Knowledge of Students on the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement

This study determined the knowledge of International Studies and Political Science students on the Philippines-US Visiting Forces Agreement. The level of knowledge is measured through givens facts about VFA wherein the students evaluated their awareness as highly aware, moderately aware, poorly aware, or unaware regarding the said matter. Sources that affected their knowledge were also ascertained to further support the study. The study was conducted at Liceo de Cagayan University, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Specifically, the research purposively selected the International Studies and Political Science students to be the respondents since they are most likely the students to have the utmost knowledge about the Visiting Forces agreement. One hundred eleven (111) student-respondents were selected from all year levels. Purposive sampling was the sampling technique used with the bases of courses. Descriptive method was also used as the research design in this study that involves survey in gathering data. Moreover, a questionnaire was the prime tool used in gathering and collecting the needed data. There is significant difference in the level of awareness of the respondents on RP-US VFA 1 & 2 when grouped according to age and year level while there is no significant difference on the level of awareness when they are grouped according to course, gender, high school graduated, place of origin, and religion. There is no significant difference on the sources of awareness of the respondents on RP-US VFA 1 & 2. Students’ level of awareness and sources of awareness probably vary because of influences of the media, the school, and the peers.

Keywords: Level of knowledge, students, International Studies. Political Science, source of knowledge, mass media, peer influences, school factors, Philippine-US Visiting Forces Agreement.