Many efforts and actions have been taken to achieve SDG #10: reducing inequality. Despite these efforts, inequality remains a significant social issue in developing countries like the Philippines, causing limited access to education due to social and economic barriers. The lack of access to education—one of the leading causes of disparities in the world—remains a prominent issue worldwide. When there is quality education and educational inclusivity, it abolishes inequality. Unequal access to education challenges achieving SDG #10, creating barriers towards achieving worldwide inclusivity as education is a crucial driver for social and economic development. The lack of access to education in the Philippines is one of the effects of poverty, and the lack of resources is also a common struggle in educational institutions nationwide (Bai, 2023, Bhandari, 2024). When individuals in positions of excellent power lack education, it becomes a significant issue, often leading to widespread corruption, a significant and prominent issue in the Philippines, harming large populations through financial instability, increasing inequality, rising crime rates, and more. This emphasizes the critical need for quality education to cultivate competent and ethical leadership (Transparency International, n.d.).

When it comes to addressing these issues in the Philippines and calling for resolution concerning social inequalities—broadcast journalist Kara David’s multifaceted approach, encompassing impactful documentaries, community-driven initiatives like Project Malasakit, and a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, demonstrates a significant contribution to achieving SDG 10 by directly addressing educational disparities and fostering social empowerment in the Philippines through her advocacies and works promoting social inclusivity and equality in the Philippines. Kara David’s journey to advocacy as a broadcast journalist was shaped by her genuine commitment and passion to using media as a tool for unity and social change. Broadcast journalists like Kara David joined the field of media with motives like fame, exposure, scoops, fortune, and even power. However, Kara, a professional in the field, has always used the media to promote unity and strengthen the capacity to empathize with the weak, oppressed, and hopeless (About Kara, 2020f). 

Kara David initially wanted to be a history teacher, but it did not feel right to her. She eventually shifted to Mass Communication and UP Diliman due to her love for media. Kara struggled to secure a job role as a writer for the GMA network but was eventually able to begin as an assistant and researcher in GMA7’s Bantay Bonto (1995 elections). She then assisted with writing and researching in the “Emergency” and “Saksi” programs. Jessica Soho recognized her talent and was able to help her rise among the ranks, becoming the youngest reporter for “Brigada Siete,” a show shaping Kara’s career. In her debut episode for this show, Kara tackled educational issues in the Philippines, such as removing Filipino language and literature subjects from college curriculums. She also tackled the shortage issues of teachers in the country. Kara was later promoted as a news producer in 24Oras and Saksi, later joining the “I-Witness” team—the first full-length documentary program in the Philippines—in the next year. She also hosted OFW Diaries, a public service for Filipinos abroad. Her skills as a host, researcher, and writer were honed in “I-Witness,” pursuing her research and writing her scripts. Her documentaries gained widespread attention for their emotional depth and exceptional storytelling, and her ability to face and address these social issues in the Philippines shows that she secured a high position in journalism, became a respected writer, and founded Project Malasakit—a scholarship program for underprivileged students. Because of her motives to achieve social change, Kara continues participating in multiple TV programs and documentaries and creating more advocacies to address the social issues in the Philippines. (About Kara, 2020f, Kara David, Bagong Host Ng Brigada, 2019, Quieta, n.d.-c).

Kara’s documentaries, particularly those focusing on children, have not only garnered international recognition (earning rewards such as the Unicef Child Rights Award and the International Emmy Award nomination) but have also created significant social impact by highlighting income inequality and the lack of access to quality education—two significant challenges that threaten the achievement of SDG 10. For example, in “Gamugamo sa Dilim,” her in-depth interviews and narrative style show how financial struggles and systemic neglect hinder educational opportunities, allowing social disparities to slow down the development of communities. By broadcasting these stories to the public, her work promotes community action and donor support, raising awareness regarding policies and resources, which are crucial steps toward reducing inequality. This style of narration shows the cause and effect relationship between storytelling and social change and emphasizes the significant contribution of her work to SDG 10 targets (About Kara, 2020f).

Kara David stands out in the landscape of media driven by sensationalism because of her extraordinary skills in journalism and documentaries. Her interviewing techniques in her documentary "Gamugamo sa Dilim" highlight underprivileged populations' financial struggles, which contribute to the lack of access to education. This empathetic approach does more than inform the people—it enhances the representation of often unheard voices. Kara’s work strengthens community identity by avoiding exploitative tactics and having genuine concern and care for her people. It contributes to SDG 10.3 by ensuring these communities are heard and have equal opportunities. While her ability to draw international attention is commendable, her realistic, genuine, and respectful representation of these marginalized communities brings us closer to social inclusion (GMA Public  Affairs, 2024, Goal 10 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs, n.d.-b).

