Knowledge and Perceptions of Grade 12 Xavier University Senior High School

Students Regarding President Rodrigo Duterte’s Quest for Federalism

A Research Paper

Presented to

The Faculty of Senior High School

Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements in Research 203

Angelica Rose Eclevia

Shania Garcia
Haran Israel Gualberto
Kathleen Marquez
Charles Louis Orio
Nerissa Salaan
Ella Marie Sumampong
Samantha Ruth Anne Velasco

Grade 12 Arrupe

SY 2017 – 2018
 CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINALITY

This is to certify that we assume full responsibility over the work entitled “Knowledge

and Perceptions of Grade 12 Xavier University Senior High School Students

Regarding President Rodrigo Duterte’s Quest for Federalism” submitted as a

requirement for graduation for Senior High School at Xavier University Senior High

School – Ateneo de Cagayan, that the work is our own, that this is srcinal except as

specified in the acknowledgements, footnotes, or in the references and that this has

never been submitted to this or any other school for a degree or other requirements.

Angelica Rose Eclevia Charles Louis Orio

Shania Garcia Nerissa Salaan

Haran Israel Gualberto Ella Marie Sumampong

Kathleen Marques Samantha Ruth Anne Velasco

March 23, 2018

 APPROVAL SHEET

This Research Paper entitled: “Knowledge and Perceptions of Grade 12 Xavier

University Senior High School Students Regarding President Rodrigo Duterte’s

Quest for Federalism” prepared and submitted byAngelica Rose Eclevia, Shania

Garcia, Haran Israel Gualberto, Kathleen Marquez, Charles Louis Orio, Nerissa

Salaan, Ella Marie Sumampong, and Samantha Ruth Anne Velasco , in partial

fulfillment of the requirements for graduation for Senior High School has been

examined and is recommended for Oral Examination.

GERRY G. VALLENTE ABDUL HATTA DERICO

Research Teacher Research Adviser

___________________________________________________________________

Approved and accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for graduation

for Senior High School.

ROGELIO L. GAWAHAN Ph.D.

Principal

Xavier University Senior High School

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINALITY……………………………………………….......ii

APPROVAL SHEET….……………………………………………….......................iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT……………………………………………….....................vi

ABSTRACT………………………………………………........................................vii

CHAPTER

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of the Study..……………………………………………..1

1.2. Statement of the Problem..…………………………………………….1

1.3. Research Questions…...….……………………………………………1

1.4. Significance of the Study……………………………………………….2

1.5. Scope and Delimitations...….………………………………………….3

1.6. Definition of Terms………………………………………………..........3

2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1. Literature Review……………………………………………………….4

2.2. On Federalism………………………………………………………......5

2.3. On Pros and Cons of Federalism…………………………………......7

2.4. On President Duterte and Federalism in the Philippines……………9

 2.5. On K to 12 Program and Senior High School Students………….
10

2.6. Related Studies………………………………………………............12

2.7. Synthesis………………………………………………......................13

3. METHODOLOGY

3.1. Research Design………………………………………………………14

3.2. Context and Participants……………………………………………...

14

3.3. Instruments……………………………………………………………..15

3.4. Data- Gathering Procedure…………………………………………...16

3.5. Data- Analysis Procedure……………………………………………..16

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1. Results…………………………………………………………………..17

4.2. Discussion………………………………………………………………32

5. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND

RECOMMENDATIONS………………………………..……………………..33

REFERENCES………………………………………………......................................34
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to express their sincerest gratitude to all individuals

who helped and supported them in the completion of this study:

To their admired research instructor, Mr. Gerry G. Vallente, for his guidance

and assistance in the process of completion of this study, and for his countless efforts

to edit and proof this paper.

To Mr. Abdul Hatta Derico, the researchers’ Quantitative Research in Daily Life

teacher, for his guidance and constant supervision, and his inspiring encouragements

and support throughout the research endeavor;

To Ms. Dianna Limjap of Xavier University– Ateneo de Cagayan Mathematics

Department for generously sharing her time to impart her knowledge on the field of

Statistics;

To the researchers’ beloved moderator, Ms. Jessa Joyce Tamiok for motivating

and inspiring the researchers to do their best;

To the researchers’ classmates, G12 Arrupe for supporting and encouraging

for the whole academic year, and for accompanying and understanding them during

the progress of the study;

To the researchers’ families, for their never-ending support in their academic

journey, and for financing the expenses of the study. The researchers would like to

express their sincerest gratitude and appreciation for innumerable efforts they have

provided for the researchers to pass through all their hardships.

