TAKING SMALL STEPS TOWARD A GREAT LEAP Given that almost majority of high school students are not

jority of high school students are not of legal age, we

must consider the fact that they are dependent on their parents. Thus even if
the student is willing to take part in the program but his or her parents
Living in a third-world country wherein poverty is prevalent, a disagree, he or she still cannot join. In addition, students at this age, such as
significant number of Filipinos is marginalized— people struggle to find food, grade 7 students, are not mature enough to take on big responsibilities such
experience environmental problems, and live a poor quality of life. Despite as extending help to distant communities.
the development our country has faced, we can’t deny that the progress
This mandatory program of the government involves a large scope. If
we’ve encountered is far from what we call the epitome of an ‘ideal country’
the point of thee government is to consider community extension service as
where the quality of life is stable, education is highly accessible, and quality
an application of learnings from Values Education, Personal Development
medical services is available for all. Thus, to give a band aid solution to some
and Social Science. Then, why does it have to start in a community level
of our problems, our government has introduced a new program into the high
when these learnings can be applied —within the premises of the students’
school curriculum— community extension service. The idea of this new
households and schools. In this regard, students would be much safer and
scheme is quite exemplary. However, if it was made mandatory for all high
their participation would be more guaranteed.
school students, this is where we draw the line and disagree. We believe
that there are other factors we need to consider before making it a Putting one’s self in the shoes of a less-privileged person,
mandatory program. community extension service is a great help in addressing the problems in
the community. However, making this program compulsory for high school
The idea of forced compliance could mislead people from seeing the
students can have setbacks that would make it less ideal. First, helping
essence of the bigger picture. This would mean that mandatory community
should be genuine and not forced. Second, most high school students are
extension service can possibly impart the wrong motivation for students. For
minors. Thus, they need the consent of their parents. Lastly, service is
instance, students would be motivated to help people not for the sake of
something that begins with taking small steps leading to a greater leap.
service and not out from the sincerity of their hearts but for the sake of good
grades and complying for subject requirements.