Master Thesis

Since its founding, universities have served and preserved societies. Many still pursue it as a means to have an advantage in improving economic conditions. In the Philippines, Filipino parents consider education as an invaluable legacy they can give their children. The goal of this study is to figure out the fundamental question on why university education in the Philippines a problem in itself by looking at its history. The output of the study is aimed at providing an understanding why, despite having all the advantages of democracy and the educational system, the Philippine government was not able to capitalize on these. The respondents of the study are mostly 21-23 years old and are graduates. Results showed that the idea of university education is good in itself and will never be seen as a problem. The participants understand the value and benefit of having a university education and a degree to prove its completion. Meaning, the participants do not recognize university education as a problem. Viewed from a historical perspective, the economic situation of Filipinos during the American occupation, economic policies, and provisions entered by the Philippine government with the American government created issues and difficulty in trade and export, especially those in the agricultural sector. This forced them to seek means of earning outside agriculture as an indirect result. The Americans showed the Filipinos that by getting education an individual will be transformed to a someone able to exercise his rights duly given him by the constitution and perform the duties of a citizen. The goal of Filipino nationalisım should be aimed at self- reliance. Empowered Filipinos' primary concern is for economic independence.