CHARACTER BUILDING
"Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho: Mga batang babae sa
Palawan, maagang ipinapakasal"
Aragon, Ferdinand M.
BSAIT 2-2
Ms. Elena Ocaña
REFLECTION: Early Marriages Among Young Girls in Palawan
In Rizal, Palawan, a distressing reality unfolds as young girls are married off at an early age.
Belonging to the Palawan tribe in Barangay Ransang, these girls face numerous challenges,
including underweight children, limited education, and legal complexities. This essay aims to
shed light on their circumstances, express empathy, and promote a deeper understanding
of their cultural context.
The young women in Rizal, Palawan bear the weight of early marriages, already having
children between the ages of 13 to 18. Tragically, the fathers of these children are often
twice the age of these young mothers. These girls belong to the Palawan tribe, residing in
the close-knit community of Barangay Ransang. Compounding their struggles, the children
in this community suffer from being underweight and lacking proper education.
It is disheartening to learn that parents in this community resort to forcing their children into
early marriages. One interviewee even shared that they would rather marry to alleviate their
parents' burden. While we may consider this morally wrong, it is important to recognize that
their decisions are influenced by the standard of living they endure. Poverty can cloud
judgment and lead individuals to make difficult choices in order to survive.
Moreover, it is surprising to discover that within the Palawan tribe, polygamous marriages
are legal, known as "Duway." This tradition allows individuals to have multiple spouses,
which further complicates the dynamics within families. For example, it is distressing to hear
about cases like Leonora, who shares a partner with her own sister. These cultural practices
reflect the intricate norms and traditions within the community and highlight the importance
of understanding diverse cultural contexts.
Adding to the hardships faced by these young girls, Barangay Ransang suffers from the
highest number of Malaria cases in the entire Philippines, as reported by the Provincial
Health Office of Palawan. Limited access to healthcare facilities and treatment compounds
their challenges, leaving them vulnerable and with little recourse for proper medical care.
It is deeply saddening to contemplate that children in this community may view early
marriage as a means of survival, seeking stability and support in their daily lives. With
limited access to hospitals and healthcare, their choices become even more difficult, as their
options for receiving adequate treatment are limited.
the circumstances faced by young girls in Palawan, who are married off early, require our
sincere empathy and understanding. It is essential to recognize the influence of different
cultures and socio-economic factors on their decisions. Rather than blame, let us strive to
foster compassion, advocate for their rights, and work towards addressing the underlying
issues of poverty, education, and healthcare.
"Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" raises awareness about the social issues and struggles faced
by different communities. Whether it is poverty, education, health, or environmental
concerns, the show brings attention to these issues and inspires viewers to take action and
contribute to positive change.