic Groups & Language Spoken)

3. Socioeconomic Status (Income Levels & Educational attainment)

4. Residential Segmentation (Urban vs Rural & Housing types)

5. Family Structures (Household sizes & Marital Status)

6. Migratory Patterns (Immigration/emigration rates & Transient vs Permanent

Residents)

Immigration - Refers to the act of individuals moving into a country or region

from another country or region with the intention of settling. Such individuals are
called ‘Immigrants’. In simple terms, it is when people move into a new country
or region.
 Emigration - Refers to the act of individuals leaving their own country or region
to settle in another country or region establishing a new permanent residence.
Such individuals are called ‘Emigrants’. In simple terms, it is when people move
out of a country or region.

7. Health and well-being

Understanding these will help the community leaders, policymakers, and organizations
conduct proper initiatives to meet the diverse needs of the population. It forms the
foundation for targeted community development strategies and planning, social
programs, and resource allocation.

To assess whether the Philippines is experiencing increasing or decreasing population

growth rate, let's look at the provided data:

2022:
Population: 115,559,009
Yearly Percentage Change: 1.47%

2023:
Population: 117,337,368
Yearly Percentage Change: 1.54%
 2024:
Population: 119,106,224
Yearly Percentage Change: 1.51%

● From the data, we can observe that the yearly percentage change in the population has
fluctuated:

It increased from 1.47% in 2022 to 1.54% in 2023.

Then, it slightly decreased to 1.51% in 2024.

● While the growth rate has decreased slightly in 2024 compared to 2023, it is still positive.
Therefore, the Philippines is experiencing overall population growth. However, the rate
of growth is showing a mild decline. It's essential to note that even a decreasing growth
rate can still mean a growing population, just at a slower pace.

Common Reasons for Population Growth in the Philippines:

1. High Birth Rates
2. Catholic Influence
3. Limited Access to Family Planning
4. Economic Factors
5. Educational Attainment
6. Migration Patterns
7. Government Policies
8. Cultural and Social Norms
9. Poverty and Livelihood Patterns
10. Urbanization
11. Teenage Pregnancy

Community Intervention Regarding the Population Growth in the Philippines

1. Reproductive Health Law (Republic Act no. 10354)
2. Family Planning Programs
3. Healthcare Services
 4. Education and awareness Campaigns
5. Youth Empowerment and Education
6. Integration with Poverty Alleviation
7. Men’s Involvement in Family Planning
8. Private Sectors Partnership
9. Data Collection and Research

5. Labor Mobility
Refers to the ability of workers to move geographically or occupationally in
search of employment opportunities. It encompasses the ease with which
individuals can relocate from one region or country to another or transition
between different jobs and industries within a particular area.

2 Types of Labor Mobility

1. Internal Mobility - The movement of individuals within the borders of a
specific country or region. This involves relocation from one city, town, or
rural area to another within the same nation.

2. International Mobility - It involves the movement of individuals across

national borders.

Common Classifications of Labor as a Community Structure:

1. Formal Employment
2. Informal employment
3. Self-Employment
4. Unpaid Labor
5. Volunteerism
6. Traditional or Subsistence Labor

As of February 7, 2024, the Philippines' labor market is displaying notable trends:

Unemployment Rate:
- December 2022: 4.3%
- December 2023: 3.1%
- February 7, 2024: Lowest in nearly two decades

Underemployment Rate:
- December 2023: 11.9%

Employed Population (aged 15 and above):

- December 2023: 50.52 million
- Employment Rate: 96.9% (Highest since April 2005)

Despite overall positive trends, challenges include:

Employment Losses in Specific Sectors:

- Wholesale and retail trade
- Administrative and support service activities
- Fishing and aquaculture

Youth Underemployment Rate:

- Increased to 11.6%
● Consequently, based on the Philippine development plan for 2023-2028 part 3 focuses on
Transforming Production Sectors to Generate More Quality Jobs and Competitive
Products. The underlying theme of PDP 2023–2028 is transformation by means of
Servicification, Digitalization, Enhanced Connectivity, Greater collaboration between
local and national government, Dynamic Innovation Ecosystem., Partnership with the
private sector. https://pdp.neda.gov.ph/philippine-development-plan-2023-2028/

HEALTH AND NUTRITION

Health and nutrition focus on promoting physical well-being and providing essential
nutrients for the body's proper functioning.

