Indonesia is a NIC. Her economy is better that ours...As an example they always enjoy trade surpluses in contrast with our trade deficits...

..They have a strong industrial base (Suzuki APV is made in Indonesia)unlike us...

..We are a NIC in name not in the real sense....

...But then again...we can be a strong NIC...if we work together as one nation with our national interests our top priorities (i.e. support Pinoy industries, entrepreneurs, products and our human and natural resources)

...protect also our environment....

payag ako

Indonesia is a NIC. Her economy is better that ours...As an example they always enjoy trade surpluses in contrast with our trade deficits...

..They have a strong industrial base (Suzuki APV is made in Indonesia)unlike us...

..We are a NIC in name not in the real sense....

...But then again...we can be a strong NIC...if we work together as one nation with our national interests our top priorities (i.e. support Pinoy industries, entrepreneurs, products and our human and natural resources)

...protect also our environment....is that the only measurement of NIC status? Actually, since we became independent we are always in trade deficits except in some years like 1973, 1996, etc.

And BTw, those NIC status did not come from the government. They came from reputable international economists and institutions

is that the only measurement of NIC status? Actually, since we became independent we are always in trade deficits except in some years like 1973, 1996, etc.

you should have highlighted the "strong industrial base unlike ours" not the trade deficits....

anyway,

NIC status incorporates alot of meaning....it can be in terms of the level of industrialization of a particular country...

..in can be in terms of GDP/GNI/NI....

..in terms of the percentage GDP/GNI derived from the industrial sector

..financial resources..

...percentage of manufactured vs. agricultural exports...

...BOP..

...GIR..

trade deficits somehow is a gauge of the capability of the country to produce goods and/or the state of its GIR/BOP/current account. These in turn are gauges of the strength of our currency vis-a-vis with other currencies...

Trade deficits tend to limit our chances to produce more foreign exchange for our economy...(sans OFW remittances and other services i.e. remittances of Filipino Multinational companies like San MIguel, Jollibee and URC)

...which the government use as a gauge in say computing the amount of money that can be use to buy imports such as oil.....

you should have highlighted the "strong industrial base unlike ours" not the trade deficits....
anyway,
NIC status incorporates alot of meaning....it can be in terms of the level of industrialization of a particular country...
..in can be in terms of GDP/GNI/NI....
..in terms of the percentage GDP/GNI derived from the industrial sector
..financial resources..
...percentage of manufactured vs. agricultural exports...
...BOP..
...GIR..
trade deficits somehow is a gauge of the capability of the country to produce goods and/or the state of its GIR/BOP/current account. These in turn are gauges of the strength of our currency vis-a-vis with other currencies...

Trade deficits tend to limit our chances to produce more foreign exchange for our economy...(sans OFW remittances and other services i.e. remittances of Filipino Multinational companies like San MIguel, Jollibee and URC)

...which the government use as a gauge in say computing the amount of money that can be use to buy imports such as oil.....strong, I don't know. But the clear reason for these NIC status is only to determine the significant sector that contributes to economic growth. In the Philippines, agriculture (13%) is the least while services (54%) and industry (31%) have a larger share, which means that the Philippines is no longer agricultural but rather service and industry oriented. And the mere fact that most of our exports our electronics and not cash crops means that we're just like our neighbors. Well, infairness to Indonesia, they do produce a lot of manufactured goods compared to us.

strong, I don't know. But the clear reason for these NIC status is only to determine the significant sector that contributes to economic growth. In the Philippines, agriculture (13%) is the least while services (54%) and industry (31%) have a larger share, which means that the Philippines is no longer agricultural but rather service and industry oriented. And the mere fact that most of our exports our electronics and not cash crops means that we're just like our neighbors. Well, infairness to Indonesia, they do produce a lot of manufactured goods compared to us.

Yup, but our exports depend mostly on imported parts..... that explains the trade deficits....i.e. semicon exports are made of imported wafer from Taiwan...local content is labor only. So we just assemble..

But im hoping, with the local entrepreneurs leading the way, of course with the help of foreign investors we can put more local content to our exports and help integrate our industries in the Philippines specifically the strategic oil, petrochemical, steel, automotive and electronic sector.....

Agriculture should also be modernized...

Yup, but our exports depend mostly on imported parts..... that explains the trade deficits....i.e. semicon exports are made of imported wafer from Taiwan...local content is labor only. So we just assemble..

It is still assembled here that's why we earn and, in turn, will show up in the break down of our industries.

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/2703/newlyindustrializedcouniu2.png

We are at par with the world...... :applause: :applause:

The map looks nice. Really nice. Specailly knowing what this map is for. :)

^^ so what map is this for?

^^ It shows (the blue shaded areas) the NICs of the world. 30 years ago, only four would've fit in that area: Taiwan, SoKor, Hong Kong and Singapore.

im proud and sad about it...'cause farming now, isn't really an option to our new generation...thanks iloilocitykid

Wanted: More homegrown patents
http://www.bworld.com.ph/BW052208/content.php?id=004

LOCAL PATENT applications have to increase if the Philippines is to boost its image abroad as a country capable of technological innovation.

Filipino innovation has to be recognized and protected if the country is to grow. — Jonathan L. Cellona
More patent filings, which indicate sufficient knowledge and efficient enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR), could also increase the country’s chances of being removed from a United States watchlist of IPR violators, officials yesterday said.

"Experiences of countries show that patent applications provide a good indicator of a country’s technological innovation capacity and performance," said Adrian Cristobal, Jr., director general of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, at the 1st National Conference on Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization.

Citing the World Economic Forum’s 2007-2008 Global Competitiveness Report, Mr. Cristobal said the Philippines was in the bottom half, or 71st out of 131 countries, in terms of technological readiness.
Southeast Asian neighbors Malaysia and Thailand were 21st and 28th while Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong ranked 7th, 8th, 11th and 12th, respectively.
The same report also placed the Philippines in 79th spot in terms of innovation, behind Singapore (9th), Malaysia (21st), Indonesia (37th), and Thailand (33rd).
"The Philippines has a lot of catching up to do," Mr. Cristobal said.
Government data, he said, also show that 97% of the patents applied for and granted last year belonged to foreign applicants. The rest went to Filipinos.
From 1948 to 2006, only 21 patents were granted to universities, and research and development institutes (RDI).
Factors that hinder patenting, he said, in the country include the lack of knowledge and understanding of the IP system, low research and development (R&D) investments, as well as lack of incentives.
"The situation must change," Mr. Cristobal said.
Science Undersecretary and University of the Philippines Professor Graciano P. Yumul, Jr., however, said the lack of R&D funding awareness was the issue.

"[W]e have more than P2.6 billion in available funds for R&D. But some universities and RDIs don’t know where to source this money," he said.
Jared Nyagua, senior program officer of the World Intellectual Property Office, said the challenge for the Philippines was that of IP education. — Bernardette S. Sto. Domingo



----------------------------------------------------------------

Software firm allots P134M for expansion

CEBU-BASED software firm Morphlabs, Inc. may spend between P134.2 million and P173.3 million to finance the global expansion of its information and technology services this year.
In a report to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company said the amount would come from net proceeds of its initial public offering (IPO) this year. It seeks to get P419.3 million to P541.5 million from the sale of 99.4 million common shares worth P4.50 to P5.80 apiece. Morphlabs markets Web-based and "software as a service" applications — software solutions delivered to clients on a subscription basis over the Internet. — LNPL

more local manufacturing industries...

im proud and sad about it...'cause farming now, isn't really an option to our new generation...thanks iloilocitykid

More industrial establishments but of course we still need the agricultural sector. See what happened during the rice crisis. It happened because people converted agri land into subdivisions, mostly of empty lots..sighs..

The government needs to make a stronger zoning of agri lands..

my history teacher taught us that the agricultural sector is the backbone of the country, and in my head i said 'yeah yeah whatever', now after seeing the almost-happened rice-crisis in our country it was till then that i believed it...

our agricultural industry must also keep up with the industrialization

^^ :okay:

my history teacher taught us that the agricultural sector is the backbone of the country, and in my head i said 'yeah yeah whatever', now after seeing the almost-happened rice-crisis in our country it was till then that i believed it...

our agricultural industry must also keep up with the industrialization

It must be economics. I also remember my teacher telling us that. That agriculture is the foundation of a modernized and industrialized economy. I think at that time I thought that it was all just crap. :lol:

^^ history in my last year in high school is also economics... we all thought it was crap 'till it almost left us all hungry

But again, we have to hear the negatives so that we can these into positive...

I definite agree that we should work together to build a prosperous Philippines ...but I believe it can only be done if Pinoys will exhibit a deep sense of nationalism, with one national goal and objectives sans regionalistic tendencies...

Pinoys should move out from their provincial and parochial point of views and start working for the national interests...

The government on the other hand should strictly implement the laws of our land and stop violating these laws they sworn to obey and implement...

Pinoys should follow our laws....

Reduction of graft and corruption...

Pinoys should support local entrepreneurs and products...

Be responsible citizens

^^^^ I Agree. Pero parang di mo maiaalis sa mga kukote ng ilan nating mga kababayan yung Colonial Mentality. Gusto laging mura na mukhang mamahalin. Gusto laging japeyk. Gusto laging nakikiuso, di naman bagay. Bago nila maresolve yung problema sa gov't system natin e nasa kahon an tayo. I mean if i were a celeb, i would really endorse Philippine-made products. May itinuro kasi sa amin na kapag bumili ka ng isang product na Gawang Pinoy, you have almost created 1000 jobs. Basta kahit anong product na made in the phils. o look at this: Kapag hindi naibenta ng isang company ang product na made in other countries, mapipilitan sila (sana) na gumawa ng sariling facility with also a different market, sa ayaw o gusto nila. And that would create jobs for the locals. Maganda naman ang mga products na gawang pinoy ah. Beer(SMB), plasticwares(orocan), clothing(bench), technologies (Epson Printers, PC-Cilin), shoes(MSE), all-around products(Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive, Lamoiyan(Hapee TP))

Buy Filipino.

Wah! :lol: :lol:

^^

amen to this!!:cheers:

RP needs 159 years to become 1st World
By Cai U. Ordinario
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0523&242008/banking01.html

IF the Philippines grows at its highest gross domestic product (GDP) growth during the past 10 years, it will take 159 years before it catches up with the growth achieved by member-countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

This is part of the findings of the final report of the Commission on Growth and Development, titled, “Growth Report: Strategies for Sustained Growth and Inclusive Development.” The commission is cofunded by the World Bank, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the governments of Australia, Sweden, the Netherlands and United Kingdom.

“Growth is not an end in itself. But it makes it possible to achieve other important objectives of individuals and societies. It can spare people, en masse from poverty and drudgery. Nothing else ever has. It also creates the resources to support health care, education and the other Millennium Development Goals to which the world has committed itself. In short, we take the view that growth is a necessary, if not sufficient, condition for broader development, enlarging the scope for individuals to be productive and creative,” the report noted.

The report also sought to describe the differences in the economic performance of developing countries by estimating the growth rate it would need to achieve to catch up with industrialized countries at a given date, in this case, 2050 and 2100.

In the report, the commission said that using data from 1996 to 2006, the country only grew by a maximum of 4.3 percent and an average of 2.2 percent. To catch up with OECD countries using this data, the commission said the Philippines needs 159 years to become fully industrialized.

However, if the country wants to catch up by 2050, it will need sustained growth of 6.5 percent; and to catch up by 2100, the country needs a GDP of 4.1 percent.

“Because industrialized countries’ secular growth rate is about 2 percent per capita, developing countries need to grow at much higher rates to catch up,” the report stated.

“Many countries have an average per capita growth rate for the decade well below the OECD secular per capita growth rate, implying that they would never catch up at such rates. On the other hand, [data show that] all countries grew at a rate above 2 percent in at least one year. Using this rate renders the calculation mathematically feasible, but its economic meaning needs to be interpreted carefully,” the report warned.

Meanwhile, since 1960, the report said only six of the 25 largest developing countries in the world have grown faster than 3 percent in terms of per capita while 10 had growth rates below 2 percent.

This, the report stressed, implied that many developing countries like the Philippines have fallen farther behind industrialized countries’ incomes.

The Philippines’ real GDP in 2006 was $99 billion, which contributed 1.2 percent to the total real GDP of developing countries in 2006.

The country’s real compound annual GDP growth rate from 1980 to 2006 was 2.9 percent, while per capita GDP grew by 0.7 percent. On the other hand, the report said, the Philippines’ real GDP from 1960 to 2006 grew by 4 percent while per capita GDP grew by 1.4 percent.

“Growth strategies that rely exclusively on domestic demand eventually reach their limits. The home market is usually too small to sustain growth for long, and it does not give an economy the same freedom to specialize in whatever it is best at producing,” the report stated.

“Catch-up growth is also made possible by an abundant labor supply. As the economy expands and branches out, new ventures draw underemployed workers out of traditional agriculture into more productive work in the cities. Resources, especially labor, must be mobile. No country has industrialized without also urbanizing, however chaotically,” it added.

The report also emphasized the need for a strong leadership and effective government to attain economic growth. The report said “an increasingly capable, credible and committed government” is important, particularly in achieving catch-up growth.

The commission said policymakers need to choose a growth strategy, communicate their goals to the public and convince people that the future rewards are worth the effort, thrift and economic upheaval.

“[Policymakers] will succeed only if their promises are credible and inclusive, reassuring people that they or their children will enjoy their full share of the fruits of growth,” the report stated.

The report also highlighted the need for impressive rates in public investment for infrastructure, education and health, especially when attaining rapid economic growth.

Investments for these sectors pave the way for new industries to emerge and raise the return to any private venture that benefits from healthy, educated workers, passable roads and reliable electricity.

“Growth entails a structural transformation of the economy, from agriculture to manufacturing, from a rural work force to an urban one. This transformation is the result of competitive pressure. Governments committed to growth must therefore liberalize product markets, allowing new, more productive firms to enter and obsolete firms to exit. They must also create room to maneuver in the labor market, so that new industries can quickly create jobs and workers can move freely to fill them,” the commission stressed.

Launched in April 2006, the Commission on Growth and Development brings together 21 leading practitioners from the government, business and the policymaking arenas, mostly from the developing world. The commission is chaired by Nobel Laureate Michael Spence, former dean of the Stanford Graduate Business School; Danny Leipziger, vice president of the World Bank, is the commission’s vice-chairman.

Over a period of two years the commission was tasked to seek to gather the best understanding there is about the policies and strategies that underlie rapid and sustained economic growth and poverty reduction. The commission’s audience is the leaders of developing countries.

RP needs 159 years to become 1st World
By Cai U. Ordinario
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0523&242008/banking01.html

IF the Philippines grows at its highest gross domestic product (GDP) growth during the past 10 years, it will take 159 years before it catches up with the growth achieved by member-countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

This is part of the findings of the final report of the Commission on Growth and Development, titled, “Growth Report: Strategies for Sustained Growth and Inclusive Development.” The commission is cofunded by the World Bank, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the governments of Australia, Sweden, the Netherlands and United Kingdom.

“Growth is not an end in itself. But it makes it possible to achieve other important objectives of individuals and societies. It can spare people, en masse from poverty and drudgery. Nothing else ever has. It also creates the resources to support health care, education and the other Millennium Development Goals to which the world has committed itself. In short, we take the view that growth is a necessary, if not sufficient, condition for broader development, enlarging the scope for individuals to be productive and creative,” the report noted.

