MANILA, Philippines — About one in every four Filipino youth believe climate change and access to education may become the “biggest problems” of their generation, according to a recent poll of the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).
The “lack of entry-level jobs,” on the other hand, could pose as the “biggest obstacle” to their professional growth, a third of the respondents said.
The Unicef survey conducted on June 6 had 3,109 respondents, most of them between the ages of 15 and 19, and 20 to 24.
The first question they were asked was: “What do you think will be the biggest problem young people in the Philippines will face in the future?”
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Aside from “climate change, including natural disasters,” at 26 percent and “being able to finish their education” at 23 percent, other top concerns were “finding a job” and “health, including mental health,” both at 22 percent.
The rest were “gender equality” at 2 percent; and unspecified issues or “others” at 4 percent.
By age, health was the only one that reached a near majority of 50 percent as it was the top concern for respondents aged 31 to 34, or those part of the so-called “millennial” generation.
But among female respondents, the impact of climate change could pose a problem for them, while their male counterparts said “finding a job” and finishing school could be a major issue.
Career obstacles
The participants were also asked about the “biggest obstacle” they may face in trying to attain their “dream job” or in “starting a business.”
Thirty-three percent said the “lack of jobs for people with experience” could slow their career growth or foil any business ventures, while 26 percent said the country’s “economic situation” could be a culprit should they encounter career problems.
Asked what could hamper their professional development, 20 percent cited “access to a good education,” while 18 percent pointed to the “use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.”
Only 3 percent said “gender inequality” can become an issue in the workplace.
Pessimistic view
When asked about their outlook for future generations, nearly half, or 44 percent, said that younger people would be “worse off than today.”
Thirty-seven percent said they would be “better off than today,” while the remaining 19 percent said they would be “the same as today.”