School of Thought : Poverty and Unemployment

The unending problem with poverty and unemployment is a common issue in the Philippines. In the recent surveys, an alarming level of unemployment rate and poverty in the country has brought the idea of adapting universal basic income (UBI) as a way to solve the problem since current solutions seem to be ineffective, anticipating that universal basic income (UBI) would be the antidote to what seems to be an invincible problem.

Universal basic income is a government program wherein it aims to address economic inequality through providing economic security. Regardless of whether an adult is employed or unemployed, they are required to pay a certain amount per month in order to provide a basic income floor for everyone, no matter the income or employment status (Peters, 2022). The advantages brought by implementing universal basic income (UBI) in the Philippine setting are numerous. Arriola III (2021) presented different positive impacts of implementing universal basic income (UBI) in solving the different economic issues in the country. First, UBI lightens immediate sufferings since it provides monetary aid to people despite the employment status and economic class system. It provides more opportunities and creates jobs. The distribution of the cash would go directly to the withdrawing individuals, not to the government officials, who will have full access to people’s funds and can use the monetary aid in accordance with their needs.

Universal basic income leads the Filipino citizen to better situations in a way that UBI restores human dignity who has suffered for a long time. Although one of the most common fears in implementing the UBI is the idea of people quitting their jobs and not working. That is why, it is ideal that when the government implements the program, it would be ideal to have a low percentage of amount to pay such as 8-10% or 1,500 per month so that people would not rely on the monetary aid but still have the will to work in order to suffice their needs. The UBI may not solve everything but would likely create a path forward.

With the insights presented regarding the proposed plan on the implementation of universal basic income in the Philippines and the evidences of the positive impacts of UBI in countries that have implemented the program, it would be a great solution to implement the universal basic income in the Philippines in order to address and reduce or even eliminate the economic issues faced by the country. At first, it seems like universal basic income (UBI) is an unjust system since it would be unfair to those who were working to pay the required amount in order to help those who were unemployed since working is never easy. However, upon thorough research and by looking at the bigger picture, it provides an equitable solution towards different economic crises and restores humanitarianism.

Universal basic income, if attained and adapted in the Philippines, would create and provide positive changes towards the economic status of the country. From alleviating poverty, to providing better opportunities for everyone and increasing growth and development in the economy. 

-Ms.Lendejhar-

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