Lastly, to the Almighty God for pouring immensurable blessings and guidance

throughout the researchers’ lives. Without Him, all of these would not be made

possible.
 ABSTRACT

The Philippines currently has a Unitary System of government, wherein there

are highly-favored centralized powers in the National government. However, since the

beginning of the Duterte administration, there have been debates on whether

Federalism should be implemented in the country, in the context of society at hand.

With this, the research was conducted to determine the basic knowledge and personal

perceptions of Xavier University Senior High School Grade 12 students regarding the

president’s quest for Federalism, aiming to promote youth involvement, awareness,

and empowerment. It is a descriptive type of research, which made use of stratified

random sampling method, wherein 10 randomly selected respondents per section

were chosen from each Academic track strands (STEM, GAS, HUMSS, and ABM) to

answer personally-devised survey questionnaires. Based on the results, most of the

population of respondents claim to have been familiar federalism but seem to lack

sufficient knowledge about the basic concepts about it. Although HUMSS strand

population seems to be the most knowledgeable about the topic, compared to other

strands, there is still a greater number of respondents that have misconceptions about

it. Based on their perspectives about the notion, most of the respondents chose to be

neutral about it. Furthermore, those who have a more positive view on the topic claim

to be willing to support the president’s quest for it, yet also allege that the Philippines

is still not ready for its implementation. The researchers therefore conclude that the

current population of XUSHS students do not possess sufficient knowledge on the

basic concepts of Federalism, except for the HUMSS strand. It is further recommended

that seminars and awareness campaigns be conducted for the general public

specifically students, to lessen the insufficient knowledge and misconceptions about it,

and for them to be able to make clear-cut opinions and perceptions. Researchers also

recommend to other researchers, who wish to pursue the same kind of research, that

aside from using descriptive analysis, they can use any other additional statistical tools

for strengthening their paper’s reliability and validi

ty.
 Chapter I

Introduction

Background of the Study

The Philippines currently has a Unitary System of government, wherein

there are highly-favored centralized powers in the National government.

However, since the start of the Duterte administration, there have been a lot of

debates about whether Federalism should be implemented in the country or

not. Given that President Duterte is currently urging the Congress to put in a

Federal type of government, believing that it is a key to inducing peace in

Mindanao, this has piqued the awareness of most of the adult citizens to be

more involved in the discussions. Even so, this doesn’t mean that the students’

awareness and involvement are already of less importance. By knowing the

extent of knowledge of students and their perceptions towards the notion of

Federalism, this study aims to promote youth involvement, awareness, and

empowerment.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the extent of knowledge of Senior High

School students regarding Federalism, and to know their views about it.

Research Questions

This study intends to answer the following questions:

 1. What is the profile of the respondents when grouped according to their:

a. Age

b. Gender

c. Strand

2. What is the extent of knowledge of the respondents about the basic

concepts of Federalism?

3. What are their general perceptions towards Federalism?

4. How much do they support the President’s quest for Federalism in the
Philippines?

Significance of the Study

The results of the study will be of great benefit to the following entities:

Future Researchers: This study will serve as basis to their future

research. It will help and guide them in developing ideas and concepts through

the given results.

Participants of the Study: After active participation in the study, subjects

might be given a chance to discover, understand, and strengthen their

knowledge about the issue.

Students: They will be encouraged to be more active and involved in the

current issues, promoting youth empowerment.

Teachers, Parents, and other Stakeholders: They will be able to guide

and educate the youth if they have some misconceptions about the issue of

federalism or if they have a lack of knowledge towards it. Additionally, the

opinions of youth regarding the issue might help them support their claims or

arguments, or might even possibly convince them on the other side. In other

words, the youth’s views could possibly affect some of their decisions and

opinions.

Scope and Delimitations

This study only focuses on determining the extent of the basic

knowledge of respondents about the concepts of Federalism, as well as their

general views about it. The researchers will only be conducting this study inside

the locale of Xavier University Senior High school; wherein the participants will

be 12th grade students, of ages 16- 18 yrs., including both sexes, and belonging

to any of the four Strands in the Academic Track.

Definition of Terms

Federalism - Refers to a system of government in which entities such as states

or provinces share power with a central power or a national government.

Federalists - Refers to persons who advocate or support a system of

government in which several states unite under a central authority.

Unitary form of government - Refers to highly-favored centralized powers in the

national government.
 CHAPTER II

Review of Related Literature

This chapter presents a review of existing literature and related studies

on federalism as a concept, and debates about the implementation of

federalism in the Philippines. Presentation is done in sequence based on the

following sub-headings below: 1.) On Federalism 2.) On Pros & Cons of

Federalism 3.) On President Duterte and Federalism in the Philippine Setting

4.) On K-12 Program and Senior High School Students, and 5.) Related

Studies. The concepts, findings, and data shown on this chapter are significant

in the formulation of this research.

