Zamboanga City, officially known as the City of Zamboanga or "Jambangan" in the native Subanon language, is a highly urbanized city in the Zamboanga Peninsula region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 977,234 people. Among all areas in the Zamboanga Peninsula, the region ranked 3rd in the country with the highest poverty incidence, recorded at 30.1% in 2021. One of the main reasons for this is the lack of education among its residents. This lack of education often leads to early marriage and teenage pregnancy, which in turn contributes to poverty.

According to a petition on Change.org by Marvin Alinio, in the Philippines, 7 out of every 10 children complete elementary school. However, only 4 of those 7 will graduate from high school, and only one will proceed to university. As a Filipino citizen, it saddens me to know that many students, especially in Zamboanga City, do not have the opportunity to study—even if they have the skills and determination—because of poverty. Instead of using their money for education, they prioritize their daily needs, such as food.

Lack of education not only leads to poverty but also contributes to teenage pregnancies. According to the article "Zamboanga Peninsula Records Drop in Teenage Pregnancy" by Salvador Santiago (PNA), in 2013, the youngest mother in Zamboanga City was a 10-year-old girl. It is alarming that most teenage pregnancies occur among girls under the age of 15. This is one of the major reason why many young girls drop out of school — because instead of focusing on their studies, they have to take care of their children. Due to the early pregnancies, these young mothers struggle to find decent jobs, making it difficult to support themselves and their children. Since they lack education, they are often stuck with low-paying jobs, earning just enough for food, rent, bills and debts. 

This is why education is crucial for every individual. Lack of education can lead to unemployment, poverty, difficulty in raising children, and even a shorter lifespan. Education provides people with knowledge, about life and society, helping them build a better future.