The report also sought to describe the differences in the economic performance of developing countries by estimating the growth rate it would need to achieve to catch up with industrialized countries at a given date, in this case, 2050 and 2100.

In the report, the commission said that using data from 1996 to 2006, the country only grew by a maximum of 4.3 percent and an average of 2.2 percent. To catch up with OECD countries using this data, the commission said the Philippines needs 159 years to become fully industrialized.

However, if the country wants to catch up by 2050, it will need sustained growth of 6.5 percent; and to catch up by 2100, the country needs a GDP of 4.1 percent.

“Because industrialized countries’ secular growth rate is about 2 percent per capita, developing countries need to grow at much higher rates to catch up,” the report stated.

“Many countries have an average per capita growth rate for the decade well below the OECD secular per capita growth rate, implying that they would never catch up at such rates. On the other hand, [data show that] all countries grew at a rate above 2 percent in at least one year. Using this rate renders the calculation mathematically feasible, but its economic meaning needs to be interpreted carefully,” the report warned.

Meanwhile, since 1960, the report said only six of the 25 largest developing countries in the world have grown faster than 3 percent in terms of per capita while 10 had growth rates below 2 percent.

This, the report stressed, implied that many developing countries like the Philippines have fallen farther behind industrialized countries’ incomes.

The Philippines’ real GDP in 2006 was $99 billion, which contributed 1.2 percent to the total real GDP of developing countries in 2006.

The country’s real compound annual GDP growth rate from 1980 to 2006 was 2.9 percent, while per capita GDP grew by 0.7 percent. On the other hand, the report said, the Philippines’ real GDP from 1960 to 2006 grew by 4 percent while per capita GDP grew by 1.4 percent.

“Growth strategies that rely exclusively on domestic demand eventually reach their limits. The home market is usually too small to sustain growth for long, and it does not give an economy the same freedom to specialize in whatever it is best at producing,” the report stated.

“Catch-up growth is also made possible by an abundant labor supply. As the economy expands and branches out, new ventures draw underemployed workers out of traditional agriculture into more productive work in the cities. Resources, especially labor, must be mobile. No country has industrialized without also urbanizing, however chaotically,” it added.

The report also emphasized the need for a strong leadership and effective government to attain economic growth. The report said “an increasingly capable, credible and committed government” is important, particularly in achieving catch-up growth.

The commission said policymakers need to choose a growth strategy, communicate their goals to the public and convince people that the future rewards are worth the effort, thrift and economic upheaval.

“[Policymakers] will succeed only if their promises are credible and inclusive, reassuring people that they or their children will enjoy their full share of the fruits of growth,” the report stated.

The report also highlighted the need for impressive rates in public investment for infrastructure, education and health, especially when attaining rapid economic growth.

Investments for these sectors pave the way for new industries to emerge and raise the return to any private venture that benefits from healthy, educated workers, passable roads and reliable electricity.

“Growth entails a structural transformation of the economy, from agriculture to manufacturing, from a rural work force to an urban one. This transformation is the result of competitive pressure. Governments committed to growth must therefore liberalize product markets, allowing new, more productive firms to enter and obsolete firms to exit. They must also create room to maneuver in the labor market, so that new industries can quickly create jobs and workers can move freely to fill them,” the commission stressed.

Launched in April 2006, the Commission on Growth and Development brings together 21 leading practitioners from the government, business and the policymaking arenas, mostly from the developing world. The commission is chaired by Nobel Laureate Michael Spence, former dean of the Stanford Graduate Business School; Danny Leipziger, vice president of the World Bank, is the commission’s vice-chairman.

Over a period of two years the commission was tasked to seek to gather the best understanding there is about the policies and strategies that underlie rapid and sustained economic growth and poverty reduction. The commission’s audience is the leaders of developing countries.

First of all, to be a 1st World nation means to be a developed country, as in nationwide development.

Its not really ONLY about the growth percentage of our economy, but its ALSO the way how we run our government and how we supposed to distribute its wealth fairly across the nation to develop its respective regions, provinces, or state, for w/c our country have failed to do so in the last 50 yrs. Even though our country is composed of 3 larger islands that is surrouunded by thousand more smaller islets, and is about the same size of Japan and UK, or the state of indiana (USA), its not supposed to be that hard to develop ours, and the rest will take care of itself like the GDP/per capita income of every filipinos.

If we only learned the way how our asian neighbors ran their governments effectively, and how they heavily invested on their self-reliance programs in agriculture, heavy industries, & manufacturing, like what SoKor, Taiwan, Japan, & China did, we could have been in an entirely different situation today. Who knows we may have been exporting cars, ships, rice, appliances, and other electronic products by now.

Its not too late yet, we still have chances in mining & tourism industries to help our economy, and at the same time, we should have a better governance and system to better promote the nationwide development and a fair distribution of our nation's wealth/revenues within 20 yrs from now.

Indonesia is a NIC. Her economy is better that ours...As an example they always enjoy trade surpluses in contrast with our trade deficits...

..They have a strong industrial base (Suzuki APV is made in Indonesia)unlike us...

..We are a NIC in name not in the real sense....

...But then again...we can be a strong NIC...if we work together as one nation with our national interests our top priorities (i.e. support Pinoy industries, entrepreneurs, products and our human and natural resources)

...protect also our environment....


That was not the way how the professionals measured a country to give them the NIC status. Its not because indonesia has a bigger economy output than ours that doesn't mean they were granted w/ the NIC status. You should check the link again and read.

RP needs 159 years to become 1st World
By Cai U. Ordinario
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0523&242008/banking01.html

IF the Philippines grows at its highest gross domestic product (GDP) growth during the past 10 years, it will take 159 years before it catches up with the growth achieved by member-countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

This is part of the findings of the final report of the Commission on Growth and Development, titled, “Growth Report: Strategies for Sustained Growth and Inclusive Development.” The commission is cofunded by the World Bank, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the governments of Australia, Sweden, the Netherlands and United Kingdom.

“Growth is not an end in itself. But it makes it possible to achieve other important objectives of individuals and societies. It can spare people, en masse from poverty and drudgery. Nothing else ever has. It also creates the resources to support health care, education and the other Millennium Development Goals to which the world has committed itself. In short, we take the view that growth is a necessary, if not sufficient, condition for broader development, enlarging the scope for individuals to be productive and creative,” the report noted.

The report also sought to describe the differences in the economic performance of developing countries by estimating the growth rate it would need to achieve to catch up with industrialized countries at a given date, in this case, 2050 and 2100.

In the report, the commission said that using data from 1996 to 2006, the country only grew by a maximum of 4.3 percent and an average of 2.2 percent. To catch up with OECD countries using this data, the commission said the Philippines needs 159 years to become fully industrialized.

However, if the country wants to catch up by 2050, it will need sustained growth of 6.5 percent; and to catch up by 2100, the country needs a GDP of 4.1 percent.

“Because industrialized countries’ secular growth rate is about 2 percent per capita, developing countries need to grow at much higher rates to catch up,” the report stated.

“Many countries have an average per capita growth rate for the decade well below the OECD secular per capita growth rate, implying that they would never catch up at such rates. On the other hand, [data show that] all countries grew at a rate above 2 percent in at least one year. Using this rate renders the calculation mathematically feasible, but its economic meaning needs to be interpreted carefully,” the report warned.

Meanwhile, since 1960, the report said only six of the 25 largest developing countries in the world have grown faster than 3 percent in terms of per capita while 10 had growth rates below 2 percent.

This, the report stressed, implied that many developing countries like the Philippines have fallen farther behind industrialized countries’ incomes.

The Philippines’ real GDP in 2006 was $99 billion, which contributed 1.2 percent to the total real GDP of developing countries in 2006.

The country’s real compound annual GDP growth rate from 1980 to 2006 was 2.9 percent, while per capita GDP grew by 0.7 percent. On the other hand, the report said, the Philippines’ real GDP from 1960 to 2006 grew by 4 percent while per capita GDP grew by 1.4 percent.

“Growth strategies that rely exclusively on domestic demand eventually reach their limits. The home market is usually too small to sustain growth for long, and it does not give an economy the same freedom to specialize in whatever it is best at producing,” the report stated.

“Catch-up growth is also made possible by an abundant labor supply. As the economy expands and branches out, new ventures draw underemployed workers out of traditional agriculture into more productive work in the cities. Resources, especially labor, must be mobile. No country has industrialized without also urbanizing, however chaotically,” it added.

The report also emphasized the need for a strong leadership and effective government to attain economic growth. The report said “an increasingly capable, credible and committed government” is important, particularly in achieving catch-up growth.

The commission said policymakers need to choose a growth strategy, communicate their goals to the public and convince people that the future rewards are worth the effort, thrift and economic upheaval.

“[Policymakers] will succeed only if their promises are credible and inclusive, reassuring people that they or their children will enjoy their full share of the fruits of growth,” the report stated.

The report also highlighted the need for impressive rates in public investment for infrastructure, education and health, especially when attaining rapid economic growth.

Investments for these sectors pave the way for new industries to emerge and raise the return to any private venture that benefits from healthy, educated workers, passable roads and reliable electricity.

“Growth entails a structural transformation of the economy, from agriculture to manufacturing, from a rural work force to an urban one. This transformation is the result of competitive pressure. Governments committed to growth must therefore liberalize product markets, allowing new, more productive firms to enter and obsolete firms to exit. They must also create room to maneuver in the labor market, so that new industries can quickly create jobs and workers can move freely to fill them,” the commission stressed.

Launched in April 2006, the Commission on Growth and Development brings together 21 leading practitioners from the government, business and the policymaking arenas, mostly from the developing world. The commission is chaired by Nobel Laureate Michael Spence, former dean of the Stanford Graduate Business School; Danny Leipziger, vice president of the World Bank, is the commission’s vice-chairman.

Over a period of two years the commission was tasked to seek to gather the best understanding there is about the policies and strategies that underlie rapid and sustained economic growth and poverty reduction. The commission’s audience is the leaders of developing countries.

in english, we should work harder

it's in the tv news here in australia that the western world (1st world countries) is already welcoming china and india...philippines should work triple times to catch up with all those years that were lost...

in english, we should work harder

we can do that in 6 months time:D
all of us should marry rich foreigners:D j/k:lol:

RP needs 159 years to become 1st World
By Cai U. Ordinario
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0523&242008/banking01.html

IF the Philippines grows at its highest gross domestic product (GDP) growth during the past 10 years, it will take 159 years before it catches up with the growth achieved by member-countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

This is part of the findings of the final report of the Commission on Growth and Development, titled, “Growth Report: Strategies for Sustained Growth and Inclusive Development.” The commission is cofunded by the World Bank, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the governments of Australia, Sweden, the Netherlands and United Kingdom.

“Growth is not an end in itself. But it makes it possible to achieve other important objectives of individuals and societies. It can spare people, en masse from poverty and drudgery. Nothing else ever has. It also creates the resources to support health care, education and the other Millennium Development Goals to which the world has committed itself. In short, we take the view that growth is a necessary, if not sufficient, condition for broader development, enlarging the scope for individuals to be productive and creative,” the report noted.





Isa sa magandang aral ng kasaysayan ay itong British Empire at ang bansang Turkey.

Pero bago mabuo ang Turkey ni Kemal Ataturk, nagkaroon na ng outlook ang mga Bitoy(British) kung ano ang kaibahan nito sa Ottoman Empire.

Pinilit ni Mustafa Kemal na hindi mapasa-ilalim ng Franco-British o Western Powers ang sibilisasyon ng Turkey(Ottoman).Kaya pumailanlang ang idelohiya nito —–KEMALIST IDEOLOGY.

Kung tayo ay may sariling batayan upang maiangat ang pamantayan ng pamumuhay. Kaya natin ito!
NOW NA!

Tama ang sabi ni Amigo32 , sex months time...
pero hindi sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakasal sa mga 4rangers.(bcoz, they're strangers)


just seek the truth baby :banana: :pepper:

That was not the way how the professionals measured a country to give them the NIC status. Its not because indonesia has a bigger economy output than ours that doesn't mean they were granted w/ the NIC status. You should check the link again and read.

I know.

That's why I suggest, read my other post on the meaning of NIC in this thread..

you should have highlighted the "strong industrial base unlike ours" not the trade deficits....

anyway,

NIC status incorporates alot of meaning....it can be in terms of the level of industrialization of a particular country...

..in can be in terms of GDP/GNI/NI....

..in terms of the percentage GDP/GNI derived from the industrial sector

..financial resources..

...percentage of manufactured vs. agricultural exports...

...BOP..

...GIR..

trade deficits somehow is a gauge of the capability of the country to produce goods and/or the state of its GIR/BOP/current account. These in turn are gauges of the strength of our currency vis-a-vis with other currencies...

Trade deficits tend to limit our chances to produce more foreign exchange for our economy...(sans OFW remittances and other services i.e. remittances of Filipino Multinational companies like San MIguel, Jollibee and URC)

...which the government use as a gauge in say computing the amount of money that can be use to buy imports such as oil.....

Para wag ka nang maghanap, eto spearhead.....

Para wag ka nang maghanap, eto spearhead.....


makisali na sa usapan nyo spearhead at jdpm.


Quality of life (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quality_of_life) is the degree of well-being felt by an individual or group of people. Unlike standard of living, quality of life is not a tangible concept, and therefore cannot be measured directly. Furthermore, quality of life consists of two components. The first is a physical aspect which includes such things as health, diet, as well as protection against pain and disease. The second component is psychological in nature. This aspect includes such things as stress, worry, pleasure and other positive or negative emotional states. It is virtually impossible to predict the quality of life of a specific individual, since the combination of attributes that leads one individual to be content is rarely the same for another individual. However, one can assume with some confidence the higher average level of diet, shelter, safety, as well as freedoms and rights a general population has, the better overall quality of life said population experiences. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s quality of life index is based on a unique methodology that links the results of subjective life-satisfaction surveys to the objective determinants of quality of life across countries.

Understanding quality of life is today particularly important in health care, where monetary measures do not readily apply. Decisions on what research or treatments to invest the most in are closely related to their effect on a patient's quality of life.

Organisational wellbeing looks at related factors from a corporate perspective, although this agenda is also informed by the employers' duty-of-care and external drivers such as the UK Health and Safety Executive's Management Standards for Stress Organisational wellbeing looks at wellbeing issues that affect a company's staff and manages them to drive change and improve performance.

^^
yup. thats one of the accepted indicators. Marami pang iba...

Actually, we dont need to duplicate the level of development of the G7 or the OECD countries...

...as long as we have achieved food self-sufficiency, fairly proficient in producing our industrial needs (we have the basic strategic industries i.e. fully integrated steel industry, fully integrated petrochemical industry, modern metallurgical sector, modern tool and die, metal manufacturing industry, integrated electronics and electrical machineries and component industries, textile and garments, construction, leather, energy...

...Of course, equitable distribution of income (re: income gap between rich and poor is not very wide..)

...clean surroundings..

....pristine environment with intact biodiversity...

....Ok na sa akin in my opinion....

....In 100 years, iba na configuration ng global economic order....

...countries who were able to save their resources will survive...

^^this is a misleading article...
it states that it will take 159 yrs for the country to be developed but they took a maximum GDP growth rate of only 4.3%.



^^This is what should have been in the headline...
an annual growth rate of 6.5% is foreseeable for an improving Philippine economy. Especially with more improvements in infrastructure, health and education in the coming years.