Literature Review

With the current administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, two

government systems are currently being scrutinized for the Philippines: the

unitary system, and the Federal form of government. Unitary system basically

defines the highly-favored centralized powers in the national government, while

the federal system focuses more on dispersing the powers to different states or

regions.

On the previous year in December, the President, believing that it is a

critical solution for the discordances and conflicts in Mindanao, persuaded the

Congress to quickly put in a federal type of government in the Philippines.

Allowing that the arrangement goes well, there will have to be a plebiscite this
2019, and if approved, the first-ever election of the first set of officials of the

various states and federal government will happen in 2022.

Even tracing back to its history on becoming an independent nation,

there have already been a lot of debates regarding the Philippine’s possible

shift to federalism. However because of the president’s urge to push through

this kind of system, federalism rose into the public’s consciousness again.

On F ederalis m

“A federal state is one in which there exists at least two sets of

government, and there is a division of governmental powers between the

national government and constituent units” (Islam & Moten, 2005). Federalism

is a type of government that is divided into two major parts: central federal

government and constituents states. But in a constituent state federalism, they

are authorized to function and perform independently under the laws in the

constitution (Ball & Peters, 2005).

Based on the State Attorneys – General Stretch the Boundanes, it

suggests two things about the nature of federalism: (1) federalism is always

changing, and the national and state powers and responsibilities is never

permanent, but constantly fluctuating, and (2) even though there came a time

that the national government has become extremely powerful compared to

states, that states continued to remain being important in politics and

government. The roots of federalism go back as far as the history of the Union

of Utrecht in Netherlands in year 1579, however federalism that exists today is

only perceived to be primarily an American intervention (Greenberg & Page,

2005). However, according to Treisman (2007), “Federalism would correspond

to a certain combination of decision making appointment decentralization.”

According to Scruton (2007), “Federalism is a force tending in the

opposite direction-towards fragmentation rather than unification.” He also

claimed that, a federalist is simply an advocate of “states” rights, probably going

so far as to argue that the federal government has its powers by contigent from

the states, and that not vice versa. Federal states will be ordained to follow the

constitution of the central power, but can still exercise liberty in governing their

states into their accordance (Thomson, 2008).

A country best known for its implementation of Federalism is the United

States. There are numerous federalists within USA. Each state is run by a state

government that composes multiple parts, and the potential of the federalistic

philosophy was best tested in the events of the civil war with much of how the

Southern state chooses to grow independent from the government (Robin,

2013). Also in the United States, each fundamental unit has the authority to

perform independently of the other. Thus, federalism separates sovereignty in

those two different units (Fiorina, Peterson, Johnson, & Voss, 2005).

Transferring the authority of the federal government to the state and local

governments signifies that American Federalism enhances the concept of

devolution (Patterson, 2002).

 Other countries practicing federalism include the European Union,

Canada, Brazil, India, and Belgium. (Wilstron, 2013). According to Duncan,

Webster, and Switky (2006), this form of government can also be observed in

Russia, India and Nigeria.

According to Treisman (2007), Riker claims that in order for a state to be

federal, it must meet two certain conditions; that the first condition should be

official, and an example of this is a constitution. The second condition would be

that the government must have at least two levels and each level must consist

of at least one area that has the power to govern itself. Federal states will be

ordained to follow the constitution of the central power, but can still exercise

liberty in governing their states into their accordance (Thomson, 2008).

In seeing the role of size and diversity, majority of the federal systems

globally are found in countries that are geographically huge, which have regions

differing in their economic activity, religion, ethnicity, and language (Greenberg

& Page, 2005). Magstadt (2006) also claims that “one way to limit constitutional

government is through a division of powers called federalism.”

Pr os & Cons of Fed eralis m

Federalism offers a self-governing political community two main

advantages - the advantage of being small and homogenous, as well as the

advantage of being included in a stronger, more secure and bigger allowance

thus avoiding the drawbacks of being either too small or too huge (Karmus &

Norman, 2005). Furthermore, in uniting dispersed collectively political states,

federalism is a way in order to have effectual successful goals that they couldn’t

achieve on their own without compromising their particular individuality

(Malaya, 2016).

“Another benefit of federalism is that it allows for ‘unity without uniformity’

in that local customs can be incorporated into government” (Dooley & Patten,

2013).Federalism also holds out the possibility that communities, which have

an overlapping variety of ethno-cultural and ethno-religious groups in any given

territory, can partake in states with members who have different affiliations,

assuring the prospering of their identities, as well as facilitating peaceful

interactions between groups (Karmus & Norman, 2005).

