Friday, January 4, 2008
Philippines - quo vadis?
I asked this question already in one of my earlier write ups for a Mindanao daily. If I read, what I wrote before, I must confess, the topic is still up-to-date.
During these days politics seem to become the one and only topic. No wonder. At the beginning of a new year we love to present outlooks. Sad to listen to so many opinions saying that the Philippine nation is in the deepest mess within living memory. Or, maybe since 1986? Anyway, for me it’s useless to talk about the past. Outlook. Philippines
As a columnist, the challenge or even provocation to “maybe know everything better” is with media people day and night. I’m a foreigner, an expat
I agree with my friend Davao Councilor Peter Lavina, who wrote already in July 2005, “that after the crisis, the Philippines will be the butterfly capital of Asia”. Some of us might describe it as blue-eyed or looking through pink tinted glasses. Even being very emotional now, I would like to describe it as hope.
There might be no politicians in the Philippines who truly care about the nation or that everyone has his own selfish agenda. But neither does the Philippines need a benevolent dictatorship (such in ???) to lead the country out of the present chaos, nor a firing squad like they do in ??? to rid the country of scoundrels and corrupt elements. Neither is it very helpful to talk about a necessary war or revolution,a s I learned from many Filipinos in my surroundings. What we all need is honesty and unity! Yes, I know, I am still naive, but I just repeat, what many Filipinos voice out during these days.
“The sheep is going on different directions because their shepherd doesn’t want to give them clear directions”, stressed already Carlos Isagani Zarete, a convenor of the Coalition of Dabawenyos for the Truth in July 2005. Is there still anyone around us, who deserved to be followed in politics, clergy and society? Yes, just open your eyes.
Let’s all hope and pray, that this country Philippines get a positive future. The human potential, the Filipino is there. … And a lot of expats are ready to work together with them!
Related Posts:
Philippines - quo vadis? (II)
# 1 RichardInSC said:
Hi Klaus,
Having a positive outlook is very-much a ’self-fulfilling’ prophesy. We live in a tough world (but I ask you, when have we not). Sometimes, it just takes a few people who really do think that with a lot of hard work, a lot of good will and clear common-sense thinking, any bad situation can be turned around. All three of those ingredients are necessary though. Here’s hoping that all three show up in the Philippines in 2008.
Regards,
Richard
# 2 Karen said:
Hi Klaus,
It is so easy to become hopeless with the awareness of the corruption, poverty, pollution and the plight of the OFW. I visit the life of Jose Rizal alot. His life, his words and his legacy can evoke hope and hopelessness . i don’t know what the answers are but your thought - provoking articles always beam with wisdom. “From your lips to God’s ear”.
Karen
# 3 Klaus said:
Hi RichardInSC, thank you for always visiting my blog. “Your words in God’s ear”, as a German saying goes: we really hope that all three are showing up in the Philippines.
Hi Karen, I am glad to see your comment again. I also don’t give you more answers. Thank you for your praises. I think your English version “From your lips to God’s ear” is the best translation of our German saying.
# 4 Cidy said:
Hi Klaus,
I think aside from being honest and unity, I would like to add that people in the Philippines should have discipline too.
Cidy
# 5 Harvey said:
Hello Klaus,
An interesting article for sure. As you, I for one hope that the Philippines finds the right path for her and her people. I believe in the adage that “you must break it to fix it”. Considering the division of wealth and power in the controlling class, I am not for sure that the Phils is truely broken at this point; I don’t wish for, but maybe a recession or major crisis will bring the country to its knees. Anyway, believe that a “higher power” must intervene at this point.
regards
# 6 Klaus said:
Hi Cidy, thanks again for leaving a comment. You are a Filipina, and what you are telling is worth to think about it.
Hi Harvey, also to thanks for stopping by. Of course nobody wishes a recession or major crisis. You are not alone with this comment, I even heard this from other Filipinos or expats living here and talking about their home country. Yeah, I do believe, that a “higher power” must intervene at this point. Stay save Harvey.
# 7 Frank Fealey said:
Hi Klaus. If one reads the news correctly. Itlooks like the whole world is in for ahard time this year.As reccesion bites it is the third world countries that suffer first and come out of the reccesion last.In Phils case it could mean OFWs not having their contracts renewed and being sent home to an economy and infastructure that cannot absorb them.Klaus just imagne if the China government said to Hong Kong no more Filopnia domestic helpers you must now employ China girls . Bang you will have 200000 ladies on the way back home.Highly unprobable yes . But can you forsee how some thing like this would effect the economy.Philippines has avery good private education system and churns out highly educated and skilled labour fore . But the economy cannot absorb them so they find employment elsewhere mainly as OFWs. When the going getts tough you tigten the belt reduce your expenditure. Countries react the same and the first to go are the contract workers as this also saves foreign exchange.For a country like PHIL it is adouble whammy a drop in foreign earnings an up turn in unemployment. Just to day the Uk has annouced increases in the cost of electricity by 13% and an increase in gas of 21%.The dark clouds are on the way.Untill PHIL can create on economy that can absorb its educated and skilled labour force then this will alwys be a problem.
# 8 Klaus said:
Hi Frank, you are so very right. It seems to be the whole world. Thank you for sending such a thoughtful comment, which completes my article very well. Lets hope and pray for a change.
# 9 John Huston said:
Hi Klaus! I think the world of the filipino people. But there is a real problem with the hopeless feeling a multitude of the poor have. I think the wealthy need to allow more competition to get in the game here. The Philippines needs a Oklahoma sooner day! That would make the news.
# 10 Klaus said:
Hi John Huston, a new name in my blog. Where are you located? Thanks for stopping by. I have to confess that you are also very right, especially if you voice out that the wealthy need to allow more competition to get into the game. Even being optimistic I think it will not become true. Anyway, thanks for your comment. I hope you enjoy reading liveinthephilippines.
# 11 John Huston said:
Im texting you from wyoming Klaus. I am married to a filipina who lives near calbayog, samar. I work in a coal fired power plant. I will be going to samar in another week.I do enjoy your site. You guys are lucky to be there! Take care Klaus!
# 12 Klaus said:
Hi John Huston, thanks for your reply. Enjoy your stay on samar. Yeah, you’re right, we are indeed lucky to be here int he Philippines. Stay safe too John!