Too bad though, PGMA said that Philippines would be first world by 2020. Oh well, at least we know its not impossible. :)

It depends on what benchmark is used when using the old-fashioned term "First World". If what they meant by First World is similar to building something like NASA or flying to the moon and the outerspace, medyo mukhang 500 years behind ang Pilipinas. But if Pakistan and North Korea were able to build rocket ships in just a few decades of hardwork and focus, bakit hindi ang Pilipinas.

But if the benchmark is like South Korea and Singapore, we can still catch up in 15 - 20 years time if we devote our time and resources on technology and focus on infrastructure. But it needs education, cooperation, honesty and discipline of each and every Pinoy. Though the presence of bad elements like CPP-NPA,MILF-MNLF- ABU-JI and the gangs will hamper growth.

Para wag ka nang maghanap, eto spearhead.....

I know.

That's why I suggest, read my other post on the meaning of NIC in this thread..

No need to compare indonesia anymore, NIC na sila ngayon as they are included in the secondary emerging economy list.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developed_country

FTSE Global Equity Index
The FTSE Group classifies countries into three categorizes, the process by which stock markets are classified as either Developed or Emerging markets within the FTSE Global Equity Index Series. The categories are Developed, Advanced Emerging, and Secondary Emerging.

“ FTSE, helped by an expert committee of market practitioners, reviews quality of market criteria for all stock markets included in FTSE GEIS to assess the ease, cost and security of underlying investment transactions by international investors in all countries.[12]”

FTSE classification, as of January 2008:[13]

Developed: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece[14], Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel[15], Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States.

Advanced emerging: Brazil, Hungary[15], Mexico, Poland[15], South Africa, South Korea[16] and Taiwan[16].

Secondary emerging: Argentina, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan[17], Peru, Philippines, Russia, Thailand and Turkey.

^^ Russia? Secondary emerging? That's a surprise...

....These are the days when we need to re-think about the "standards imposed" by "professionals" (re: experts funded by industrialized countries)....

....if you have reach a certain level of material progress you can be considered as "rich" and developed?

...Even if majority of your people are marginalized by income disparity,social disfunction, unemployment and bereft of a pristine environment due to massive environmental degradation?,

never believe these first world controlled foreign institutions. they always predict doom and gloom scenarios for developing countries to perpetuate the world status quo. they always need cheap labor to fuel their economies so it's their best interest to keep developing countries "developing."
That's absurd to say it'll take us 159 years to develop into first world.
Same as with people you should never listen to naysayers around you if you have a goal; remaining steadfast and focused is the key.

never believe these first world controlled foreign institutions. they always predict doom and gloom scenarios for developing countries to perpetuate the world status quo. they always need cheap labor to fuel their economies so it's their best interest to keep developing countries "developing."
That's absurd to say it'll take us 159 years to develop into first world.
Same as with people you should never listen to naysayers around you if you have a goal; remaining steadfast and focused is the key.

:D ang galing talaga ni crappy, bull's eye:D

I do agree. Last time I checked, many international groups have said it would take us 30 years to be first world...how come it became 159 years? I don't remember having a recession..

natatawa ako,:D pag binalik natin ang panahon natin ng 159 years, mukhang lalabas na mga caveman pa tayo:D o baka unggoy pa hindi pa kumpleto ang evolution:D

I mean really , will our growthrate remain 2% for 154 years?
when it's a foreign analyst who give their opinion we seem to give it more clout and and give it credence as the bible truth. Tiwala lang sa sarile ang kailangan. and if our govt. is F** up then we can always strive for betterment and excellence as individuals and eventually this will rub off on our society as a whole.
just like what's happening with the ofw phenomenon. I don't think most of these people's motivation to leave is to help the country but to help their families but collectively they're also helping the economy thereby helping the country.

159 YEARS TO BECOME FIRST WORLD STATUS,OH THAT NOT FAIR :ohno:


IN EARLY 70'S BOTH KOREA AND THE PHILIPPINES HAVE THE SAME LEVEL OF ECONOMY BUT WITH CONTINOUS GDP GROWTH AVERAGING 8 PERCENT GDP KOREA MANAGED TO BECOME ADVANCED ECONOMY IN 20 YEARS.

^^ so what map is this for?

Philip, sometimes. :D

It must be economics. I also remember my teacher telling us that. That agriculture is the foundation of a modernized and industrialized economy. I think at that time I thought that it was all just crap. :lol:

:lol:

But seriously, it's not exactly agriculture. Why agriculture? Look at Japan. It's agricultural sector is not THAT healthy as well that's why it needs to import much of it food, but is the second largest economy in the world. Look at the city-state Singapore. Where would you think are their agricultural farm lands to support its populace? Hoiw about HK and Macao?

But still our country is, as based upon the provinces not on Manila, is largely agricultural. There could actually be a time wherein much of our lands will be turned into industrial zones, but at the moment we still need farming, as much as the tourism, services and manufacturing sectors are needed. The agricultural sector must not be left behind by other sectors since, as I said, our country is still depending much in it. A lot of our countrymen will suffer if this will continue. I hope not...

it's in the tv news here in australia that the western world (1st world countries) is already welcoming china and india...philippines should work triple times to catch up with all those years that were lost...

I agree. But at this moment, it will still be very difficult for us if a large group of people will be hindering the government to do its part, which is like a very big part -- governing, creating and implementing appropriate laws that will boost our country. I hope we'll get there. I'm not expecting us to get there tomorrow, but the soonest possible time.

RP needs 159 years to become 1st World ~ I guess we would never find out if Pinas can achieved that status. :lol:


Some predictions also : Within 100 years, mauubusan ng langis ang Middle East and some island nations would sink. :nuts:

I better download all the porno movies that I want to see. :lol:




Russia? Secondary emerging? That's a surprise... ~ Russia is just economically recovering right now after the breakup of the Soviet Union.

^^ Correct. And also after all of the revolutions and uprisings that crippled the economy.

^^ Well, I'm happy they're recovering. I think now, they're the number one energy producer in the world.

This is the 21st century..

...we dont need to understand rocket science to come up with our own economic development strategies....

...These guys who keep on telling us that we should do this and do that specially foreign "experts" dont even know our history....

...they assumed that what worked for them will work for us....

...just like when they keep on ramming to our throats that the Philippines can develop economically if we convert our economy into a service oriented one with no manufacturing industry or agriculture to speak of...

...This is the most stupid, idiotic, chicken shit, jackass economic idea that I ever heard... :bash::bash:

...No country can attain economic development without agriculture and industrialization!!

...Yung Singapore and Hong kong are special cases because they are mere cities....

....in the next 100 years..they better look for other economic strategies because the amount of energy and food will determine the survival of countries...

...Yung mga consumer electronics or industrial goods will lose their importance in the near future when basic needs for survival will be the priority of governments....

...If you read between the lines these a-holes global experts just want to maintain a market for their benefactors (industrialized countries) with a declining population, overproduction and shrinking domestic market..So ang Pinas gigisahin...

..Yang demonyong JPEPA na yan ay example ng panloloko sa atin...With a shrinking population comes a shrinking market so Japan needs a new market..tayo yun..

...So that they can maintain their lifestyles and economic status at the expense of poor countries like ours...


...we need to have our own strategy fit for Philippine needs and settings and not models of any country..

...Since, we became Philippines...we have already tried all strategies dictated to us by foreigners and yet we failed to effectively solve our economic woes such as poverty...its time to determine our own path of development....

http://C:\Documents and Settings\3B2\My Documents\My Pictures

The Next Eleven (or N-11) are eleven countries identified by Goldman Sachs investment bank as having a high potential of becoming the world's largest economies along with the BRICs. The bank chose these nations, all with promising outlooks for investment and future growth, on December 12, 2005.

Next Eleven countries

* Flag of Bangladesh Bangladesh: (Developing country)
* Flag of Egypt Egypt: (Newly industrialized country, ENP, COMESA, G-20 developing nations member)
* Flag of Indonesia Indonesia: (Newly industrialized country, G-20 industrial nations member)
* Flag of Iran Iran: (Developing country, OPEC, ECO, Developing 8 Countries, G-15 member)
* Flag of Mexico Mexico: (Newly industrialized country, NAFTA, G8+5, G-20 industrial nations member, OECD member (1994))
* Flag of Nigeria Nigeria: (Developing country, G-20 developing nations member)
* Flag of Pakistan Pakistan: (Developing country, G-20 developing nations member)
* Flag of the Philippines Philippines: (Newly industrialized country, APEC member, G-20 developing nations member)
* Flag of South Korea South Korea: (Developed country, Advanced economy (CIA and IMF), G-20 industrial nations member, ASEAN Plus Three member, APEC member, EAS member, OECD member)
* Flag of Turkey Turkey: (Newly industrialized country, Developed country (CIA), EU Customs Union, G-20 industrial nations member, OECD member)
* Flag of Vietnam Vietnam: (Developing country, APEC member)

I think Philippines can attain its goal before 2030 and not in 2160 since we are already categorize as a Newly Industrialized Country as capitalist nation with huge Agricultural industry to compare to other nation! for
Ex. remove oil in M. East ( Saudi, Dubai, Iraq, Iran) ;
remove Industry in the Norther Asia (S.Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China) ;
remove Food Industry in S.E Asia ( Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia) where they can get they sources of income for economic sustainability? nothing right. my intent here is for inspiration for all of us not war for other Asian nation I'm pointed out! unlike in the Philippines home of full natural resources that can sustain the people basic need and highly skilled Blue and white Collar job demand abroad! but one of our major problem is we don't know how to utilize it properly! especially the Filipino invention (ex. fluorescent lamp, energy from water etc...) na ang mga nakinabang ay taga ibang bansa !

RP needs 159 years to become 1st World ~ I guess we would never find out if Pinas can achieved that status. :lol:


Some predictions also : Within 100 years, mauubusan ng langis ang Middle East and some island nations would sink. :nuts:

I better download all the porno movies that I want to see. :lol:



this is a lot more productive po :lol: any links po for our consumption :lol: :cheers:

ASEAN can impose sanctions on members that violate charter, Malaysia says


Tuesday, June 3, 2008 03:34 PM


KUALA LUMPUR (AP)-Southeast Asia's main bloc can impose sanctions on members that flout its charter even though there is no formal provision for penalties, Malaysia's leader said Tuesday.

The comment by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi indicated the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is losing patience with Myanmar, one of the 10 members of the bloc, for refusing to restore democracy or improve its human rights record.

ASEAN is hoping to ratify a charter that would include the creation of a regional human rights body by the end of the year. The charter does not mention using sanctions or expulsion in cases of serious breaches by members.

It says, however, any violations would be referred to ASEAN heads of state for a final decision.

ASEAN members will be taking "a pragmatic approach" in tackling potential offenses, Abdullah said.

"The charter does not provide for specific sanctions for charter breaches or noncompliance. But this does not mean that there will be none," Abdullah said at a forum on regional security.

National leaders will decide how to deal with violations "as and when the need arises" at their annual summits, Abdullah said.

RP hosts East Asian Seas Congress (http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080610126904.html)


Ellalyn B. de Vera

The Philippines will have an opportunity to gain the assistance of neighboring countries in managing its coastal areas and seas as the country hosts the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress in Manila next year.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) recently signed a memorandum of agreement formalizing the Philippines’ hosting of the EAS Congress from Nov. 23-27, 2009, which aims to sustain efforts to protect and manage the country’s seas and coastal areas.

Philippine-based PEMSEA is a regional program of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) whose member-countries include Cambodia, China, North Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Vietnam.

"The 2009 Congress will be a bigger event and assembly on the sustainable management of the coastal and ocean environment than before since every country is now aware that the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources in each country benefits the whole region," DENR Secretary Jose "Lito" L. Atienza Jr. said.

The DENR chief cited that this year’s program will focus on the condition of Philippine water resources to realize efforts that will ensure the sustainability of properly managing the country’s bodies of water.

"PEMSEA aims to manage all of these waters around us properly, so PEMSEA being stationed in the Philippines is a most natural development. PEMSEA is something that the department is fully committed to, and we will work doubly hard together to be effective in our objectives," Atienza said.



From Manila Bulletin
RP hosts East Asian Seas Congress (http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080610126904.html)

http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=121936

:banana:First RP-made, double-hull oil tanker sails
By LILITA BALANE
abs-cbnNEWS.com

The first Philippine-made, double-hull oil tanker, designed to prevent prevent costly and environmentally-destructive oil spills such as the disaster that hit Guimaras in 2006, is now sailing.

“The ship is currently transporting bunker fuels in different parts of the country. From the Pacific Ocean to the Petron refinery in Bataan. It started last April 8. So far, the performance of M/T Matikas is far more than we expected.” George Cottrell, president of the Herma Shipyard Inc., said.

Hermio Esguerra, chairman of the Herma Group of Companies said double-hulled ships such as M/T Matikas would help lower the incidence of oil spills.

Esguerra said that the ship that sank in Guimaras was a single-hull oil tanker. With a double-hull, petroleum products are protected on all sides, he added.

"Any leaks caused by punctures will be absorbed by another hull. There is a hollow which will hold the products in case of an accident", Esguerra said.

The Philippine government imposed double-layered ships as carriers of petroleum products after M/T Solar, a single-hull oil tanker carrying more than two million liters of bunker fuel, sank at Guimaras Strait on August 11, 2006.

The oil spill devasted the marine life and mangrove reserves in more than five municipalities in Negros Occidental.

Esguerra said the cargo tank is designed to provide five-product grade segregation. He said that the possibility of contamination between products is eliminated because of the double-valve system.

Esguerra also stressed that M/T Matikas is equipped with a fully-segregated ballast system, which is designed to prevent contamination between the cargo tanks and the ballast tanks. With these, Esguerra said that the oil tank is clean and ballast water released to the sea is oil-free.

M/T Matikas, which costs 10 million US dollars, was approved by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO also ordered that carriers of petroleum products must be double-hull oil tankers to prevent oil spills.

The ship is licensed and certified by Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), American Bureau of Shipping, Ships Inspection Report, and the Marine Pollution, an International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships (MARPOL).

Aside from an oil tanker that is safe to the environment, Esguerra said that "his company is proud to say that the ship was built locally and was built by Filipinos."

"We are not just launching a vessel here, we are launching a history. This is the first oil tanker ship that is 100% Filipino-made. It was built in Hermana Shipyard in Bataan.The design was done by Filipino engineers and naval architects. The welders were also Filipinos. This is a breakthrough in our shipbuilding industry", Esguerra said.

“It is the first time that Herma came up with its new, double-hull ship. Before, we (Herma) just convert local vessels of single-hull to double-hull ships.Now, we were able to come up with a new one", a staff of Herma Shipyard, Inc. said.

Cottrell said the company can buy an oil tanker from abroad, but it is more expensive. To import a cheaper ship would mean sacrificing quality, he said.

“Herma Shipyard can buy double-hull ships from abroad, like in Japan or Korea, but it is expensive. We (Herma) may choose to buy those from China, but we cannot sacrifice the quality of the ship. It may be cheaper, but could be of low quality. So we decided to build our own oil tanker here in the country”, Cottrell explained.

Esguerra explained that he was encouraged to build a double-hull ship when he visited shipyards abroad. He said he saw many Filipinos working in the shipyards of Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and China.

"Most of their workers are Filipinos. I realized that the Filipinos have many talents, but they were not utilized inside the country because of the lack of opportunities," he said. "Many overseas workers sacrificed their families to work in shipyards abroad."

Esguerra said that if the Filipinos can show the world that they can create world-class ships for the international market, the country can generate more jobs.