One of the oldest traditions of European accounts claims that, federalism

suggest as a solution for the anarchy problem in the means of international

federation. However, federalism has not been proven to be a very successful

strategy at the global level – that people do not only value peace, but also

justice, welfare, and autonomy – so they do not really rely on the world

government to protect them (Nye, 2010).

“Federalism also allows for creativity in government in that states can be

viewed as social laboratories free to experiment in the realm of public policy”

(Dooley & Patten, 2013). This system provides a take to local values and

differences, it also gives states the authority to manage local matters in different

ways (Patterson, 2003).

 According to the College American Government (2012), another

advantage of Federalism is its allowance of people with the same interest to

bond together and establish their own set of rules that greatly affect their own

state as opposed to the nation.

The disadvantage is that the regions could no longer be united with the

other regions because of its independency. Thus, it may lead to rivalry which

could result in a civil war if this could lose control (Ronquillo, 2016).

On P res ident Duterte and Federalis m in the Phi lippine Sett ing

President Rodrigo Duterte, being the first Mindaonaoan president, sees

federalism as the means of obtaining peace. He hopes to address the poverty

in Mindanao for it is one of the focal cause of rebellion in our country (So, 2016).

GORPH (2017) also claims that “He is the first Mindanaoan president and first

local chief executive to get elected straight to the office of the President.”

According to Filipiknow (2016) on March 2015, President Rodrigo

Duterte decided to bring up the topic of federalism, not only for locals to hear

but also for everyone around the world to hear. Though that his proposition

towards the government about federalism was taken lightly, he still goes for the

act and proposes to establish 14 states that will have different degree of power

divided to each of them.

Each state will gain their own taxes. Small portion of it will be given to

the central government for only three centralized functions: National Defense,
Justice and Foreign Affairs. The rest of the revenues will stay on each state

including health, education, agriculture and etc. (Jimenez, 2016). The National

Security Council, the office of Management and budget and the council of

Economic advisors comprise the Executive branch and carries out some duties

of the president (Freedman, 1996). Only a few are educated enough to name

independent government agencies and furtherly explain its role and the powers

they wield. Yet as far as we are concern, our lives and their work greatly affect

one another (Trueman, 2016).

In order to advocate a stronger national government unto preserve the

state’s rights, dividing power between the national and state government served

as a perfect compromise or solution (Dooley & Patten, 2013).

On K -12 Prog ram and S enior Hi g h S chool S tudents

Since there have been a lot of debates about the notion of Federalism,

the researchers are also targeting to recognize the Senior High School

students’ views about it. Being a new transition period between college and

high school, here are some of the facts about the newly-created curriculum of

Senior High School:

The Philippines in among the only three countries world-wide which

remained with a 10-year pre-university cycle, along with Angola and Djbouti,

making it the last in Asia, which is why this is one of the reasons why the

Department of Education is now implementing 13 years of basic education.

Another is that a 13-year program is also an acknowledged standard globally

for students and professionals, and that it is also claimed to be the best time for

learning under basic education (DepEd, 2012).

From Basic Education Curriculum to the implementation of the K- 12

Program. The Department of Education has taken a lot of measures to enhance

the Philippine’s educational system. According to Estacio, (2015), in school

year 2011-2012, the enhanced curriculum of K-12 Program, and that in 2013,

K to 12 was enacted into law known as RA 10533. On the other hand, the SHS

Curriculum was already made in 2014, in preparation for its implementation last

2015.

The following key stages of the 13 years of basic education of the K-12

program include Kindergarten to Grade 3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-10 (Junior

High School), and Grades 11-12 (Senior High School), (DePed, 2012).

In 2015, Senior High School was nationally implemented. SHS serves

as a specialized upper secondary education, in which learners decide on a

specialization, in accordance with their aptitude, interests, and also the school

capacity. Learners choosing their career tracks is a determining factor of the

content of the subjects that a learner will take. Tracks include Academic Track,

with Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Strand (STEM), Genaral

Academic Strand (GAS), Humanities and Social Sciences Strand (HUMSS),

and Accountancy Business Mathematics Strand (ABM), Technical-Vocational

Track (Tech-Voc), Arts and Music Track, and Sports Track. (DepEd, 2012).
Related Studies

Soder (2009), in her descriptive study Federalism: A Study of Evolution

and Consequences, claims that federalism leads to a higher participation level

of the citizens, because it is easier to interact and get across to smaller states

with the politicians, rather than the larger governments. Furthermore, the votes

of the people living in that certain state can be felt more important by the voters.

In addition to that, findings indicate that Federal states are more

democratic and have a higher participation rate than unitary states however,

the existing difference is difficult to precisely claim that it is due to Federalism.

Thus, federalism leads to a more conservative political society.

