What Do You Think Is The Problem?

A Personal Observation

The patchy economic record of the Philippines shows that there are inconsistencies in our economic reforms. Economic development continues to be elusive in spite of our abundant natural and human resources; dismal poverty unmoved for years, weak institutions and oligarchic private sector has contributed immensely to the problem.

Makati City Business Hub, Philippines

Like a steering wheel, the Philippines has adopted an openness model, entered a series of multi-lateral free trade treaties, agreements, and inter-Asian conventions. These efforts provided domestic firms access to markets overseas and leverage to policymakers that allowed them to pursue economic reforms more aggressively. However, investment rate in the country remained to be one of the lowest in the region in recent years because of the poor physical infrastructure that discouraged foreign and domestic investors. The fiscal position of the country remained to be one of the other factors. This is ultimately brought by weak revenue collection.

Lack of economic transformation has brought further dilemma as the country exert its efforts for progress. This deficiency elevated and gave rise to production and economic imbalance. Evidently, the lack of economic transformation is one reason as to why there is increasing number of Filipinos wanting to hook a job overseas.

I agree that a vigilant society adds to better governance. Pressure groups are vital on expressing the majority’s stand on public issues and concerns. They act and serve as an instrument to hear the voice of the masses. Conversely, policymakers should be aware that there are possible drawbacks brought by these pressure groups. There are possibilities that policies may become paralyzed because of populist clamor.

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I have gathered a set of aspirations and challenges for the Philippines in doing this reflection. These aspirations and challenges are composed of five and three areas respectively. It gives emphasis on an opportunistic approach to development with respect to the visible strengths of the Philippines; the Business Process Outsourcing, Human Capital, Agriculture, Tourism, and Rich Natural Resources. Also included are the challenges to the Philippine Government, Private Sectors, and ultimately, to the Filipino People.

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The idea of a Balanced, Rapid, Inclusive, Sustainable, and Capital-led Economic Growth, more that its adjectival characteristic, are appealing. These concrete steps can be a turning point for economic, political, and social renovation provided that each private and public institution, empowered with people’s participation would steer the application of the proposed model.

I would like to quote the assertion of the late anti-apartheid hero, Nelson Mandela; “The greatest glory in living lies not on never failing but in rising every time we fall.” Dr. Jose Rizal described our country; “The beloved region of the sun”, “The pearl of the orient seas”, and “Our lost Eden.” The Philippines has experienced many ups and downs in the past years and has tried to be cured by different administration during the past decades but still stuck at the near bottom of the East Asian neighbors.

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We probably ask ourselves at one point in time, what’s the problem with our country? In spite of our rich and abundant natural resources as well as human resources, we still fail to reach the top? During the past months, we were being staggered by natural calamities and brought us to total dismay by the exhumed scandals of dirty politics that tested our faith and vigilance.

I guess that’s how it is. These challenges should come to pass to genuinely transform the Philippines into a matured nation. I believe that the universe is pushing us to explore new solutions, to innovate and to act as a true citizen with one aim, and that is to prosper and renew the spirits of each Filipino to stand and to sacrifice in the name of patriotism and brotherhood. I believe these characters will guide us from the inherent enigma of the past and direct us to the dream just like what Jose Rizal emphasized; “If a man wants to be free, he should live with Personal Discipline, Moral Dignity, Refusal to submit to tyranny, and willingness to die in defense of these traits.”

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True enough; a country is composed of free men living for the common good and betterment of life. These free men and women will strive to realize a free and prosperous nation, a nation we call the Philippines.

I still believe in miracles, I still believe that in the near future, the only pearl in the orient seas will again shed light to the world and become a model of modern development and good governance.