Solidarity needed in Southeast Asia (http://upiasiaonline.com/Politics/2008/07/10/solidarity_needed_in_southeast_asia/1676/)

Regional kinship in Southeast Asia is weak or nonexistent. We perceive ourselves as Asians in general; but not residents of the Southeast Asian region. There is little interaction among people in the region. Economic cooperation is minimal. Political events in one country hardly make an impact on the politics of a neighboring country.

Filipinos are so busy being Filipinos that they have forgotten their shared heritage with the rest of the people in Southeast Asia. The same can be said of other nationalities in the region. But nationalism is not the only reason why regional affinity is practically absent in Southeast Asia.

The colonial experience of countries in the region is partly to blame for the problem. Foreign occupation interrupted the long and productive relations of small and big kingdoms in the region. Centuries of Western domination have blurred this important historical period.

There was an opportunity to promote regional solidarity through the various national struggles for independence in the last century. But this was never achieved. Intellectuals and revolutionary leaders like Jose Rizal and Ho Chi Minh were able to inspire many people in the region. But in the end, each country was left to fight for its own interests. In short, Southeast Asians could not invoke a single memorable event when people in the region fought together against a common enemy.

The formation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations was significant in some ways; but ASEAN remains an impotent political body. It is a regional grouping whose constituents do not appreciate its objectives. ASEAN is merely a joint venture between governments and its programs rarely involve the participation of the people.

Disunity in Southeast Asia is also indicated by the lack of interest among its people to know more about the social conditions and cultures of their neighbors. Southeast Asians are more knowledgeable about the lives of Americans or Europeans than about the people in their own region. The effect is the inability of the people to empathize with the problems of Southeast Asian countries. Clueless to the situations of their neighbors, even governments fail to determine the right time to act in assisting countries which need help.

For example, the rising prices of rice, food and petroleum products could have had less negative impact in Southeast Asia if there was genuine regional cooperation.

Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of rice. Vietnam and Cambodia are also producing rice in large quantities. But their neighbor, the Philippines, is the biggest rice importer in the world. Singapore and Brunei are also rice importers. If from the very beginning there was a regional initiative to assure rice supplies in Southeast Asia, price speculation in the market would have been minimized. But rice producing countries have inflamed public panic by restricting rice exports even within the region.

Oil prices continue to climb higher, hurting the economies of many developing countries. Instead of sharing energy sources, Southeast Asian countries are closing the doors on their neighbors. Brunei wants to limit the number of cars from Malaysia which can pump gas from the tiny but oil-rich nation. For its part, Malaysia also wants fewer Singapore cars queuing at its gas stations.

There is no regional effort to develop new gas and oil fields. Alternative energy has a lot of potential in the region. Geothermal power can be harnessed in Indonesia and the Philippines. Thailand has numerous projects which aim to tap solar power. If ASEAN were truly about cooperation, it could start discussions on how to stabilize energy supplies in the region.

Rescue efforts spearheaded by ASEAN in the aftermath of the cyclone disaster in Myanmar in May were disorganized, negligible and very late. The slow response of governments and civic organizations was further proof of the lack of unity in the region and the failure of the people of Southeast Asia to imagine themselves as belonging to one regional community.

Perhaps the best example of the deep division in the region is the ongoing campaign of Malaysia to evict more than 300,000 illegal immigrants on the island of Borneo. Most of these workers come from the Philippines and Indonesia. The crackdown has been violent in the past. During times of economic crisis, the migrants are blamed for crimes, lack of jobs and worsening poverty in Malaysia. It is peculiar that within Southeast Asia, a racial campaign to drive out illegal migrants is taking place. This usually happens in Europe.

Rich countries like the United States have been exploiting the lack of unity in the region to further their political and economic agenda. For example the Philippines, which once hosted the biggest U.S. military bases, was used as a launching pad by the Americans to attack Vietnam and many parts of Indochina four decades ago.

Emerging superpower China taunts ASEAN by maintaining close relations with the ruling junta of Myanmar. China is almost succeeding in its bid to claim ownership of the Spratly Islands since ASEAN countries are not united on the issue.

One way to counteract the hegemony of the United States, China or any other superpower in the region is to build a unified Southeast Asia. A unified Southeast Asia could also match the economic and political clout of bigger and richer countries in Asia like China, Japan and South Korea.

ASEAN has to be overhauled. Malaysians, Filipinos, Indonesians and the rest of the people of Southeast Asia should also learn to identify themselves as Southeast Asians.

Failure to embark on this modernizing project will not only allow rich countries to retain their influence in the region, it will also give incentive to extremist groups who are already successful in ignoring national boundaries in order to recruit more members and launch terror attacks in the region.

ASEAN forum to adopt plans to make group more responsive (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=125901)

by DARIO AGNOTE
Kyodo News


SINGAPORE -- The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is set to adopt a raft of measures to get member-countries to work together in dealing with common security challenges when it gathers here for its annual meeting this week.

The fresh measures are meant to put decision-making on a fast track and foster ''concrete and practical cooperation'' among the 27 members of ARF, the Asia-Pacific region's premier multilateral security organization, according to official documents.

The innovations are hoped to make ARF more relevant and responsive to new global challenges, a discussion paper circulated by Singapore, the chair of this year's meeting, says.

''ARF member countries should consider how to reinvigorate the ARF in the dynamic regional security environment in which it operates,'' says the paper, adding that the grouping has to develop a clearer vision that will guide its future direction up to the year 2020.

A concept paper issued in 1995 envisioned ARF moving gradually through three stages: confidence-building measures, preventive diplomacy and, eventually, conflict resolution.


Deeper activities

The latest paper stresses the need to advance towards preventive diplomacy ''in a phased and prudent manner'' while continuing with confidence-building measures, and for its members to engage in deeper regional cooperative activities.

''The ARF participants should consider the merits of the ARF developing institutional features like the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization so as to make it more effective,'' it says.

The ARF, whose core members include the 10 ASEAN countries and the United States, was established in 1994 after the end of the Cold War to promote dialogue and cooperation on security.

But while dialogue among member-countries has been robust and sometimes fiery, cooperation between and among its members has been variable.

Some countries with long-standing defense and security ties like the Philippines, the United States, Singapore and Japan have had no trouble working together in foiling terror plots and sharing intelligence reports. But practical cooperation is often still saddled with lingering, deep distrust.

Some ARF members have ''privately lamented'' that the ARF is slow in making decisions, making it ''not responsive to fluid developments in the real world.''

''There are no clear provisions on how the ARF could quickly respond to an urgent situation or crisis,'' the paper says, adding this problem has caused ''funding problems as some countries must synch this slow decision-making process to their fiscal cycles.''

The assessment paper has identified at least six ''problems'' saddling the regional security grouping today that need to be confronted head-on, including its ''lack of concrete and practical cooperation,'' its ''slow decision-making'' process and lack of focus.

For instance, it notes that proposals for ARF activities are often put forward as early as October or November, but are not implemented until approved by the ARF in July or August of the subsequent year.

''The ARF requires more concrete and practical cooperation projects based on the collective needs identified in the ARF process,'' says the paper, stressing the need for the ARF to focus on issues like counter-terrorism, transnational crime, disaster relief, non-proliferation and disarmament, maritime security and peacekeeping.

''Special expertise (in these areas) is necessary,'' it notes.


ARF expansion

On the expansion of the ARF, the paper stresses the need ''to develop innovative ways and means to enhance its relevance to all its participants.''

It says ARF must maintain the so-called ''flexible moratorium'' in dealing with countries who have outstanding applications like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Afghanistan.

''The expansion of ARF from 18 to 27 participants over the years has led some countries to complain that the forum has become too unwieldy, and that the dynamics have been affected with discussions becoming less informal and interactive,'' the paper says.

''However, some countries suggested that we should look into the creation of observer-status for those countries interested in ARF activities, and that the ARF unit should look into this possibility,'' it says.

On the increasing number of ARF meetings, the paper has voiced concern that some smaller countries are unable to attend every single meeting.

To be relevant, the paper says ARF needs to further study these measures and implement those which are ''suitable and appropriate'' to the region.


Strengthen ASEAN and non-ASEAN

To ensure that ARF remains as the premier regional security institution, the paper stresses the need to strengthen both ASEAN and non-ASEAN participants' role in the ARF process.

''Although ASEAN has undertaken the obligation to be the 'primary driving force' of the ARF, a successful ARF required the active participation, support and cooperation of all participants. ASEAN must always be sensitive to and take into account the interests and concerns of all ARF participants,'' it says.

''In this regard, some ARF countries need the support of better-endowed ARF participants, especially funding and convening meetings where possible in ASEAN countries,'' it says.

The ARF comprises the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations -- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam -- plus Australia, Canada, the European Union, New Zealand, the United States, Russia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, Pakistan, North Korea, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Japan, China, and India.

ASEAN meets on food, fuel prices

Foreign ministers open annual meet in Singapore
Agree to hold rice summit in December

By MANNY MOGATO

SINGAPORE (Reuters) — Southeast Asian foreign ministers gathered here for their annual meeting yesterday to tackle spiraling food and fuel prices, with worsening inflation contributing to political turbulence around the region.

Diplomats said the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to hold a food summit in December, with prices of rice, the staple food in the region, soaring this year on fears of shortages.

ASEAN groups Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, the Philippines, Brunei, Myanmar, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

"Indonesia proposed to hold a food security summit for ASEAN this December and we agreed right away," an official from the Philippines told reporters.

The foreign ministers would discuss "the growing challenge posed by rising oil and food prices ... to our people’s welfare as well as our countries’ continued economic development," the draft joint communique says.

The high-growth economies of Southeast Asia are worried that global financial turmoil could lead to the kind of chain reactions that destabilized them in the "Asian contagion" financial crisis of 1997-98.

"There had been discussions on reforms in the financial sector to avoid problems that led to the financial crisis in 1997," the Philippines official said.

Spiraling prices contributed to unprecedented opposition gains in Malaysia’s general elections last March and are stoking political turmoil elsewhere in the region, including food riots and protests in some countries and export restrictions in others.

Indonesia’s inflation rate is forecast to hit double digits this year, while other ASEAN members are seeing their highest rates in years.

ASEAN is aiming to sign a landmark charter in December that would create a European Union (EU)-style community among its members, which have a total population of around 560 million.

The planned economic, security, and cultural community would take ASEAN well beyond the "talking shop" some of its critics deride it as being.

ASEAN’s inability to get Myanmar’s junta to reform has been a major stumbling block to its ambition to exert economic and diplomatic muscle.

But on Sunday, Singapore’s Foreign Minister George Yeo offered a rare ray of optimism about ASEAN’s problem child, saying the generals could release detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in about half a year.

The Nobel peace laureate’s confinement to her lakeside home in Yangon was extended last May.

"Under their law, the maximum period of detention for Daw Sang Suu Kyi is one year, as approved by the home ministry and five more years as approved by the prime minister as a Cabinet decision ... meaning a maximum of six years," Yeo quoted Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Nyan Win as saying.

"And he told us the sixyear limit will come up in about half a year," Yeo said after a dinner with his Southeast Asian counterparts in Singapore.

Asked whether this meant Suu Kyi could be released in six months, he said: "I am just repeating to you what (Nyan Win) told me and I think that is not an inaccurate inference."

Suu Kyi has been confined for nearly 13 of the past 19 years. The draft declaration asks Myanmar to "take bolder steps towards a peaceful transition" but avoids criticizing the generals.

The foreign ministers, representing a diverse group of countries that include a kingdom and a junta, communist states and democracies, are expected to agree on the terms of reference for a landmark human rights body.

But indicative of the difficulties in integrating countries with long-standing border disputes, rivalries, and ancient animosities, Thailand and Cambodia have been at each other’s throats in recent days over the disputed site of a 900-year-old temple on their border on the eve of this week’s ASEAN meetings.

ASEAN is urging Thailand and Cambodia to show "utmost caution and restraint and abide by international obligations" and has offered to help resolve the stand-off in which hundreds of Thai and Cambodian troops have confronted each other for the past week.



Joint disaster relief still a dream in region

SINGAPORE (AFP) — Two years after Asia’s top security forum vowed to develop guidelines for joint disaster relief, precious little has been done and hundreds of thousands more have died in calamities around the region.

The Myanmar cyclone, China quake, and Philippines ferry sinking have catapulted disaster preparedness back to the top of the agenda of the annual ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) talks in Singapore on Thursday.

Ministers from the 27-member group — including the United States, China, Russia, the European Union, and the ASEAN countries — are expected to discuss a joint civilian-military disaster relief exercise, among other measures.

Aid workers said that while the forum was essentially a confidence-building talking shop, the recent spate of disasters and the threats posed by climate change should galvanise it into action.

"I’m optimistic that there can be some small steps, and even if it’s just about disaster risk reduction and preparing countries in the region, that would be a good thing," said Ashley Clements of international aid group World Vision.

ARF foreign ministers adopted a statement on disaster management and emergency response when they met in 2006, two years after the Asian tsunami killed some 220,000 people.

Among other things, the agreement called for "operating procedures" to be drawn up on civilian and military cooperation for humanitarian operations, and an inventory of military transport assets available in emergencies.

Thursday’s meeting should show what has been done to follow up on that pact, and how the forum wants to move ahead in the aftermath of the Myanmar and China disasters, which together left more than 208,000 people dead or missing.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was criticised by aid groups for not doing enough to pressure its military-run member Myanmar to open its doors to foreign relief workers after cyclone Nargis hit in early May.

Its own assessment teams took weeks to arrive in the disaster zone, but the bloc’s work to bridge the gap between the secretive junta and the international aid community has since won over many of the critics.

The Post-Nargis Joint Assessment, a report on the humanitarian conditions in storm-hit southern Myanmar by ASEAN, the United Nations, and the Myanmar junta, is due to be released Monday at a meeting of ASEAN ministers here.

"ASEAN did play a pretty important role in Myanmar in terms of creating the humanitarian space," said World Vision Asia-Pacific spokesman James East.

ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan was the driving force behind the bloc’s Myanmar response, describing it as a "baptism" in terms of leading an aid effort.

Even so, he said in Manila earlier this month that the region had to do more to be "prepared, coordinated and equipped" to confront the next disaster.

The bloc agreed in 2004 to establish a joint humanitarian relief centre in Jakarta, but that is still not in place. A 2005 pact on disaster management also has not been fully implemented.
(Stephen Coates)

If this thread is not appropriate or if there already is one like it, then go ahead and delete.

But I wanted everyone's opinions how the Philippines will be like in 42 years.
In terms of
-Economy: GDP, poverty, employment, etc.
-Culture, material: psych, social, etc.
-Environment: pollution, biodiversity, flora, etc.
-Architecture: housing style, skyscraper style
-Technology: cars, housing, computers, etc.
-Education


In my opinion, I know I maybe in the minority, but i think that the future of the Philippines is actually positive. Despite what the Philippines has went through in the last 50 years, lets not forget its former reputation. Immediately after WWII, the world deemed the Philippines as the potential world leader in Asia. Not, China, not Japan, not South Korea.



And to this day, we still have the advantages...
1. we have a great tourist mecca
2. a great English speaking population
3. very accommodating culture that foreigners fall in love with
3. a high literacy rate
4. a global industry
5. a democratic system
6. a great understanding of Americans, Europeans, Asians, Latin Americans
7. and a strong pride for the country.