Furthermore, Duron (2005), in his descriptive study of Federalism: an

alternative system of government in the Philippines, alleges that most of his

respondents agreed that federalism is an important factor in increasing political

benefits and development, and that is also takes concern to the diversity of the

needs of the people, reduces risks of adverse power, greater innovation,

enhanced local autonomy and national security. Thus, it can be indicated that

most of them agree in implementing federalism in the Philippines.

Synthesis

Various studies and literature have claimed different views about

federalism. Experiencing an increased participation level of the citizens, being

small and homogenous, as well as being included in a stronger, more secure

and bigger allowance, avoiding the drawbacks of being either too small or too
huge, and becoming a more conservative political society are just some of the

advantages of having this type of government.

On the other hand, others allege that federalism has not been proven to

be a very successful strategy at the global level, that people don’t only value

peace, but also justice, welfare, and autonomy, so they do not really rely on the

world government to protect them. Furthermore, they also claim that another

disadvantage is that the regions could no longer be united with the other regions

because of its independency. Thus, it may lead to rivalry which could result in

a civil war if this could lose control.

Many adults have been claiming arguments and taking sides, but the

youth probably have also a lot to say. In addition to that, the respondents, being

the pioneering batch of Senior High School students in the Philippines, by year

2019, will then be able to vote during the plebiscite, and when approved, also

during the 2022 elections. Thus, it is also important to raise their awareness

and voice out their opinions regarding this notion.

 Chapter III

Methodology

This chapter discusses and justifies the research strategy (descriptive)

and data collection techniques (centered on survey questionnaires) to be

adopted in the empirical collection of data for this study. Details on the site and

sample are provided, together with a framework for analysis of the quantitative

data. In addition, the limitations of the adopted approach to this research are

discussed, in terms of validity and reliability.

Research Design

This study used a Quantitative Descriptive design. As a descriptive type

of research, it aimed to observe and report on the extent of knowledge of Senior

High School students regarding Federalism, and their perceptions towards the

proposed Federal type of government in the Philippines.

Context and Participants

This study was conducted within the vicinities of Xavier University –

Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro City. Xavier University was founded in

year 1933, and is a private institution widely known to be a religious school ran
by Jesuits of the Society of Jesus. The respondents were 12th grade Senior

High School students, of ages 15-18 yrs, coming from each strand (STEM,

ABM, HUMSS, and GAS) of the Academic Track (S.Y. 2017-2018). Ten

students participated per section, a total of 340 respondents.

Instruments

Personally-devised survey questionnaires were distributed to the

respondents, containing questions which test their general knowledge about

federalism on the first part, and their perceptions towards it on the second part.

Dichotomous questions such as true or false and yes or no, Scaling, and

Ticking or putting check marks, are used as type of questions, in order for the

extracted data to be easier to quantify.

For the type of sampling, the researchers used simple random sampling

to choose ten respondents per section. The proposed sample size is

determined by using the formula provided by the National Education

Association in the United States:

Formula:

S= X² NP (1-P) / d² (N-1) + X² P (1-P)

Where:

S= required sample size

X²= the table value of chi-square for 1 degree of freedom at the desired
confidence level (1.96)²

N= population size

P= the population proportion (assumed to be 0.50 since this would provide the
maximum sample size)

d= degree of accuracy expressed as proportion (0.05).

Solution:

s= (1.96)² (1331) (0.5) (1-0.5) / (0.05)² (1331-1) + (1.96)² (0.5) (1- 0.5)
s= 298.29 ~ 298 Respondents (10 per section to have an estimated total of

340 respondents, which is at least a little bigger than the computed sample

size).

Data- Gathering Procedure

After developing data-collection instruments and materials, and

screening the population through appropriate sampling techniques, the

researchers floated survey questionnaires along with the informed consent

forms. The researchers then manually transcribed and computed the data

collected and sorted out all the responses for analyzing.

Data- Analysis Procedure

In analyzing the data gathered, the researchers used Descriptive

Analysis such as graphs to illustrate the differences and variations of the

responses, such as pie charts (for dichotomous questions), and bar graphs (for

ticking and scaling questions).

SAMPLE SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

Good day! We are researchers from Grade 12- Arrupe (HUMSS), and we kindly ask for your
participation to answer this survey questionnaire regarding the “Knowledge and Perceptions of Students
Regarding President Rodrigo Duterte’s Quest for Federalism”. All answers on this questionnaire will not
be disclosed to the public, and will strictly be limited to you the respondents, and to us the researchers.
Kindly answer them as honest as possible.

We are hoping for your honest answers. Thank you!

Test I. Encircle the letter of your corresponding answers.