Additionally, Kara David founded Project Malasakit in 2002, a scholarship program built on the belief that Filipinos are naturally empathetic to help others in need, especially in education. The project offers a tangible platform for expressing generosity. This program started with a documentary called “Gamugamo sa Dilim,” where she met Myra Demilio, the first scholar of this project. Myra was a child laborer who lived in a distant community. Kara conducted documentaries on communities that do not have access to electricity—while these people were surrounded by darkness, they remained optimistic. They see education as something that will abolish that darkness. Thanks to support from donors, Project Malasakit helped Myra pursue her education. After several years, Myra now has access to devices and gadgets and supports her siblings’ studies (GMA news, 2021). Project Malasakit courses the donations through the school instead of the scholars’ families, stating that children must meet certain expectations for their support from the program to continue. Currently, there are 25 scholars across the country, allowing each to pursue their education and the Philippines to get closer to achieving SDG 10.6 - ensuring equal opportunity, which Project Malasakit accomplishes (About Malasakit, 2020, Goal 10 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs, n.d.-b).

By providing financial support and ensuring obedience through the program’s school-mediated donations, the project can reduce income inequality by abolishing factors of poverty that limit access to education. Myra Demilio, who was once a child laborer, became a role model to her community—showing the significant impacts of Project Malasakit on social inclusion and equal opportunities. Through Project Malasakit, the program can offer educational support while also building the foundation for long-term socioeconomic advancement, illustrating how targeted education interventions can catalyze broader systemic change (About Malasakit, 2020).

Through Kara’s capabilities to support people in need, raise awareness abroad, and transform Philippine media, Kara David has profoundly influenced the Philippines. SDG 10’s objectives of lowering inequality within and between nations and increasing the representation of developing nations abroad closely align with her work. A key element in reaching SDG 10 globally is eradicating inequality inside a country and reducing income disparities, which benefits the economy and society and leads to a better world (Katila et al., 2020; Küfeoğlu, 2022).

While Initiatives like Kara’s works create significant impacts on achieving equality, social disparities remain a significant threat to developing countries like the Philippines and many alike—limiting access to opportunities and resources—emphasizing that inequality is not just an effect of poverty but also a significant issue that affects education, the economy, and society. Inequality persists within and among countries, hindering the development of nations, and these inequalities manifest in education, limiting the Filipinos’ access to quality education (Bai, 2023,  Bhandari, 2024). Inequality remains a significant obstacle to a country’s development and requires major actions taken to be effectively addressed.

Furthermore, a study by Cullet (2022) examines the institutions created in the law to formulate and implement SDG 10 worldwide. All these institutions focusing on environmental, human rights, and economic policies are relevant actors contributing to SDG 10, similar to community efforts such as advocacy, which promote human rights and educational inclusivity. For example, in the Philippines, Project Malasakit and Kara’s full-length documentary features on the documentary “Gamugamo sa Dilim” explicitly promotes human rights through its assistance to financially challenged students who have difficulty going to school due to financial constraints.

In conclusion, Kara David’s ability to raise the voices of marginalized communities and raise awareness through her genuine and authentic documentaries, is a powerful instrument that the Philippines need as the issues of social disparities still persist in the nation. Kara David takes the steps needed to be done in order to achieve SDG 10, promoting educational equality and social inclusivity. The productions of Kara David show how crucial the media is as a tool for bridging inequalities, giving the less fortunate more opportunities for a better future.

To carry out the mission of Kara David, potential recommendations for laws and policies that can be done to enhance the education system of the Philippines include studying the educational laws of other countries. The top three countries ranked in PISA in Southeast Asia are an excellent option when determining which countries to select. Countries like Singapore, Vietnam, and Brunei have great educational laws, as seen in the PISA rankings. For example, Singapore and Brunei’s scholarship laws provide financial aid and the scholarship laws of Vietnam show the state's commitment to student engagement. This can go beyond just education—solving problems like social disparities, financial issues, and more. (Attorney General’s Chambers of Brunei, n.d., Education Endowment and Savings Schemes (Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards) Regulations - Singapore Statutes Online, 2024b, PISA Science Scores in South East Asia | TheGlobalEconomy.com, n.d., World Trade Organization, n.d.).

By shedding light on issues surrounding social inequality and inspiring many to take action, Kara David shows that real and impactful change begins with awareness, dedication, commitment, and a genuine passion for achieving equality—reinforcing her mission that caring truly is contagious.