The past 50 years of the Philippines has been plagued with the pattern of corruption seen by countries that have been colonized by Spain. You can't really compare the Philippines to the rest of Asia because they were colonized by Britain and France. You can however compare the Philippines to the Central and South American countries which have been colonized by Spain. And look at all of them...they are severely corrupt. But amidst all of that, time has healed some of these countries. Have you seen Rio De Jenairo, Brazil lately? Impressive, and Mexico is improving a lot too. And those countries have been independent for a lot longer than we have, they got independence in the late 1800's while we got independence in 1945?(Not sure) All throughout the 1900's, Brazil and Mexico have had really bad reputations. But some good leadership and good businessmen have made a name for these countries. All throughout Mexico's history as a sovereign nation, they have been the example of a corrupt nation, but their latest president, Felipe Calderon has really put his best foot forward for the Mexicans, and now they are slowly making a revival. That goes to show that it only takes one good president or leader to make a difference. And believe me, Mexico was WAY more corrupt then the Philippines is back in the 80's and 90's.



Moving on to the Filipinos, from what I see, Filipinos have a way better work ethic than most developing countries. You can see that buy the way we represent our selves as immigrants. Filipinos in America are either nurses, engineers, doctors or business men. Statistics show that Phil-Americans are into the upper middle class making $90,000-$150,000 a year on average. The average for white America is only $65,000. In school and in the work place, we are known as well behaved, loud...but charming and highly disciplined. So that just goes to show how Filipinos really are when they have a government that supports them. Compare Filipinos to Mexican Americans or other Hispanic Americans. They are known to be undisciplined, un-academic and in poverty. Look at European Americans, they are on the average with the rest of white America. IN CONCLUSION, the argument that the Philippines is poor because of lazy undisciplined people is false in my opinion. Just look at our stars, Charice Pempengco, Jabbawockeez, and Manny Pacquio. All the odds were against them. They didn't just get to the top on just pure talent alone. They got there through hard work and discipline.



Another thing that I want to tap at is national pride. There is no question in my mind that Filipinos are not patriotic. You go to any culture day at school and Filipinos will always be the ones bragging the most. We have a huge sense of community and we love to flash are Pinoy pride everywhere we go. When I was in the Philippines, everyone always stands up when reciting the Philippine national anthem. So that argument that Filipinos don't love they're country enough is not true IN MY HUMBLE OPINION.



I think that the Philippines is poor because of a horribly greedy set of families that runs everything that couldn't control the population explosion. Lets not forget that during the 60's, Philippine's population was only in the 20 millions. In just 40 years, the population multiplied over four times to the 90 million that it is today. I have a firm believe that we are poor because a corrupt and greedy family couldn't satisfy an unbelievably exploding population. The U.S.'s population only doubled from then 60's. China's population only doubled in the 60's as well. Under these conditions, it's hard to believe that the Philippines got where they are today. Another thing that plagues the Philippines is the divided people. In a country the size of Florida, we have over 200 ethnic groups and over 150 languages. China, along with the rest of Asia only have one language for the most part. Though Korea and China's provincial languages are only a small minority. So trying to unite people that live in over 500 islands is already difficult enough. The only other country that has this problem is Indonesia, but they're in the same boat as we are. Not only that, but we have some of the worst geographical conditions. We have huge monsoons that make hurricane Katrina look like child's play. And they happen every year! We have huge earthquakes that could topple are hard earned skyscrapers. We have volcano eruptions that need billions of dollars in repair. So all of these things are fighting against us.



In conclusion, if we can get just one, just one good leader to make an example out of a corrupt nation, then I think we can slowly heal the government. If we can attract foreign businesses for outsourcing, I think we can slowly climb up. If we just take advantage of the natural blessings that we have, then I think our country might just have a bright future ahead.



If you read it, thank you very much. I just wanted my opinions to be heard and for someone to discuss with. I know it's long and boring, but thank you.

I believe in the Philippines. I believe in Filipinos.

I'm tired of people who just rant and complain, bashing everything about the Philiippines thinking its cool or it makes them cool. I'm tired of the endless rallies with people making a career out of critcizing the government. The government will never be perfect and criticizing perpetually without providing solutions adds up to the problem.

As far as our opinions are parallel to each other, I agree with you.

As far as concrete solutions, here a list of things that I believe the country needs from its people so that it can develop (A list that I try to exhibit. It is my concrete contribution to the country. Whether anyone who reads this will do the same, I can only hope):

1. Change of perception - I exhibit national pride in both words and action. I always promote the Philippines when I can. I do not lie, but I highlight the good and simply shut up about the bad. People should stop bashing the country as past time.
2. Work hard and live a decent life - Enough said.
3. Obey rules and regulation - It is a way to not only to show respect to the country but also to set an example.
4. Exhibit pro-active positive attitude - Don't be just positive, be pro-active about it. That means spread being positive to others. That means supporting fellow filipinos.

I believe that for every bad thing happening, there are more good things taking place at the same time. It is just unfortunate that bad things are more trivial and therefore they receive more attention.

I believe the hopeless mindset is perpetuated by the babyboomers, people who experienced the edsa revolution and whose experience with the philippines has been one of deterioration from the glorious pre-martial law years to its struggles in the years after up to the present. Their perception is understandable because that is their experience. However, it is not everyone's and most certainly, it is not unchangeable.

Im sure the philippines will be a lot better in 42 yrs.

I believe in the Philippines. I believe in Filipinos.

I'm tired of people who just rant and complain, bashing everything about the Philiippines thinking its cool or it makes them cool. I'm tired of the endless rallies with people making a career out of critcizing the government. The government will never be perfect and criticizing perpetually without providing solutions adds up to the problem.

As far as our opinions are parallel to each other, I agree with you.

As far as concrete solutions, here a list of things that I believe the country needs from its people so that it can develop (A list that I try to exhibit. It is my concrete contribution to the country. Whether anyone who reads this will do the same, I can only hope):

1. Change of perception - I exhibit national pride in both words and action. I always promote the Philippines when I can. I do not lie, but I highlight the good and simply shut up about the bad. People should stop bashing the country as past time.
2. Work hard and live a decent life - Enough said.
3. Obey rules and regulation - It is a way to not only to show respect to the country but also to set an example.
4. Exhibit pro-active positive attitude - Don't be just positive, be pro-active about it. That means spread being positive to others. That means supporting fellow filipinos.

I believe that for every bad thing happening, there are more good things taking place at the same time. It is just unfortunate that bad things are more trivial and therefore they receive more attention.

I believe the hopeless mindset is perpetuated by the babyboomers, people who experienced the edsa revolution and whose experience with the philippines has been one of deterioration from the glorious pre-martial law years to its struggles in the years after up to the present. Their perception is understandable because that is their experience. However, it is not everyone's and most certainly, it is not unchangeable.

Yea! That's my kuyah! LoL

Another thing I want to point out is people always describe the Philippines as starving. What? Since when do people in the Philippines starve? We may have a low GDP per capital, horrible infrastructure, and little housing, that doesn't mean we starve! The average Filipino is 8 lbs. heavier than the average Chinese person. The average Filipino lives 70 years. Does that sound starving to you? And we're being compared to countries like Haiti? That has a life expectancy of like 40! Please!

Not to mention we are the best in gender equality in Asia. :-)

another thread for humiliation

another thread for humiliation

How is this for humiliation?

Here is my super optimistic prediction for 2050 (my realistic prediction to follow).

The following facts supposedly took place after Filipinos stopped criticizing each other and began successfully electing leaders that puts the country's interest first in the 2010's:

1. GDP is at 15% every year since 2020
2. Today's forex: 1 Php (down) = 80.23USD (up) = 40.32 EU (up)
3. Unemployment rate is at 0.0009%
4. National debt has been paid since 2022
5. Philippines develop clean and sustainable solar/hydro/nuclear energy technology in 2023
5. Filipinos no longer live below the poverty line and 80% of the population is considered middle-class
6. Filipino culture is emulated throughout the world, as filipino media begins to permeate the globe in 2024
7. Philippines begin to export technologically improved Sarao Jeepneys
8. World Survey: Philippine armed forces now have the best military technology and equipment in the world
9. Spratly Islands are awarded to the Philippines after China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan pull out their claims for unknown reasons
10. Sabah is also being offered back to the Philippines
11. Tourists in the Philippines have reached a total of 1 Billion in 2026
12. The Philippines has overtaken Japan in terms of economic progress
13. OFW now stands for Overseas Filipino Wealth, a statistic that measures Filipino investments abroad, as Overseas Filipino Workers have ceased to exist since 2018
14. Arabs have run out of oil and are now working in the Philippines as OAWs
15. The Philippines inaugurates the tallest structure in the world in 2028: The Manila 1000. A tower of 1000 floors reaching up to the edges of the atmosphere
16. The Philippines reclaims 100 acres of land from the ocean every year, thereby increasing the total land area of the country
17. Philippine citizenship is now highly coveted, having the best pension and health care plans in the world, prompting the creation of the Kagawaran ng Iligal na Dayuhan ng Pilipinas (Philippine Anti-Illegal Aliens Agency) or KIDP
18. American mail order brides become a concern
19. Philippines becomes a permanent member of the UN Security Council
20. The Sentro ng Panliparan at Pangkalawakang Pananaliksik ng Pilipinas (Philippine Aeronautics Research and Space Center) or SPPPP has been established
21. Filipino inventors invent teleportation technology in 2034, revolutionizing modern day transportation and making road and transportation infrastructure obsolete in the Philippines
22. The Philippines becomes a taxless society in 2040.
23. World Survey: Filipinos are ranked the happiest people in the planet
24. The Philippines successfully finds another planet capable of sustaining life and successfully colonizes it
25. Filipinos now exhibit national pride and are united, proud of their culture, history and heritage.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! :)

Here is my super optimistic prediction for 2050 (my realistic prediction to follow).

The following facts supposedly took place after Filipinos stopped criticizing each other and began successfully electing leaders that puts the country's interest first in the 2010's:

14. Arabs have run out of oil and are now working in the Philippines as OAWs


Sweet Revenge~! :nuts::lol:

Here is my super optimistic prediction for 2050 (my realistic prediction to follow).

The following facts supposedly took place after Filipinos stopped criticizing each other and began successfully electing leaders that puts the country's interest first in the 2010's:

1. GDP is at 15% every year since 2020
2. Today's forex: 1 Php (down) = 80.23USD (up) = 40.32 EU (up)
3. Unemployment rate is at 0.0009%
4. National debt has been paid since 2022
5. Philippines develop clean and sustainable solar/hydro/nuclear energy technology in 2023
5. Filipinos no longer live below the poverty line and 80% of the population is considered middle-class
6. Filipino culture is emulated throughout the world, as filipino media begins to permeate the globe in 2024
7. Philippines begin to export technologically improved Sarao Jeepneys
8. World Survey: Philippine armed forces now have the best military technology and equipment in the world
9. Spratly Islands are awarded to the Philippines after China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan pull out their claims for unknown reasons
10. Sabah is also being offered back to the Philippines
11. Tourists in the Philippines have reached a total of 1 Billion in 2026
12. The Philippines has overtaken Japan in terms of economic progress
13. OFW now stands for Overseas Filipino Wealth, a statistic that measures Filipino investments abroad, as Overseas Filipino Workers have ceased to exist since 2018
14. Arabs have run out of oil and are now working in the Philippines as OAWs
15. The Philippines inaugurates the tallest structure in the world in 2028: The Manila 1000. A tower of 1000 floors reaching up to the edges of the atmosphere
16. The Philippines reclaims 100 acres of land from the ocean every year, thereby increasing the total land area of the country
17. Philippine citizenship is now highly coveted, having the best pension and health care plans in the world, prompting the creation of the Kagawaran ng Iligal na Dayuhan ng Pilipinas (Philippine Anti-Illegal Aliens Agency) or KIDP
18. American mail order brides become a concern
19. Philippines becomes a permanent member of the UN Security Council
20. The Sentro ng Panliparan at Pangkalawakang Pananaliksik ng Pilipinas (Philippine Aeronautics Research and Space Center) or SPPPP has been established
21. Filipino inventors invent teleportation technology in 2034, revolutionizing modern day transportation and making road and transportation infrastructure obsolete in the Philippines
22. The Philippines becomes a taxless society in 2040.
23. World Survey: Filipinos are ranked the happiest people in the planet
24. The Philippines successfully finds another planet capable of sustaining life and successfully colonizes it
25. Filipinos now exhibit national pride and are united, proud of their culture, history and heritage.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! :)

It's good that dreaming is still free. ;)

15% Real GDP growth every year? kamusta sa inflation.

15% Real GDP growth every year? kamusta sa inflation.

Inflation is record breaking at -3.0% ... :P

Pls. tell me what is the reason why we are expensive than other SEA?

I agree that it is a sad reality but at least our manufacturers are providing employment. All is not lost for our country. In fact 28 quarters of continuous growth under GMA somehow prevented our country from slipping into an economic crisis. All the negative effects of the bad policies and exploitation done to us by our colonizers and bad leaders cannot be remedied overnight. No matter how bad GMA is perceived to be no one can argue about our country's improving situation. In fact the poverty level now has greatly improved and unemployment has been reduced. We should support her inspite of the recent scandals. The American people supported Bill Clinton inspite of his sexual misconducts coz the economy was booming during his time.

Our so called growth under GMA is attributed to the inflows from OFWs, which brings in money, money that spurs trading of goods, which are now mostly imported. Hardly any is now locally made. The growth is therefore creating a bigger problem: more lazy juan tamads waiting for their OFW relatives to remit money for them to spend. For every 100 pesos that is traded with imported goods, how many people benefited? Less than 10 for sure. Because these are just the tinderas and bodegeros. If these goods were locally produced, it will mean benefiting people with work: factory workers, drivers, purchasers, admin staff, etc. Add to this the side business that develops: carinderias/cafeterias, sari sari stores, shuttle services, etc. Of course, the same 100 peso goods will still be purchased by the same OFW's families. But now? Nope, its made in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, but hardly made in the PHilippines.

:lol: I like those positive (and unrealistic) predictions.

I like this one:

20. The Sentro ng Panliparan at Pangkalawakang Pananaliksik ng Pilipinas (Philippine Aeronautics Research and Space Center) or SPPPP has been established

:lol:

This one I hope will become true:

25. Filipinos now exhibit national pride and are united, proud of their culture, history and heritage.

^^ Yah, but remittances are part and parcel of our GNP. Our GDP, which is the most reliable measure of value and products and services WITHIN our country has significantly increased during GMA's term, reaching a 7.5 last 2007, the highest in 30 years. This can be attributed to GMA's sound economic fundumentals, fiscal reforms (such as the 12% VAT), as well as fiscal discipline - all which keeps our economy afloat despite the global crisis on food and oil, even if it has a negative impact to her popularity.

Inflation is record breaking at -3.0% ... :Pdeflation is not good. it is a sign of recession. economists, correct me on this. :D

deflation is not good. it is a sign of recession. economists, correct me on this. :D

Ah really? I'm not sure. Hmm.

