The Philippines will be great again

Numerous signs point to an optimistic future for the Philippines. One, the economy is beginning to recover inspite of the prevailing global financial crisis. Businesses are slowly rising to their feet, and recovering their previous losses. Traditional corporate organisations which failed to adapt to fast-rising environmental changes are losing the game; while new and emerging business models are rising to the surface.

This is a time of great innovation---the best innovator wins the entire lot. Those who stick to their former business models are sure losers.

Two, kudos to government for laying the infrastructure needed to move our economy forward. I see some improvements in the countrysides. Of course, these infra projects are still inadequate to meet the rising needs, especially of tourism. Our famed tourism spots are largely under or non-developed. Some say, these adds to the excitement. For backpackers probably, but if you look at the profile of the average foreign tourist going to the Philippines, these are mostly middle- to sixtish people who needs a comfortable way of going to our pristine beaches. They don't need to suffer from using unpaved roads going to, say, Coron or other spots.

What is so promising is the entry of brands into the rural landscape. Malls have sprouted in all major cities and towns throughout the archipelago, and we all know what it means. It leads to sociological changes in the lives of rural folk since exposure to brands means a change in the lifestyle of the consumer.

Globalism has spread itself far and wide and is changing the landscape of our country. With the entry of sophisticated equipment, it is hoped that industries will also modernize itself. Agriculture needs a lot of modernization, and with the slowly improving economy, people will be able to afford buying agri stuff.

Economists say if the country maintains a 6.5% growth in GDP every single year, we will be able to surpass even Singapore and other countries in the region in terms of modernization.

Of course, there will be some problems along the way, like political and peace and order problems. This is where the business community sees government's indispensable role.

Government must ensure that the environment is highly conducive for business, otherwise, these gains will fall by the wayside.

Peace and order is one thorny issue that security agencies of government must try to resolve. I believe the PNP must employ modern technologies in not just crime solution but moreso, on prevention.

We Filipinos must help each other in preserving these small gains, small as they are, but these are obvious signs that our situation is not as helpless as previously assumed.