1. Are you familiar with “Federalism”? a. Yes b. No

2. A Federal form of government is the same as the unitary form of government.
a. True b. False c. I don’t know
3. In Federalism, the power is shared between the local and state governments.
a. True b. False c. I don’t know
4. In Federalism, neither the central government, nor the smaller units, have a complete control
over the other. a. True b. False c. I don’t know
5. Put a check in the countries that are currently practicing a Federal type of government.
___ Germany ___ Chile ___ China ___ I don’t
know

___ USA ___ Nigeria ___ North Korea

Test II. Scaling: On a scale of 1-5, personally rate how much you agree with the
statements, by putting check marks on the table below.

Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly

Statements
Agree (5) (4) (3) (2) Disagree (1)

6. A Federal type of government

has more advantages than
drawbacks.

7. A Federal type of government

has more disadvantages than
benefits.

8. The Philippines needs to have

a Federal type of government.

9. Do you think the Philippines is ready for Federalism?

a. Yes b. No c. I don’t know
10. Do you support President Duterte’s current quest for Federalism in the Philippines?
a. Yes b. No c. I’m not sure
 CHAPTER IV

Results and Discussion

This chapter elaborates the findings gathered in this research, which

comprises the analysis, presentation, and interpretation of data. Descriptive

analysis is used to discuss about the quantitative relationship of the variables.

Results

Test I: Knowledge

1. Are you familiar with “Federalism”?

HUMSS GA S

Yes No YES NO

10%

50% 50%

90%

AB M STEM

A. Yes B. No Yes No

34%
46%
54%
66%

The results show that most of the students from HUMSS, ABM, and

STEM claimed that they are familiar with “Federalism”. Half of the respondents
from GAS on the other hand, claimed that they are familiar with it, and another

half of them claimed that they are not.

2. A Federal form of g overnment is the s ame as the unitary form of

g overnment.

HUMSS GA S
TRUE FALSE I don't know TRUE FALSE I don't know

18%
27%
30%

50%

20%
55%

STEM
AB M

A. True B. False C. I don’t know Yes No Idon'tknow

13%
27%

20%
50%

67%
23%

Considering that the correct answer for the question is “false”, the most

number of respondents who have answered correctly are coming from HUMSS

strand. Respondents from GAS, ABM, and STEM have mostly answered “I

don’t know”. Remaining respondents who haven’t answered “I don’t know” from

GAS and STEM have mostly answered “true” which is incorrect, while

remaining respondents from ABM answered “false”, which is correct.

3. In Federalis m, the power is s hared between the local and s tate
g overnments.

HUMSS GA S
TRUE FALSE I don't know TRUE FALSE I don't know

18%

45%
57% 50%
25%

5%

AB M STEM

Yes No Idon'tknow
TRUE FALSE I don’t know

27%
35%
50%
52%

23%

13%

Considering that the correct answer for the question is “true”, the most

number of respondents who have answered correctly are coming from HUMSS

strand. Respondents from GAS, ABM, and STEM have mostly answered “I

don’t know”. Remaining respondents who haven’t answered “I don’t know” from

GAS, STEM and ABM have mostly also answered “true” which is correct.
4. In Federalism, neither the central government, nor the smaller units,
have a complete control over the other.

HUMSS
GA S
TRUE FALSE I don't know TRUE FALSE I don't know

30%
35%

47% 50%

23% 15%

STEM
AB M
Yes No Idon'tknow
TRUE FALSE I don’t know

25%
36%

49%

62% 13%

15%

Considering that the correct answer for the question is “true”, the most

number of respondents who have answered correctly are coming from HUMSS

strand. Respondents from GAS, ABM, and STEM have mostly answered “I

don’t know”. Remaining respondents who haven’t answered “I don’t know” from

GAS, STEM and ABM have mostly also answered “true” which is correct.
5. Put a check in the countri es that are curr ently practicing a Federal type
of g overnment

HUMSS GAS
0
4 1
1

6
1

4 4
3 3 3

5
3 3
1 1

ABM STEM
3
8
5
7

2
0 3
3 0
5

6 6
7 2 2
6 0
1 2 2

8
5

Since the correct answers are, USA, Nigeria, and Germany, most of the

population got USA and Germany correct, but only a few answered Nigeria.

Furthermore, there are much more respondents who have answered other

countries incorrectly, than claiming that they do not know.