Well, I was just aiming at the unprecedented lowering of the cost of goods in the philippines. I mean, if the GDP is up by 15%, Isn't that a sign that there's no recession? :P

By 2010, Philippines will have a balanced budget
By 2011, Philippines' GDP would have reached 10
By 2012, a constitutional assembly will be spearheaded for a federal form of government
By 2013, A new constitution will be ratified
By 2014, The government will be officially called as "The Federal Republic of the Philippines"
By 2015, PAGCOR entertainment city will be realized
By 2017, Philippines will become the tourist capital of Southeast Asia
By 2019, Philippines GDP would have reached 15
By 2020, Phlippines will become a 1st WORLD COUNTRY:)

Our so called growth under GMA is attributed to the inflows from OFWs, which brings in money, money that spurs trading of goods, which are now mostly imported. Hardly any is now locally made. The growth is therefore creating a bigger problem: more lazy juan tamads waiting for their OFW relatives to remit money for them to spend. For every 100 pesos that is traded with imported goods, how many people benefited? Less than 10 for sure. Because these are just the tinderas and bodegeros. If these goods were locally produced, it will mean benefiting people with work: factory workers, drivers, purchasers, admin staff, etc. Add to this the side business that develops: carinderias/cafeterias, sari sari stores, shuttle services, etc. Of course, the same 100 peso goods will still be purchased by the same OFW's families. But now? Nope, its made in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, but hardly made in the PHilippines.
I never been agree with balikbayan box , I think its better to give money. Most of the time you can buy cheaper products in the Philippines. Btw saying that only 10% of the filipino benefit from ofws' money its incorrect. The relatives actually do live in the Philippines and they are consumers too and consumers create jobs , No money no jobs ! Just think about the banks , and the department stores and schools.
On the other hand I'm an Ofw and you are right that most of my relatives in the Philippines are all lazy bastards waiting only for overseas money !!!
I believe that we are weak in manufacturing. Not only do we have a few manufacturing that is Filipino-established, but also many of our manufacturers produce 'low quality' products. Yes, there are those who produce world-class but there are only a handful. And many of these products are for exports only.

Don't you find it ironic that countries that do not have many natural resources and fertile lands like us are very progressive? Singapore has almost none, Japan too, South Korea, Taiwan but these are countries with good economy.

I would trade all our resources and our politicians with the Japanese politicians , then let's have a comparison after 20 years let see what happen.

As many country we should start producing quality products , we can't beat the chinese they are really too cheap even for us !

^^ what do you mean By 2011, Philippines' GDP would have reached 10% ?
10% of what?

by 2009, tigs will try to go back to pnas for atleast 3 weeks

By 2010, Philippines will have a balanced budget

By 2020, Phlippines will become a 1st WORLD COUNTRY:)

GMA's SONA last year and previous years was hoping to balance the budget, so as this year?

Talaga din naman yung mga "OTHER" expenses na yan sa libro... oo, hindi mahanapan kung saan ginastos or pinangregalo. :lol:

1st world country by 2020, that's a good wish list..... kung wala na sila Erap, Enrile, et al at GMA and friends sa mundong ito. :D

Porknight, I didn't say 10%, I said 10 people benefit from a sale of 100 pesos. When you talk about department stores, schools, these are big establishments. They have more than 10 employees, yes, but they don't sell 100 pesos only. They sell millions a day. Stores that OFW families spend the money people like you send back. True, they provide employment. But what is the ratio of people employed to the amount of sales being done? Again, the same money that is remitted will always be spent by the same recipient, but mostly on imported, traded goods, that are not produced here in the Philippines. The point here is that if that same OFW remittance is used to purchase a locally produced goods, it produces more employment through the manufacturing sector, and the same department store, school you mentioned, will still be there. But now, there is a bigger employment base.

That's assuming the juan tamads are still willing to work. You can see so many pot bellied standbys already, in the middle of the day.

^^ Yah, but remittances are part and parcel of our GNP. Our GDP, which is the most reliable measure of value and products and services WITHIN our country has significantly increased during GMA's term, reaching a 7.5 last 2007, the highest in 30 years. This can be attributed to GMA's sound economic fundumentals, fiscal reforms (such as the 12% VAT), as well as fiscal discipline - all which keeps our economy afloat despite the global crisis on food and oil, even if it has a negative impact to her popularity.

Our government is relying too much on that remittance you mentioned. What GMA is doing is as you said, keeping our economy afloat. But the Philippines will never prosper and will be left behind on the next industrial/world economy boom, by other countries that put an emphasis on manufacturing, be it industrial or agricultural. We can see that already, even among south east asian countries.

Of course our GDP is up, that's because the OFW money inflows has to be spent here in the Philippines. When my friend migrated to the US around 7 years ago, I remember telling him that he belonged to the 3000 daily new OFW that the government reported leaving the Philippines at that time. And that was 7 years ago. Include those that left more than 7 years ago, and those that continued to leave from that time till now, combine all their savings they can do, sending these back to the Philippines, and there you go, an industry in itself.

That's why our peso appreciated without a strong export manufacturing sector, as the main export by the Philippines IS the OFW.

^^ what do you mean By 2011, Philippines' GDP would have reached 10% ?
10% of what?

Uhmmm... 10 lang pala.. xuwi.. Di po ko economist. You could have been more constructive than sarcastic in correcting my statement.. :)

GMA's SONA last year and previous years was hoping to balance the budget, so as this year?

Talaga din naman yung mga "OTHER" expenses na yan sa libro... oo, hindi mahanapan kung saan ginastos or pinangregalo. :lol:

1st world country by 2020, that's a good wish list..... kung wala na sila Erap, Enrile, et al at GMA and friends sa mundong ito. :D

Kaya nga, it's a wishful thinking just as you said, not a prediction, uki? :)

Porknight, I didn't say 10%, I said 10 people benefit from a sale of 100 pesos. When you talk about department stores, schools, these are big establishments. They have more than 10 employees, yes, but they don't sell 100 pesos only. They sell millions a day. Stores that OFW families spend the money people like you send back. True, they provide employment. But what is the ratio of people employed to the amount of sales being done? Again, the same money that is remitted will always be spent by the same recipient, but mostly on imported, traded goods, that are not produced here in the Philippines. The point here is that if that same OFW remittance is used to purchase a locally produced goods, it produces more employment through the manufacturing sector, and the same department store, school you mentioned, will still be there. But now, there is a bigger employment base.

That's assuming the juan tamads are still willing to work. You can see so many pot bellied standbys already, in the middle of the day.
Atleast is something having more people having jobs its really something. I don't really know the situation down there the last time i was there was 6 years ago , But I remember that many sectors were not covered by Filipino products so I think its normal to buy imported. Btw I see more and more filipino products here in Italy than before , only food for now In the asian mini markets they got usually a big spot . whic is nice . What I really love to see here is Mango , They sell here terrible mangoes from north africa and south america and they don't have the best in the world one ?
Probably I was thinking that the philippines having a limited land can't produce enough to sell in all part of the world.
Our government is relying too much on that remittance you mentioned. What GMA is doing is as you said, keeping our economy afloat. But the Philippines will never prosper and will be left behind on the next industrial/world economy boom, by other countries that put an emphasis on manufacturing, be it industrial or agricultural. We can see that already, even among south east asian countries.

Of course our GDP is up, that's because the OFW money inflows has to be spent here in the Philippines. When my friend migrated to the US around 7 years ago, I remember telling him that he belonged to the 3000 daily new OFW that the government reported leaving the Philippines at that time. And that was 7 years ago. Include those that left more than 7 years ago, and those that continued to leave from that time till now, combine all their savings they can do, sending these back to the Philippines, and there you go, an industry in itself.

That's why our peso appreciated without a strong export manufacturing sector, as the main export by the Philippines IS the OFW.

This is really bad , they have to use the money of the OFWs to make more money they can't always rely on them . Many of us want to see improvements and older Ofws are willing to come back when they had enough money to start new business but the government should give more positive responses.

Our government has become too shortsided, too reactive, instead of making long term plans, and being proactive. Selfishness and corruption has really taken its toll on our economy, and more importantly our culture.

There was a group that wanted to build a petrochemical facility in the Philippines some 10 years ago. We scared them away. T3 fiasco turned off a lot of foreign investors. When we have wishy washy policies that keep on changing every administration change, or even during the running administration's term, where sometimes its a 180 degree change, and totally disregarding any firm contracts in the past, really tells foreign investors: whoa... a deal is good only if you remain the flavor of the month. Don't you miss the roads that were built by the Americans, Japanese, and hey, even the Koreans, roads that were so smooth, compared to now where you know it was locally built, rough rides, and substandard where in a few years, cracks and potholes develop. You didn't see that with the foreign contractors.

What's left? Philippines now more of a trading post than a manufacturing country. But mind you, there is no problem being a trading post: look at Hongkong, and even Singapore for example. They thrive more with trading rather than manufacturing. As long as it is done right.

Don't you miss the roads that were built by the Americans, Japanese, and hey, even the Koreans, roads that were so smooth, compared to now where you know it was locally built, rough rides, and substandard where in a few years, cracks and potholes develop. You didn't see that with the foreign contractors.



Funny how your statement just reminded me of another one of my experiences while vacationing in the Philippines. While being driven around inside my Aunt's car, I noticed that roads are bumpy even though they were cemented. I was riding inside a car, not an old car but rather a well maintained SUV and it was a noticeably bumpy ride even though the road was cemented. Just an experience and not meant to bash good ole Philippines.

^^^^^^Ive also driven and still driving on cemented roadways and asphalted roadways here in the United States so somehow I have a basis for comparison. Again not to bash the Philippines but sharing experiences.

probably because most philippine manufactured autos and suv has no real good suspension..LOL I guess it depends on where you actually drive in the philippines, but then again comparing to US there are still alot of roads that needs to be improved in the Philippines. Baka naman gusto mo lang masiguro na ma-emphasize nasa USA ka rin...he he

That's assuming the juan tamads are still willing to work. You can see so many pot bellied standbys already, in the middle of the day.


Problem also is that most Filipino companies "discriminate" thus a lot of Filipinos cannot find jobs..

1.) Should be 21-25 y.o. only OR should be less than 30 y.o. :bash: (In Singapore, lots of old people working in McDonalds)

2.) Should be at least 5'6 :bash:

3.) Should submit NBI, Police, and Barangay Clearances (Isn't one more than enough????).. So meaning past offenders who are now reformed are automatically disqualified from having a job.. Even those with cases (like napagbintangan lang) are automatically disqualified from having a job;

4.) Should have pleasing personality

5.) Should be a graduate of BS Computer Science (even if the job involves typing documents in Microsoft Word or some simple programming that even an idiot can perform);

6.) Should be an accounting or business ad graduate (even if the job is only a teller in a bank or a cashier)

7.) Should be a college/university graduate (even if the job is just an assistant or a barista in a coffee shop)

....and a whole lot more...


and then there's the hidden requirement:

--> Should come from UP, Ateneo, LaSalle, etc.


...and here's a hilarious requirement:

- Submit a full body picture (found this ad in a hospital recruiting Nurses) :bash:




.....

...and here's a hilarious requirement:

- Submit a full body picture (found this ad in a hospital recruiting Nurses) :bash:




.....

With or without clothes:omg:

Problem also is that most Filipino companies "discriminate" thus a lot of Filipinos cannot find jobs..

1.) Should be 21-25 y.o. only OR should be less than 30 y.o. :bash: (In Singapore, lots of old people working in McDonalds)

2.) Should be at least 5'6 :bash:

3.) Should submit NBI, Police, and Barangay Clearances (Isn't one more than enough????).. So meaning past offenders who are now reformed are automatically disqualified from having a job.. Even those with cases (like napagbintangan lang) are automatically disqualified from having a job;

4.) Should have pleasing personality

5.) Should be a graduate of BS Computer Science (even if the job involves typing documents in Microsoft Word or some simple programming that even an idiot can perform);

6.) Should be an accounting or business ad graduate (even if the job is only a teller in a bank or a cashier)

7.) Should be a college/university graduate (even if the job is just an assistant or a barista in a coffee shop)

....and a whole lot more...


and then there's the hidden requirement:

--> Should come from UP, Ateneo, LaSalle, etc.


...and here's a hilarious requirement:

- Submit a full body picture (found this ad in a hospital recruiting Nurses) :bash:
.....
Yeah even for salesmen/ladies positions on a department store they require atleast 2 years or more at college according to one of my many cousins.
Then I really hate when the require pleasant personality . Not everybody were been blessed with beauty .

Its unfair , I can understand for positions like prostitute you need to be beautiful but for being a nurse , saleslady/man , cashier in bank.. ecc.
You don't need to be good looking , you just need to be smart .

With or without clothes:omg:

^^ Lol I guess with the clothes on , but you get more chances without.

Problem also is that most Filipino companies "discriminate" thus a lot of Filipinos cannot find jobs..

1.) Should be 21-25 y.o. only OR should be less than 30 y.o. :bash: (In Singapore, lots of old people working in McDonalds)

2.) Should be at least 5'6 :bash:

3.) Should submit NBI, Police, and Barangay Clearances (Isn't one more than enough????).. So meaning past offenders who are now reformed are automatically disqualified from having a job.. Even those with cases (like napagbintangan lang) are automatically disqualified from having a job;

4.) Should have pleasing personality

5.) Should be a graduate of BS Computer Science (even if the job involves typing documents in Microsoft Word or some simple programming that even an idiot can perform);

6.) Should be an accounting or business ad graduate (even if the job is only a teller in a bank or a cashier)

7.) Should be a college/university graduate (even if the job is just an assistant or a barista in a coffee shop)

....and a whole lot more...


and then there's the hidden requirement:

--> Should come from UP, Ateneo, LaSalle, etc.


...and here's a hilarious requirement:

- Submit a full body picture (found this ad in a hospital recruiting Nurses) :bash:


.....

That is deplorable. :ohno:

that is what happens when you have an oversupply of workers. they can be picky.

India to open major chunk of trade under FTA with ASEAN (http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200808101222.htm)


New Delhi (PTI): India will eliminate or substantially reduce duties on almost 96 per cent of the items it trades with ASEAN but protect the sensitive agriculture sector by keeping over 300 items out of the free trade agreement with the 10-nation bloc.

The other sensitive areas which New Delhi will protect from the FTA include textiles and chemicals, the two areas of strength for the ASEAN, a high level official told PTI.

The two sides have resolved their differences on the level of protection and the demand for market access for products mainly palm oil.

Though running late by two years, the formal announcement for conclusion of the talks will be made in Singapore around the month-end by trade ministers from India and other leading ASEAN members. The agreement will finally be signed at the India-ASEAN summit in December in Bangkok, to be attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

While India protected its sensitive industries like textiles and chemicals, the ASEAN shielded its turf on automobiles and steel.

In all, India will keep 489 items out of the tariff cut by putting them in the negative list but the tariff reduction and elimination commitment will cover 95.65 per cent of the country's 30-billion-dollar trade with the south East-Asian trading bloc.


http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200808101222.htm

Australia PM Rudd sees Pacific union in 12 years
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=129551

Singapore (dpa) - Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd praised the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Tuesday while pushing his vision of an Asian Pacific Community by 2020.

In a whirlwind visit to Singapore, Rudd laid a wreath at Kranji war cemetery before dawn, met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, and delivered a lecture to business leaders, academics and others.

Criticism of Asean for its lack of action "is a mistake," Rudd said. The 10-member organisation has had "great success in avoiding conflict among member states."

Noting Australia became Asean's first dialogue partner in 1944, Rudd said the grouping has "grown and matured."

Asean is "building a sense of regional identity" with the Asean Charter, which will turn it into a rules-based legal entity once ratified by all the members, Rudd said.

The grouping comprises Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Burma.

During the lecture organised by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Rudd also brought up his proposal for an Asia Pacific Community by 2020.

"We must face the future or the future will shape us," he said.

Rudd and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong signed a pact on defence cooperation earlier, characterising it as a natural step in strengthening bilateral relations.

The agreement expands military exercises, development of military expertise and resource sharing.

Rudd, in his first official visit to the city-state as prime minister, was scheduled to return to Australia after seven days abroad, starting with the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Why are we being surpassed by our ASEAN neighbors?

