"WALANG PERA DIYAN" – the dismissive remarks I get as a student taking a degree in arts. The stigma attached to arts degrees has persisted. Such attitudes contribute to a prevailing belief that degrees in media, arts, humanities, and related fields—are "useless" compared to those in business, economics, or science and technology.

     As well as manifesting notions like "MassComm: Mas Komportable sa Bahay" (Communication Arts? More comfortable at home) or “Anong trabaho mo diyan? Hindi praktikal diyan.” The arts frequently take a backseat in discussions about education and career options, leading to stereotypes that label these degrees as impractical or inferior.

     Most Filipinos have this preconceived notion that in-demand jobs—which they could consider "practical"—are in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). But this perception is troubling as it utterly ignores the new value of creative industries to the economy. Arts degrees are viewed as hobbies or passions, something that one might pursue when needing a little touch of creativity. 

     Not to mention, education is privatized, which gives schools and universities the privilege of raising tuition, making expenses unbearable for students. This is where scholarships are badly needed. But why do government and non-government institutions focus too much on offering STEM-centric scholarships? Is it because those fields are money-generating? This imbalance in the allocation of scholarships further perpetuates this unfair system, for only the chosen few areas of study will be considered worth investment. Students pursuing other disciplines, therefore, end up far behind; it may even limit their educational and professional opportunities solely based on the prevailing economic trends as opposed to the talents and aspirations of an individual.

     Interestingly, it is rare to hear stories from people of my program forced to pursue an arts degree; instead, it is a conscious choice made out of passion. In reality, liberal arts degrees are not something mere pleasure pursuers pursue; instead, they are highly demanding in terms of both technical skills and great creativity supported by excellent critical thinking. The lack of funds and educational facilities only increases this problem. That is why, in the Philippines, artists are inadequately compensated – we are not provided with proper recognition and support from the creative industry. It is usually undervalued, emphasizing that creating art is easy and, therefore, be done for paltry wages.

     We cannot deprive our society of what makes it rich in culture and history: art courses.

     We are the people who get entangled in the intricate complexities of social interaction and critically analyze ideas that are supposed to enrich our social existence. Can we claim, therefore, to be advancing as a nation if we remain blind to the deeper structures and forces that condition our shared reality?

     Arts degrees should be treated as educational rights rather than privileges, just like any other degree. We teach people how to be creative, think critically, and understand other cultures—all necessary for a progressive society. Without this voice and view brought into existence through the arts and humanities, we become at stake, holding merely on to the status quo; we will lack much-needed debate on most issues.

     It is about time to break stereotypes regarding arts degrees. Our place should also be recognized in the education landscape. My arts degree has not only been the best decision I could have ever made for myself but has also kept my passion alive and my sanity intact throughout my college years. 

     Artists are a group of people who are in need as they have always managed to think out of the box and set the status quo in which change is needed; therefore, this human being can tell the world how much she believes in art. Arts education, then, needs to be of significance, for indeed, it is just as necessary a component of our society just as other degrees would be; it's not a begging right that only the few who have the good fortune to pursue it should enjoy, but all those who stand to benefit from its existence.