Philippine E-Journals

The Psychology and the Profile of the Filipino Youth

Emilia Del Callar

Discipline: Psychology, Social Science

 

Abstract:

Youth, in general, has always been regarded as the pillar of the nation, the reservoir of energy, dynamism and enthusiasm, and the hope of tomorrow. Today, however, while these concepts have not been altered, youth is particularly considered as one of our country's most pressing problems, or as an area of concern. Youths, aged 10 and 19, constitute approximately 25 percent of tile nation's population. In the rural areas alone, according to statistical data recorded in 1970 (Castillo, et al, 1975), there were 5.4 million young boys and girls. Of these, 27 percent were employed, 10 percent were studying, 20 percent were housekeepers, 4 percent were not employed, and 3 percent were not yet able to work. Out of these who were employed, 69 percent were family workers who rendered services for free, and 85 percent of those engaged in housekeeping were females. The alarming increase in youth population, in school dropouts and the youths' prevailing conditions, show the urgent need for educators, program implementors, and all those involved in helping the young, to make provisions for these youths to derive the attention and care they so rightfully deserve and to give the opportunities to optimize their growth and development.