1.) Corruption: not only money but in abuse of power and all those typical corrupt doings.
2.) Filipino Crab Mentality: when one sees another progress in living, he will try to drag that person down to get even.
3.) Filipino Officials' Ignorance of the Law

some are the examples:

a. Our congressman bent our constitutional laws as seen in bypassing the senate for the constitutional convention to change the constitution thinking that the word "CONGRESS" in the constitution only pertains to the lower house (house of representatives=congressmen).

b. A lot of our officials who are in office may be lawyer but are really unknowing to the real word for word meaning of the laws. Most of them do practice law but are unable to fully internalize it.

c. The Present Memorandum of agreement between the MILF and GRP panel that seeks to expand ARMM. The GRP-MILF panels almost agreed to an agreement without even reading the first ARMM creation bill:


August 1, 1989
REPUBLIC ACT No. 6734

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR AN ORGANIC ACT FOR THE AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO

ARTICLE VII
The Legislative Department

Section 2. The Regional Assembly may create, divide, merge, abolish or substantially alter boundaries of any municipality or barangay in accordance with the criteria laid down by existing law subject to approval by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite in the political units directly affected. It may also change the names of such local government units, public places and institutions.

-in this case, no plebiscite is made and the MOA was concealed from the local executives and legislatives of the provinces affected by the recent MOA.

4.) Vote selling/buying: we keep on saying for truth in the electoral system when most of us continue to sell his/her vote. We ask for change and change when the problem is ourselves.

5.) Lack of National Will for Public Officials

6.) Public Officials' Lack of Fear to the People : many public officials in the Philippines think they have all what it takes to do what they want.

7.) Presidents Who Do Not Respect Public Opinions, Polls, and other Critical Meters.

I really envy how the media and the public influence the gov't here in taiwan. If only we could learn from them i think it's not far that we can achieve a better gov't and that the rights of the citizens are always protected.

What do you think bro? yes or no?

Nope, has never learn from the past yet.

nope.

i can only say it has matured if corruption is eliminated or even just minimized.

Nope, particularly on how people deal with politics.

nope, still very immature as of now.

Toyota picks RP as global engine hub

Opens P5.6-B transmission facility in Laguna
By Ronnel Domingo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 18:51:00 08/24/2008

MANILA, Philippines--Toyota Motor Corp. is ramping up its Philippine operations to cement the country's role as its global manufacturing hub for manual transmission systems with the inauguration last Friday of a P5.6-billion expanded facility in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The expansion also marked Toyota Autoparts Philippines' starting production of the R-type transmission (RTM) that is used in Toyota's innovative international multipurpose vehicles or IMV series.

TMC chairman Fujio Cho graced the launch of the new facility, which he described as "a crucial component in our global (IMV) product line."

Toyota Autoparts president Yasuro Takeuchi said in an interview that the expanded facility at the Toyota Special Economic Zone featured a new building meant to accommodate planned increases in production and exports.

"We have three other RTM production bases in Japan, Thailand and India," Takeuchi said. "But the direction is toward making three global hubs for automatic and manual transmissions--the United States, Poland and the Philippines."

"Transmission systems that are produced here are competitive in terms of quality and cost compared to those made elsewhere in the region, even in Japan," he added.

The IMV series include the Innova utility vehicle, the Hilux pickup and the Fortuner sports utility vehicle.

Compared to the G-type gear box (GTM) that the company has been producing since 1992, the RTM is meant for vehicles that have bigger engine displacements.

The GTM is used in Hilux and Innova units with 2- and 2.5-liter engines while the RTM is used in all three IMVs with 2.5-, 2.7- and 3-liter engines.

Takeuchi said that for the fiscal year that ends in March 2009, the company planned to produce 300,000 transmission units or two-thirds more than the output in the previous year.

This accounts for the regular GTM output of 180,000 units a year and the initial 120,000 units of RTM that would be produced until March 2009.

Starting in Toyota's fiscal year 2010, RTM output will equal that of its GTM output.

With about 97 percent of production meant for export, Toyota Autoparts intends to ship out 290,000 units in 2009, or an increase of 71 percent.

The RTM is scheduled for shipment to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, South Africa, Venezuela and Argentina.

As for the GTM, this is used in the locally assembled Innova and also exported to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia as well as Pakistan and India.

Takeuchi explained that the increasing global demand for IMVs prompted the decision to put up a RTM production line in Sta. Rosa.

RTM production provides 500 new jobs and more business to Toyota's local suppliers, which include Daiwa-Seiko Philippines, Aichi Forging, Technol-Eight, Philippine Hikari Seiko, Tokai-Rika Philippines, Othsuka Philippines and Koyo Philippines.

Toyota picks RP as global engine hub

Opens P5.6-B transmission facility in Laguna
By Ronnel Domingo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 18:51:00 08/24/2008

MANILA, Philippines--Toyota Motor Corp. is ramping up its Philippine operations to cement the country's role as its global manufacturing hub for manual transmission systems with the inauguration last Friday of a P5.6-billion expanded facility in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

"We have three other RTM production bases in Japan, Thailand and India," Takeuchi said. "But the direction is toward making three global hubs for automatic and manual transmissions--the United States, Poland and the Philippines."

"Transmission systems that are produced here are competitive in terms of quality and cost compared to those made elsewhere in the region, even in Japan," he added.

This is such a nice article! I hope more vehicle-manufacturing companies put up their global hubs here. :D

^^
agree!

Yeahh Both of You are right!:banana:

"It will take a lot of patience, a lot of resolve, to try and unravel this complex web controlled by a few cronies" Malaysia's Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on a bid to remove government


China is not a new power but an old power revived --Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew on Beijing Olympics


"Teka hwag na nga lang muna" --FVR on 2010 election

I have just read the article and I've noticed that the date was wrong. It should be 1994 and not 1944. Heck, Thailand is the only sovereign state at that time.

I admire this new PM of Australia. He is a believer of a Union in Asia. I'm just wondering if ASEAN can really emerge as strong and united. Some issues are unresolved and left hanging for so long... Hey, PM Rudd speaks Mandarin.

No sign of crisis in the banking and finance sector

RP banks may call on SEA liquidity swap deals (http://businessmirror.com.ph/09252008/banking01.html)

Jun Vallecera
Reporter


IF push comes to shove, banks in the Philippines can depend not just on the repurchase window of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) but also on funds available through central banks in Southeast Asia.

In an e-mail message, BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said governors of South East Asian Central Bank, or Seacen, have recently reminded themselves in Thailand that while the region’s banks have shown resilience in the ongoing financial turmoil, they can access liquidity through a swap facility forged many years earlier.

The swap facility ensures access to the foreign-exchange reserves of countries within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or Asean, hammered out in the form of bilateral deals in the wake of the 1997 financial crisis.

The post-1997 bilateral agreements include the foreign-exchange reserves of China, Japan and South Korea—the so-called Asean +3.

“We don’t think it will come to that, but that fund is still there and available should it become necessary,” Tetangco said.

He flew to Bangkok over the weekend to confer with fellow central bank governors in the region on what had been their policy response to the tumult created by the demise or merger of some of the most powerful names in the world of investment banking and securities trading.

Seacen members concluded the series of meetings in Bangkok unanimous in the policy position that Asean banks do not need to be rescued at all.

“We concluded that most Asian banks are resilient and that’s because of their resources and the sustained good performance of Asian economies. So we are not in crisis mode here,” Tetangco said.

While the central-bank governors have taken on an approach of confidence that their lenders are not under threat in the face of the current credit crisis, each governor pledged “to closely monitor developments so we know immediately how it would affect the region as a whole,” Tetangco said.

So far there are no reports anywhere in the Philippines of banks experiencing a run of depositors that worry about the safety of their money.

“We are monitoring the banks on a daily basis and, thus far, based on reports we released earlier, nothing unusual is happening,” Tetangco said.

“Bank operations are normal; we are stable. There had been no unusual withdrawals nationwide,” he added.

The foreign-currency swap agreements the BSP signed with other central banks in the region are all negotiated on bilateral basis.

Each is renewed every year as a precaution. Since the creation of the bilateral swap deals in the wake of the 1997 financial crisis, there had been no reason for any country, the Philippines included, to make a swap call.

Central banks in Europe and the US fear that banks may refuse to extend credit until the financial fallout from the demise, sale or merger of some of the biggest institutions in global finance has cleared.

US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson Jr. and US Fed chairman Ben Bernanke are chief architects in the US effort to unfreeze that reluctance by proposing to inject American taxpayers’ money worth $700 billion into the world’s financial markets.

That sum represents the cost of repairing the damage estimated to reach between $500 billion to $1 trillion.

http://businessmirror.com.ph/09252008/images/oped-pic.jpg

Dangerous game (http://businessmirror.com.ph/09252008/opinion01.html)

THE irony is most telling: the bad news swamping the good.

As reports filtered out of fortress Burma on Tuesday that after 19 years of incarceration, journalist U Win Tin has finally been released from Burma’s notorious Insein prison, came the news also, through the Inter Press Service (IPS), that Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, in detention for 12 of the past 18 years, has grown weak for refusing food for nearly a month. This casts a shadow on the future of Burma’s democracy movement, given Suu Kyi’s iconic role as the world’s conscience in one of its most authoritarian regimes.

“Journalists across Southeast Asia—indeed, across Asia, around the world—will be cheering U Win Tin’s release. If there has to be just one man to symbolize the struggle for press freedom in Southeast Asia in the past two decades, that man will have to be U Win Tin. We are heartened by initial news that his spirit to fight for democracy remains unbroken. He will remain an important force and inspiration for carrying on the fight for free expression in this region.” That enthusiastic reaction came from Roby Alampay, a veteran Filipino journalist and executive director of the Bangkok-based Southeast Asian Press Alliance.

Yet, from the initial TV clips of journalist U Win Tin, the ravages of time and mistreatment, presumably—what Edita Burgos calls the twins of “nature and torture”—have taken quite a toll on the man in the 19 years he has been jailed. That thought—that this junta has the capacity and the brutal will to wear down its enemies—comes to mind when one ponders the future of democracy, given that such people as Mr. U Win Tin and Suu Kyi have been at it for more than it took to unseat Ferdinand Marcos. And, at 62, how long can Suu Kyi continue to inspire the struggle, especially now that her health is affected by her latest protest, though her party mates at the National League of Democracy won’t call it yet a hunger strike.

It is clear that the junta can take forever to wear down Suu Kyi and like-minded Burmese, the loud denunciations in international forums like the United Nations (UN) notwithstanding. But, perhaps, 18 years after winning by landslide the parliamentary elections only to be shunted aside by the junta, Suu Kyi is nearing the end of her patience and decided to up the stakes—especially after the junta decided to extend her five-year, latest jail sentence by another year, in clear violation of law and in mockery of international appeals.

To the wimps in the UN and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, she is, perhaps saying, enough is enough. The game in Burma has reached a dangerous stage, with Suu Kyi making what IPS writer Zin Linn described as a “brave wake-up call.” But, given its track record, there’s little hope the junta could be moved, unless more extreme incidents happen, or it becomes clear to the generals that a patriot like her dead is the last thing they need at this time.

PSE to tie up with other Southeast Asian stock markets (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/122811/PSE-to-tie-up-with-other-Southeast-Asian-stock-markets#)

Article posted September 25, 2008 - 10:56 AM
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and its counterparts in Southeast Asia have agreed to electronically link their stock markets and set up an Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) board.

In a disclosure, the PSE said it will enter into an agreement with five other Asean bourses to link their exchanges.

Those participating are Bursa Malaysia, Hochi Minh Stock Exchange, Indonesia Stock Exchange, Singapore Stock Exchange and the Stock Exchange of Thailand. GMANews.TV

^^ That's nice. :) We're becoming more united as a region, well the richer, larger ones anyway. ASEAN Pride! :tongue2:

di ba may proposal na maging "one region, one curreny" sa isa sa mga naging ASEAN Summit? like euro:)

Australia, Philippines sign tsunami warning deals (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/120014/Australia-Philippines-sign-tsunami-warning-deals#)

Article posted September 12, 2008 - 11:50 PM

VIENNA, Austria - Australia and the Philippines signed agreements Friday enabling them to receive real-time data on any earthquake that could cause a tsunami, information that would come from an organization overseeing a treaty banning nuclear explosions.

The Vienna-based Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization said data it collects at its monitoring facilities, which are set up to detect nuclear explosions, could give authorities two and a half minutes of additional warning. That vital time could be used to alert the public ahead of the devastating waves.

In December 2004, a massive earthquake off Indonesia's Sumatra island triggered a tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people — 131,000 of them in Aceh province alone.

A tsunami off Java island last year killed nearly 5,000.

The Vienna-based organization's executive secretary, Tibor Toth, signed separate agreements with Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo and Peter Shannon, Australia's permanent representative to the United Nations in Vienna.

"It is very, very important," Romulo said in a statement.

Shannon said the deal was "part of a network that has developed since the terrible disasters that the Asia-Pacific region experienced."

The organization has been providing real-time and continuous data on a test basis to tsunami warning centers in Australia, Hawaii, Japan and Malaysia since March 2005 in collaboration with UNESCO.

In August, Japan signed a formal agreement for this kind of warning. Indonesia is expected to follow suit in November. - AP

RP set as Ultimate Fighting Championship's Southeast Asian hub (RP set as Ultimate Fighting Championship's Southeast Asian hub)

By ROY MEDINA, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 09/22/2008 7:08 PM

Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell during question time with Philippine media in Quezon City, Sept. 22, 2008.Filipino mixed martial arts fans will surely have something big to look forward to in 2009 as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world's premiere mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, is planning to expand to Southeast Asia by next year and plans to use the Philippines as its base of operations.

"We're expanding into Southeast Asia, and we wanna use the Philippines and Manila as a springboard to make it happen," Lorenzo Fertitta, chairman and chief executive of Zuffa, LLC, the media and entertainment company that owns UFC, told sports reporters during a media day at ABS-CBN's 9501 restaurant in Quezon City on Monday.

Fertitta, who arrived with two-time UFC lightweight champion Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell over the weekend, said that the sport has grown so big in America that at times, it has exceeded ratings of other popular sporting events in the US.

"You may or may not know it but the UFC has become one of the largest sports franchises in the United States. The ratings on our TV shows exceeded the NBA, at times exceeded the NFL, exceeded the Major League Baseball, so we've grown tremendously in the United States and Canada," he added.

The next logical step, said Fertitta, is to bring the UFC to the world.

"We're expanding into Europe, we have an office in the UK, we're planning fights in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Finland, Denmark," the UFC big boss added.

Two guys slugging it out

Fertitta explained how and why the UFC has grown so much in appeal and cult following within the last seven years since it was acquired by Zuffa in 2001.

"One of the things we've found is that the UFC translates very well. Some sports don't necessarily translate very well. People outside America don't necessarily understand football, people in America don't understand cricket," he said.

UFC chief executive and chairman Lorenzo Fertitta.Fertitta said that with this in mind, it would translate to the thinking that " if you dont understand the rules, you don't get it."

The great thing about the UFC, he said, is that it goes everywhere and people can immediately relate to it..

"Fighting is in our DNA. Everyone loves to watch when you put two guys in The Octagon using any martial art they want, and everybody gets it right away," he said.

UFC in Manila by May

Fertitta, meanwhile, has this to say when asked to elaborate on UFC's plan to establish a base in the Philippines:" We're currently working on it right now, there's a lot of planning and a lot of things that have to be put in place to bring in an event of that size and magnitude over here."