HEALTH

➔ It is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity. It encompasses various aspects of an
individual's life, including physical fitness, mental and emotional well-being, and
the ability to adapt to and cope with different situations.

NUTRITION

➔ It involves the process of obtaining and consuming food, as well as the body's
utilization of nutrients for growth, energy, and maintenance of bodily functions.
Good nutrition is crucial for supporting overall health and preventing nutritional
deficiencies or related health issues.

What is the connection of health and nutrition in our topic, "Structure at the Community
Level," and our economic development?

➢ The connection between health, nutrition, and economic development at the

community level is profound. A healthy and well-nourished population positively
impacts the community's overall structure and economic growth. When
individuals are healthy, they are more productive at work or in school, leading to
increased contribution to the economy. Conversely, malnutrition and health issues
act as barriers to development, hindering productivity and increasing healthcare
expenses. Initiatives such as feeding programs and community gardens play a
crucial role in promoting awareness and improving health outcomes. Ultimately, a
healthy population fosters economic development by reducing healthcare costs,
 enhancing productivity, and creating more opportunities for advancement within
the community.

Health and Nutrition in the Philippines

(Health and nutrition issues are, and have always been, a serious problem in the
Philippines)

For nearly thirty years, there have been almost no improvements in the prevalence of
undernutrition in the Philippines. One in three children (29%) younger than five years old
suffered from stunting (2019), being small in size for their age.

The overall rank of Philippines in terms of health

Index Score 45.7

Rank 57/195

Change from 2019 +2.2

TOP HEALTH CONSCIOUS COUNTRIES

Impacts of Health and nutrition in the community level

- Productivity

- Reduced Healthcare Costs

- Human Capital Development

- Resilience to Economic Shocks

- Social Cohesion

The structure of health and nutrition at the community level can be classified into several
categories:

1. Access to Healthcare Services - This includes the availability of healthcare facilities,

such as hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, as well as the presence of healthcare
professionals like doctors, nurses, and community health workers.

2. Nutritional Status - This refers to the overall nutritional well-being of the community,
including access to nutritious food, prevalence of malnutrition, and efforts to address
food insecurity.

3. Health Education and Awareness - The community's level of knowledge and

awareness about health issues, preventive measures, and healthy lifestyles play a crucial
role. This includes health education programs, campaigns, and initiatives aimed at
promoting healthier behaviors.

4. Government Policies and Programs - The effectiveness of government policies and

programs in addressing health and nutrition issues within the community, such as public
health initiatives, subsidies for essential health services, and regulations on food safety
and nutrition labeling.

5. Social Determinants of Health - Factors such as socioeconomic status, education level,

access to clean water and sanitation, and housing conditions can significantly influence
health outcomes and nutritional status within a community.

Overall, investments in health and nutrition at the community level are not only essential
for improving individual well-being but also serve as fundamental drivers of economic
development, contributing to poverty reduction, increased productivity, and long-term
sustainable growth.

POVERTY AND INEQUALITY

POVERTY

➔ It can be defined as a state or condition in which a person or community lacks the

financial resources and essential goods and services needed to meet their basic
needs for a decent standard of living.

Poverty in the Philippines

The current poverty rate in the Philippines as of 2023

The Philippines' poverty rate dropped to 22.4%, or 25.24 million people, in the first half
of 2023.

The main causes of poverty in the country include the following:

● low to moderate economic growth for the past 40 years;

● low growth elasticity of poverty reduction;
● weakness in employment generation and the quality of jobs generated;
● failure to fully develop the agriculture sector;
● high inflation during crisis periods;
● high levels of population growth;
● high and persistent levels of inequality (incomes and assets), which dampen the
positive impacts of economic expansion;

Some common elements contribute to the structure of poverty at this community level:
1. Economic Factors

- Income Disparities
- Unemployment and Underemployment

2. Educational Factors

- Limited Access to Education

3. Healthcare and Well-being

- Limited Healthcare Access

- Nutrition and Sanitation

4. Social Factors

- Family Structure

5. Political and Governance Issues

- Corruption
- Ineffective Governance

INEQUALITY

➔ refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and wealth among

individuals or groups within a community. It signifies a lack of equality, fairness,
or uniformity among individuals, groups, or entities.

In the context of economic development and community structure, common

classifications of inequality include:

1. Income Inequality - This refers to the unequal distribution of income among

individuals or households within a community. It is often measured using indicators like
the Gini coefficient or the ratio of the top income earners to the bottom.

