Notes from a Canadian (Part 4)

This is not the Philippines I remember. It is better. So many positive changes have taken place here since my last visit, from infrastructure to culture, that it's left me with an optimistic (yet cautious) outlook for its future. 

On infrastructure.

After our airport pickup, the street level optics looking out from the window of our air-conditioned Hyundai was expected. Rampant poverty everywhere. Despite all the administration changes and promises to make things better for these people, it hasn't, but hey look, there's a new highway built above their property (debatable) so that's good. Faster travel for rich people. 

Infrastructure is up to western standards, there's no shortage of water, electricity, roads, fast transit or hospitals, but you need money to get the good stuff. Everything else is left for the poor. There's the rub. You need to be rich to live at expat levels (comparable to western standards of living) otherwise you get the leftovers, decaying infrastructure from the 70's era Marcos regime.

On culture.

The Americanization of the Filipino continues. Western type living is possible here but highly Americanized. The Filipinos walk around pompously wearing American brands like Nike and Gap, whilst talking about the latest Netflix sleeper hit in Americanized English (with a Filipino accent). This is good or bad depending on your viewpoint. For myself, as a history nerd and an advocate of indigenous culture, I find it appalling. They're losing their unique Asian identity by being perpetually bought and paid for by American consumerism. Starbucks barista over Bathala.

On being better.

It is better here. That's something I'd say as a foreign born and grown Filipino. All the conveniences and amenities I'd expect from a western nation, I can get here. But at what cost? Western level prices supported by Asian level salaries. 700 PHP for a Shake Shack burger with milkshake. 700 PHP for a 12 hour shift as a construction worker. Is it worth it? One day’s pay for polished, plated, smashed burger at the heart of Bonifacio Global City? I don't know.

I do know my dream of an economically strong and stable Philippines is just around the corner. However, political corruption, puppeteered by American capitalism, continues to drive a larger wedge between the rich and the poor and unfortunately, it's normalized with no revolution in sight. It is better here but for the rich, not for everyone else. 

On greatness.

The Philippines is one step away from achieving superpower level greatness. Uplift the poor. Create an inclusive society that taps into the Philippines greatest resource - it's hardworking people.

As Daron Amecoglu (from his book “Why Nations Fail”) best puts it “...inclusive economic institutions ... foster economic growth by creating a level playing field where individuals can exchange, innovate, and get ahead based on merit. They encourage investment by providing security of property rights and contracts, a reliable legal system, and access to education and technology.” Nations prosper with inclusive institutions at the forefront.

If we can do away with social stigma, taboos, and negative stereotypes about the poor people of the Philippines and reduce poverty to marginal levels by just giving these folks a chance to get ahead, the Philippines can rightfully re-establish itself as one of Asia's greatest. The Four Asian Tigers becomes Five. The status and good life the Filipinos have strived for decades is finally achieved.