 Test II: Perceptions

6. A Federal type of g overnment has more advantages than drawback s .

HUMSS GAS
4
7
1
2

8
1

0
1

3
5
1 1 1
0

STRONGLY AGREE NEUTRAL D I S A G R E E S T R O N G L YSTRONGLY AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE ST RONGLY

AGREE DISAGREE AGREE DISAGREE

ABM STEM
6
7 1
8

8
3
4
1 2
1 3
7 5 1
1
2

STRONGLY AG RE E (4 ) NE UT RA L DISAGREE STRONGLY

STRONGLY AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE STRONGLY
AGREE (5) (3) (2) DISAGREE
AGREE DISAGREE
(5)

Results show that most of the respondents from all strands, have a

“neutral” opinion about it. Aside from being neutral, the remaining students,

mostly agreed that a federal type of government has more advantages than

disadvantages.
 7. A Federal type of g overnment has more dis advantag es than benefits .

HUMSS GAS
8
3

5
1

2
1

6
3 2
1 1 1 1

STRONGLY AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE S TRONGLY STRONGLY AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE STRONGLY
AGREE DISAGREE AGREE DISAGREE

ABM STEM
6 3
7 1
1

1 0
5
1 2
8 1
4 7 3
1

STRONGLY AG RE E (4 ) NE UT RA L DISAGREE STRONGLY STRONGLY AGREE NEUTRAL D IS A G R E E ST R O N G L Y

AGREE (5) (3) (2) DISAGREE AGREE DISAGREE
(1)

The data shows that majority of the strands have a neutral opinion about

it. Aside from being neutral, the remaining students, mostly disagree that a

federal type of government has more disadvantages than benefits.

 8. The P hilippi nes needs to have a Federal type of g overnment.

HUMSS GAS

0 5
3 1

2 1
1 1
7
2 2 1
0 0

STRONGLY AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE STRONGLY STRONGLY AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE STRONGLY
AGREE DISAGREE AGREE DISAGREE

ABM STEM
3 3
7 7

9 8 9 8
6 4 6 4

STRONGLY AG RE E ( 4) NE UT RA L DISAGREE STRONGLY STRONGLY AG RE E (4 ) NE UTR AL DISAGREE STRONGLY

AGREE (5) (3) (2) DISAGREE AGREE (5) (3) (2) DISAGREE
(1) (1)

The graphs show that all strands are neutral about it. Aside from being

neutral, the remaining students, mostly strongly agreed that the Philippines is

in need to have a federal type of government.

9. Do y ou think the Philipp ines is ready for F ederalis m?

HUMSS GA S

YES NO Idon'tknow Yes No Idon'tknow

10%
23% 22%

55% 35%

55%

AB M STEM

a. True b. False c. I don't know Yes No Idon'tknow

15%
20%

47% 47%

38%
33%

Based on the pie charts above, the GAS, ABM, and STEM strands “I

don’t know” whether the Philippines is ready for Federalism. On the other hand,

the majority of the HUMSS strand believes that the Philippines is not ready for

Federalism. In addition, aside from answering “I don’t know”, the remaining

respondents from GAS, ABM, and STEM, mostly answered “no”.

10. Do you s upport Pres ident D uterte’s current quest for Federalism in
the Philipp ines?

HUMSS GA S

YES NO Idon'tknow Yes No Idon'tknow

20% 20%

14%
60% 20%
66%

AB M STEM

a. True b. False c. I'm not sure Yes No Idon'tknow

26%

37%

56% 53%

18%

10%

Most of the GAS, ABM, and STEM strands are not sure on supporting

President Duterte’s quest for Federalism, yet, almost all of the HUMSS strand

are keen on supporting President Duterte’s goal for Federalism in the

Philippines.
OVERALL RESULTS (ALL STRANDS)

Test I: Knowledge
1. Are you familiar with “Federalism”?

ALL STRANDS

Yes No Most of the respondents claimed

that they are familiar with

35%
Federalism.

65%

2. A federal form of government is the s ame as the unitary form of

g overnment.
ALL STRANDS

TRUE FALSE I don't know

Most of the respondents claimed

that they do not know the answer.

22%
However, most of the remaining

49% respondents who didn’t answer “I

don’t know”, got the answer

29%

incorrectly.
3. In Federalis m, the power is s hared between the local and s tate
g overnments.

ALL STRANDS

TRUE FALSE I don't know

Most of the respondents claimed

that they do not know the answer.

43% 41%

However, most of the remaining

respondents who didn’t answer “I

16%
don’t know”, got the answer

correctly.

4. In Federalism, neither the central government, nor the smaller units,

have a complete control over the other.

ALL STRANDS

TRUE FALSE I don't know Most of the respondents claimed

that they do not know the answer.

36% However, most of the remaining

48%
respondents who didn’t answer “I

16%
don’t know”, got the answer
incorrectly.
5. Put a check in the countri es that are curr ently practicing a Federal type
of g overnment

ALL STRANDS
8
5
1

1
3
1

2
6

0
4 5
3

3 1
1 1

GERMANY USA CHILE NIGERIA CHINA NORTH I DON'T

KOREA KNOW

Since the correct answers are, USA, Nigeria, and Germany, most of the

population got USA and Germany correct, but only a few answered Nigeria.