Income Inequality in the Philippines

The Philippines has the highest GINI Coefficient among ASEAN’s six largest economies
at 41.58 percent. Malaysia follows at 39.37 percent. Indonesia is at 38.33 percent.
Vietnam is at 35.58 percent. Singapore is at 35.58 percent and Thailand is at 34.55
percent. For context, Slovenia has the world’s most equally distributed wealth with a
GINI Coefficient of 24.6 percent
2. Wealth Inequality - Wealth inequality focuses on the unequal distribution of assets and
wealth within a community. It considers not only income but also accumulated resources
such as property, investments, and savings.

Some causes of income and wealth inequality in the Philippines

a. Educational Disparities

- Limited Access to Quality Education

b. Labor Market Factors

- Informal Employment
- Wage Disparities

c. Corruption

d. Geographical Disparities

- Urban-Rural Divide

3. Access to Basic Services - Disparities in access to basic services like healthcare, clean
water, and sanitation can exacerbate inequality within communities, particularly affecting
marginalized groups.

Access to basic services can be influenced by various factors that contribute to inequality.
Here are some common causes:

a. Economic Inequality

- Income Disparities

b. Health Disparities

- Preventive Healthcare

c. Social Discrimination

- Gender Inequality
Development and Pedagogy of the Oppressed

Development is the process in which someone or something grows or changes and

becomes more advanced.

Pedagogy is a term that refers to the method of how teachers teach, in theory and in
practice. It is formed by an educator’s teaching beliefs and concerns the interplay
between culture and different ways to learn.

Oppressed are treated cruelly or are prevented from having the same opportunities,
freedom, and benefits as others.

The Causes of Oppression in the Philippines can be attributed to a complex combination

of historical, social, and economic factors. Here are some key factors that have
contributed to oppression in the Philippines:

1. Colonial History: The Philippines experienced centuries of colonization, first by the

Spanish and then by the United States. During these periods, the colonizers imposed their
cultural, political, and economic systems on the Filipino people, leading to the
marginalization and oppression of indigenous cultures and traditions.
- The change through the novel Noli Me Tangere by Jose Rizal

2. Discrimination and Prejudice: Discrimination based on factors such as ethnicity,

religion, gender, and social class has been a significant cause of oppression in the
Philippines. Minority groups, including indigenous peoples, Muslims, and the LGBTQ+
community, have faced systemic discrimination and marginalization.
- Colorism is rampant in the country

3. Land Disputes and Exploitation: Land ownership and control have been sources of
oppression in the Philippines. Large-scale land acquisitions by corporations and powerful
individuals have displaced indigenous communities and farmers, leading to the loss of
livelihoods and cultural heritage.
- The case of the Chico River Dam project in the 1970s

4. Political Instability and Corruption: Political instability and corruption have hindered
the progress of the Philippines and perpetuated oppression. The concentration of power in
the hands of a few political elites has allowed for the exploitation of resources and the
suppression of dissenting voices.
- The victims of Martial Law
The Pedagogy of the Oppressed is a book that has had a significant impact on education,
politics and social change written by Brazilian educator and philosopher Paolo Freire in
1968. This book offers a revolutionary approach to education that challenges the
traditional teacher-student relationship and promotes critical consciousness and social
action. Pedagogy of the Oppressed is divided into four chapters. Each of which offers a
different perspective on the relationship between education and liberation.

● In the first chapter, Freire introduces the concept of banking education, a

traditional approach to teaching in which the teacher deposits knowledge into the
students’ minds, treating them as passive receptacles rather than active
participants. This approach perpetuates oppression by maintaining the status quo
and reinforcing the dominant culture's values and interests.
● In the second chapter, he argues that true education must be a dialogical process
in which teachers and students learn from each other and work together to
develop critical consciousness. Critical consciousness involves a recognition of
one's own oppression and the social structures that create and perpetuate it as well
as a commitment to social transformation.
● In the third chapter, he discusses the role of the oppressor and the oppressed in the
educational process. He argues that the oppressor's goal is to maintain power and
control over the oppressed while the oppressed must strive to liberate themselves
and their oppressors through dialogue and reflection. This liberation process
requires a recognition of the oppressor's humanity and the potential for change as
well as a rejection of violence and dehumanization.
● In the fourth and final chapter, he explores the role of education in the struggle for
liberation. He argues that education must be connected to concrete social and
political action rather than being an abstract or purely intellectual pursuit. This
means that educators and students must engage in practice or reflection and action
to transform themselves and their society.