Civic Education in the Philippines: Confronting the Challenges of the Present Times

The results of the recent important political exercise show that the Philippines is yet to realize the ideals necessary for a functioning democracy. Civic education can play a pivotal role in the realization of democracy given its aim to develop informed, effective, and responsible citizenry who can better engage in governance. Civic education enables the acquisition of “knowledge, skills, attitudes and experiences to prepare someone to be an active, informed participant in democratic life”. Civic education primarily serves the purpose of maintaining and harnessing self-government in a democracy. Democratic self-government requires that citizens be well-informed and capable of critical reflection to participate in governance.