Furthermore, there are much more respondents who have answered other

countries incorrectly, than claiming that they do not know.

6. A Federal type of g overnment has more advantages than drawback s .

ALL STRANDS

8
9
1

0
7

2
4
4
2

STRONGLY AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE STRONGLY

AGREE DISAGREE

Most of the respondents stayed neutral about the statement. However,

the remaining respondents mostly agreed that a federal government has more

advantages.
7. A Federal type of g overnment has more dis advantag es than benefits .

ALL STRANDS

2
4
2

5 9
3 3
4
1
8

STRONGLY AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE STRONGLY

AGREE DISAGREE

Most of the respondents stayed neutral about the statement. However,

the remaining respondents mostly disagreed that a federal government has

more disadvantages.

8. The P hilippi nes needs to have a Federal type of g overnment.

ALL STRANDS

1
9
1

1
6 3 4
2 2
8

STRONGLY AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE STRONGLY

AGREE DISAGREE

Most of the respondents stayed neutral about the statement. However,

the remaining respondents mostly agreed that the Philippines needs to have a

federal form of government.

9. Do y ou think the Philipp ines is ready for F ederalis m?

ALL STRANDS

Yes No Idon'tKnow
Most of the respondents claimed

17%
that they are not sure. However,

the remaining respondents mostly

43%

answered that the Philippines is

40% not yet ready for federalism.

10. Do you support President Duterte’s current quest for Federalism in

the Philipp ines?

ALL STRANDS

Yes No Idon'tKnow
Most of the respondents claimed
that they are not sure. However,

37% the remaining respondents mostly

47%
answered that they will support the

president’s quest for federalism.

16%

Discussion

th
The present study aimed to determine the extent of knowledge of 12
grade XUSHS students about the basic concepts of federalism, and their

personal perceptions about it. In general, the findings reveal that although most

of the population of the respondents claimed to have been familiar with

federalism, many still chose to answer “I don’t know”, in the knowledge section.
Aside from those who answered “I don’t know”, there is a greater number of

respondents who answered correctly in the first part of the questionnaire, than

those who answered incorrectly.

On the other hand, in the second part of the test, which is the perceptions

section, most of the respondents have chosen to become neutral about their

opinions regarding the said notion. Aside from those who answered “neutral”,

there is a greater number of respondents who have more positive outlooks or

views about it.

Furthermore, in regards as to whether they agree to the statement that

the Philippines needs to have a federal type of government, most of the

respondents claimed that they also do not know. Aside from those who are

unsure, most of the remaining respondents claimed that the Philippines is still

not ready for it.

However, despite the feedbacks that the country is still not ready for it,

next to those who mostly answered “I’m not sure”, most remaining ones clai m

to agree on supporting the current president’s continuous quest for it.

 CHAPTER V

Summary of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations

This chapter presents the summary of the findings of the undertaken

research, the conclusion made, and the recommendations of the researchers.

S ummary of Fi nding s

Most of the population of respondents claim to have been familiar

federalism but seem to lack sufficient knowledge about the basic concepts

about it. Although HUMSS strand population seems to be the most

knowledgeable about the topic, compared to other strands, there is still a

greater number of respondents that have misconceptions about it.

Regarding their perspectives about the notion, most of the respondents

chose to be neutral about it. However, the remaining ones seem to have a more

positive view about it and are willing to support the president’s quest for it,

although most of them also claim that the Philippines is still not ready for its

implementation.

Conclusion

The researchers conclude that the current population of the 12th grade

XUSHS students do not have a sufficient knowledge about the basic concepts

of federalism, except for the HUMSS strand. Most of them also have neutral

perspectives about the said issue, because of their lack of awareness about it.
However, those who have a sufficient knowledge about the topic, have viewed

the notion positively, supporting the president’s legalization of it in the country.

Recommendations

With regards to the findings of the study, the researchers recommend

that students must be made aware about the notion of federalism, for the

administration is aiming to adopt the new political system in the country before

the president steps down by year 2022. Seminars and other awareness

campaigns should be conducted for the students and also for the general public

to lessen the insufficient knowledge and misconceptions about it, and for them

to be able to make clear-cut opinions and perceptions.

Researchers also recommend to other researchers, who wish to pursue

the same kind of research, that aside from using descriptive analysis, if their

study is correlational or experimental etc. and not descriptive., they can use any

other additional statistical tools for strengthening their paper’s reliability and

validity.
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