Wake Up!

Few decades ago, Philippines was considered as one of the promising countries in Asia - acclaimed by World Bank as a future power house. Well, we cannot deny it because, as we can see, we have a lot of resources to utilize for our progress. 

With over 7000 islands, we are endowed with a fertile land and a subtropical climate that provides an environment for different species of plants and animals. We are also anointed with lots of mineral, agricultural and marine resources and an extensive coastline filled with marine life.It was said that we can attract foreign investments because of our stocks of gold, silver, copper, cobalt and useful minerals for industry and according to Philippine History website, the country brags for it's many forms of natural waters which adduce a huge harvest of fishes for local consumption and exportation abroad. 

Inspite of these facts, what happened to the Philippines now? Does it progressed? Well, the answer with that is obviously no! In fact, it became worst. According to Rommel Banlaoi a political science professor at the National Defense College, "Philippines is the sick man of Asia".

What made him said that? Well, look around you, do see the answer? If not, let me tell you. 

Let's start with the most obvious one, the population growth. Philippines has ranked 12th as the most populous country in the world; 84 million by the end of 2004, and counting. At an annual growth rate of 2.36%, the population will have doubled by 2033 and may reach 200 million by 2042. It's a young population (50% is under 21 years old) and it's facing lots of afflictive shortages. Shortages on food, shelter, doctors, teachers, nurses, midwives and other vital needs of every citizens.Today, we are also threatened with the constant rise on the prices of oil. Let's add to that the arrivals of typhoons after typhoons plus the increasing rate of unemployment of the Filipino citizens and of course, the nation's huge domestic and foreign debts. With all the presence of these elements, poverty in the country is really expected to worsen. 

What happened to the Philippines? A promising country who turned out to the sick man of Asia. Who are responsible for these catastrophe? Who are to be blamed? Is it our leaders, or we are also part of it? 

Some says that Filipinos are indolent, thieves, corrupt, undesciplined, crab-minded and divided, is it true? If it is, can these traits be considered as the main reason why we are suffering poverty?

The answer is yours. The change is also in you. Wake up and make a move. 




sources: www.atimes.com and www.emanila.com.


PS: Please bear with my constructions of words and paragraphs, I'm not a good writer. :) Thank you!