He said that the UFC, together with ABS-CBN, plans to organize something by May 2009.

"We're hoping that we can organize something for the summertime, maybe around May," he said.

However, a lot of things will come into play, he added.

Despite these factors, Fertitta assured UFC fans that, "Definitely, we're going to be here in the Philippines as soon as we possibly could."

Huge market

The UFC head honcho said they were surprised at the huge turnout at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Sunday when Liddell had an open workout there.

"When we went to the Mall of Asia yesterday (Sunday), we had an incredible turnout. Just walking down the street, everybody recognized Chuck Liddell," he said.

Fertitta said that following the warm welcome received on Sunday, they are now more certain of the UFC's chances in the Philippines.

"We love the Philippines, the UFC wants to come here and put on a big show, and become a part of the sports industry here," he said.

He added that the probability of the UFC to establish a Philippine base of operations is "very high."

"I think it's a very high percentage, almost 100 percent," he said, adding that the UFC is already committed to the Filipino market.

"We love the fans here, we think we can build a real business here and we'll be here for sure," he said.

MMA explained; fighter safety on top

A UFC fact sheet explains MMA as "an intense and evolving combat sport in which competitors use interdisciplinary forms of fighting."

These fighting forms include jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and others.

Scoring for MMA events is based on athletic commission-approved definitions for striking (blows with the hands, feet, knees or elbows) and grappling (submission, choke holds, throws or takedowns).

"No single discipline reigns," UFC said.

Despite the intensity and the physical nature of MMA, the UFC as an organization said fighter safety is very important.

"Fighter safety is of paramount concern to UFC owenership and management: it is noteworthy that no competitor has even been seriously injured in a UFC event," it said.

as of 09/23/2008 11:39 AM

aiwan-model technology research proposed for economy to take off
spacer


Melody M. Aguiba

The research agency that virtually turned Taiwan around from an agrarian to an industrialized economy suggests that the Philippines should put up a similar agency that can get technologies take off from the shelves.

The Philippines may derive a model from Taiwan in having established in 1973 the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) which widely bridged the gap needed in technology commercialization.

ITRI President Johnsee Lee told a Congressional Commission on Science, Technology, and Engineering (Comste) forum that the US technology model (of the academe collaborating with industries) may not work in Asian countries like Taiwan and the Philippines. But the ITRI model may work too for the country as much as it did in Taiwan . "I mentioned to Congressman (Mariano) Piamonte that the US model does not work for countries like Philippines and Taiwan. US companies are very big and have the capability to do research through links with the university. ITRI is like something in between to get the universities to work with industries," said Lee. Such institution, he said, should be run like a private enterprise, although it may receive seed money from government.

Comste Deputy Executive Director Dennis Ramon B. Posadas said that government has been studying the setting up of an institution that will enable the country to develop niche products that have high commercial potential. And ITRI may just lead the way. "We may set up an R&D institute that’s partly government and partly private. This may need a legislation. The role of government is basically to set incentives, maybe give some grants, some tax breaks," he said in an interview. Essential to making research institutions meet private enterprises’ needs for technology is a law that allows government-funded R&D works to be owned and patented by researchers themselves. "There should be a law that is like the (US’s) Bayh Dole Act. We have this in Taiwan, the Basic Law for Science and Technology approved 10 years ago. Before that, (selling the technology) was very difficult," said Lee.

Comste Executive Director Fortunato Dela Pena said that to start off with a similar ITRI agency, government may pass a law converting the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) into a profit-earning corporation. ASTI at present is one of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DoST) seven research institutes. While earning a small profit, ASTI remits much of its earnings to government. "In my own personal view, I would probably start small and consider ASTI which is now focused on ICT (Information Communication Technology) and electronics to corporatize. Their mandate can cover many areas, not only ICT. Because it is advanced science and technology, it can also be on biotechnology and nanotechnology," he said. As Taiwan has been beefing up its R&D budget which is now approaching three percent of gross domestic product (GDP), the country should devote more budget for this from its present minuscule 0.12 percent of GDP, many times less than that of Taiwan, a lot smaller country of 23 million people. Lee noted that in the 1950s-1960s, the Philippines had a higher per capita income at 0 per person than Taiwan at 5. But with its investments in R&D, ninth biggest in the world at .372 billion as of 2004, it has experienced an economic miracle that has made it sixteenth in rank in global trade with a per capita income of ,790 and foreign exchange reserve as of August 2008 of 2.090 billion or fifth in the world. Lee said the Philippines still has an edge in being an English speaking-country and in having many natural resources, unlike Taiwan that only has its people as resource. However, its sole wealth in people, he stressed, enabled Taiwan to tap its greatest potential in developing high-technology industries. ITRI, an agency with more than 5,000 researchers and more than 1,000 Ph.Ds, has enabled the spin-off of many technology companies. The emergence of world’s biggest wafer foundry Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is partly attributed to it. ITRI has invested more than NT billion and has helped growth and birth of 255 companies under its Open Lab. These are Taiwan’s world market share in technology products: soho router, 93 percent; WLAN, 90 percent; Ethernet LAN switch, 84 percent; and cable CPE, 80 percent.

http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS20080929136551.html

This is the 21st century..

...we dont need to understand rocket science to come up with our own economic development strategies....

...These guys who keep on telling us that we should do this and do that specially foreign "experts" dont even know our history....

...they assumed that what worked for them will work for us....

...just like when they keep on ramming to our throats that the Philippines can develop economically if we convert our economy into a service oriented one with no manufacturing industry or agriculture to speak of...

...This is the most stupid, idiotic, chicken shit, jackass economic idea that I ever heard... :bash::bash:

...No country can attain economic development without agriculture and industrialization!!

...Yung Singapore and Hong kong are special cases because they are mere cities....

....in the next 100 years..they better look for other economic strategies because the amount of energy and food will determine the survival of countries...

...Yung mga consumer electronics or industrial goods will lose their importance in the near future when basic needs for survival will be the priority of governments....

...If you read between the lines these a-holes global experts just want to maintain a market for their benefactors (industrialized countries) with a declining population, overproduction and shrinking domestic market..So ang Pinas gigisahin...

..Yang demonyong JPEPA na yan ay example ng panloloko sa atin...With a shrinking population comes a shrinking market so Japan needs a new market..tayo yun..

...So that they can maintain their lifestyles and economic status at the expense of poor countries like ours...


...we need to have our own strategy fit for Philippine needs and settings and not models of any country..

...Since, we became Philippines...we have already tried all strategies dictated to us by foreigners and yet we failed to effectively solve our economic woes such as poverty...its time to determine our own path of development....

100 % correct.

This is the 21st century..

...we dont need to understand rocket science to come up with our own economic development strategies....

...These guys who keep on telling us that we should do this and do that specially foreign "experts" dont even know our history....

...they assumed that what worked for them will work for us....

...just like when they keep on ramming to our throats that the Philippines can develop economically if we convert our economy into a service oriented one with no manufacturing industry or agriculture to speak of...

...This is the most stupid, idiotic, chicken shit, jackass economic idea that I ever heard... :bash::bash:

...No country can attain economic development without agriculture and industrialization!!

...Yung Singapore and Hong kong are special cases because they are mere cities....

....in the next 100 years..they better look for other economic strategies because the amount of energy and food will determine the survival of countries...

...Yung mga consumer electronics or industrial goods will lose their importance in the near future when basic needs for survival will be the priority of governments....

...If you read between the lines these a-holes global experts just want to maintain a market for their benefactors (industrialized countries) with a declining population, overproduction and shrinking domestic market..So ang Pinas gigisahin...

..Yang demonyong JPEPA na yan ay example ng panloloko sa atin...With a shrinking population comes a shrinking market so Japan needs a new market..tayo yun..

...So that they can maintain their lifestyles and economic status at the expense of poor countries like ours...


...we need to have our own strategy fit for Philippine needs and settings and not models of any country..

...Since, we became Philippines...we have already tried all strategies dictated to us by foreigners and yet we failed to effectively solve our economic woes such as poverty...its time to determine our own path of development....

Couldn't agree more.

...So that they can maintain their lifestyles and economic status at the expense of poor countries like ours...


...we need to have our own strategy fit for Philippine needs and settings and not models of any country..




:)

how i wish we were newly industrialized or something! like were even named the sick man of the SHITHOLE.... so i guess we were being taught always to believe in miracles, so let it be! anywayz, if that happens, its everyday prophecy that life is just a spinnning wheel, sometimes your up, sometimes your down...but until now, we're still down, not even in the surface of it! :nuts::nuts::nuts:

Just this hour: Singapore-based Channel News Asia reported that the PHILIPPINES is the HOTTEST REAL ESTATE MARKET in SOUTHEAST ASIA!

:banana::cheers::banana::cheers:

Asean bourses to set up trading linkage (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/10062008/companies04.html)

By Honey Madrilejos-Reyes
Reporter

THE Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) will participate in a trading linkage project among bourses within the Southeast Asian region.

The move, said PSE president Francis Lim, has been approved by the bourse’s board of directors.

The Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) stock exchange linkage is primarily a technology link that will allow investors from other countries in the region to buy or sell Asean-listed securities through their local brokers.

“We anticipate with much enthusiasm to finally forge a tie-up for the Asean exchanges linkage. Not only will the project mean a more meaningful partnership with our counterparts but it will also lay the foundation for an integrated and stronger Asean stock market,” said Lim.

The PSE said the urgency of developing linkages among Asean exchanges arises mainly from global pressures that could make small exchanges irrelevant in the global financial market arena.

Over the past years, various exchanges have been consolidating through direct buyouts, exchanges taking a stake in another, or through the creation of various forms of alliances, including trading linkages.

The linkage will be implemented through a common exchange gateway, which is a decentralized entry point to be set up in each exchange for brokers and investors to trade securities listed on any of the Asean exchanges.

In another development, the PSE board also approved the proposal to require trading participants to increase the minimum amount of the surety bond posted by brokers and conditioned upon the faithful compliance with securities laws, rules and regulations.

The said plan was recommended by broker-directors of the PSE board.

The board has backed up the brokers’ initiative to raise the surety bond required under the securities law from P5 million to P10 million for brokers and P1 million to P2 million for dealers. This will be made applicable to all brokers and/or dealers who have deferred compliance with the P100 million minimum unimpaired capital requirement.

Under the existing rules, the amount of the surety bonds required to be filed pursuant to SRC Rule by broker dealers who have elected to defer compliance with the P100 million unimpaired paid up capital requirements is fixed at not les than P5 million for brokers and not less than P1 million for dealers. Such bonds shall be conditioned upon the faithful compliance with the provisions of the Code and rules and regulations adopted by the broker dealer or of any salesman or associated person while acting for him.

“We are confident that we will get the full support of the Securities and Exchange Commission for the approval of this measure because we in the PSE believe that it will safeguard investors’ rights,” Lim said.

Philippine senate just ratified few hours ago the ASEAN charter, 16 senators voting for ratification, no abstention, with only Sen. Pimentel voting "NO"....

We still have a long way to go to realize ASEAN integration.

Senate ratifies ASEAN charter (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view/20081007-165120/Senate-ratifies-ASEAN-charter)

By Thea Alberto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 17:03:00 10/07/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) The Senate ratified the Association of Southeast Asian charter Tuesday by a vote of 16 for, one against and no abstentions.

The lone negative vote was cast by Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr.

The ASEAN Charter, which needs the ratification of all 10 member-states of the regional bloc, creates a human rights body, puts down into writing the obligations of the members to uphold the United Nations Charter and international law, and sets the process for the body to take up matters of non-compliance.

Pimentel said he cast a “No” voted because of the human rights situation in military-governed Myanmar.

The charter would give legal personality to ASEAN, which groups Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, as a single intergovernmental organization.

To date, most of the countries have signed the Charter.

Earlier, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Administrative Order No. 229 to expedite the charter's ratification by the Senate in concurrence with Executive Order No. 459, series of 1997, "providing for the guidelines in the negotiation of international agreements and its ratification."

Hitachi unit expands operations in Subic

By Henry Empeño
Correspondent


SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Hitachi Terminals Mechatronics (Philippines) Corp. (HTMP), one of the biggest exporters in this free port, said it is expanding its operations as it still expects growth in the market for its industrial electronics products worldwide.

The firm, which manufactures automated teller machine parts and card readers, broke ground last week for a new warehousing facility to be built at the Japanese-owned Subic Techno Park (STEP) here.

Hitachi Terminals had previously invested $12 million for its manufacturing plant here, but company president Kiyotaka Adachi said the new facility will make the firm more competitive, allowing it to target more markets worldwide.

The groundbreaking ceremony was witnessed by Kazuya Hori, vice president of Hitachi Omron Terminal Solution, HTMP’s mother company; Takashi Jinguji, managing director of Asia Hitachi Transport, other Japanese business executives based at the technology park, and senior deputy administrator Ramon Agregado of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Hitachi’s warehouse project came at the heels of a record-breaking export production last year, when the firm sent out a total export value of $54.21 million.

The record accomplishment, which Adachi said came after “a lot of effort and hard work,” made Hitachi Terminals the third-biggest exporter in the Subic Bay Freeport in 2007.

Adachi said the construction of a new warehousing facility “is part of our business strategy to control cost and to improve our efficiency.”

“Hitachi Terminals is competing hard to gain lead commission in quality cost worldwide. This project is a sign that our company is willing to compete strongly in the world market,” he added.

The company opted not to provide details on the project, although officials said the building will have a total floor area of 3,564 square meters.

The new facility will receive components for stocking, inventory control and handling of materials for production. It will also be used for “picking” or the withdrawal of parts to be delivered either for production or for shipping.

Agregado noted that aside from being the third-biggest exporter last year, HTMP was also Number 8 among Subic’s biggest importers, with a total import value of more than $24 million and also the eighth-biggest employer with a total of 703 workers.

Agregado also noted that Hitachi was one of the two Subic firms to pioneer in “Ecoprofit” practices here, which involved the adoption of innovative, integrated and environment-friendly technologies.

Hitachi officials said that by applying Ecoprofit principles, the company was able to save millions of pesos in power and water consumption. Among the Ecoprofit practices the company adopted were the use of auto shutoff water faucets and low-wattage fluorescent bulbs, mandatory turning off of lights and airconditioning systems during break time, and the promotion of a paperless, pencil-less office through the use of intranet computer networks.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/10092008/companies03.html

South West CDC wins ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award

SINGAPORE: The South West Community Development Council (CDC) has won the inaugural regional ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities (ESC) Award for Singapore.
ADVERTISEMENT

Dr Amy Khor, Mayor of South West District, received the award from Vietnam’s National Resource and Environment Minister, Mr Pham Khoi Nguyen, at a ceremony in Hanoi on Wednesday.

The award is conferred by ASEAN to 10 cities, districts, townships and other sub—urban areas in the regional grouping which have shown effort in improving the quality of their living environment and keeping their cities clean, green and liveable.

South West CDC said the award recognises its effort in striving towards sustainable development and to root the community to live, work and play in a healthier and greener environment.

The other recipients of the ASEAN ESC Award are Temburong District (Negara Brunei Darussalam), Municipality of Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Palembang City (Indonesia), Luang Prabang District (Lao PDR), North Kucing City Hall (Malaysia), Taugyi City (Myanmar), Puerto Princesa City (Philippines), Bangkok City (Thailand) and Ha Long City (Vietnam).

— CNA/yt

^^ Terima kasih Paradyto atas article itu. Is Palembang part of South or North Sumatra?

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan truly deserves this award.

^^ Terima kasih Paradyto atas article itu. Is Palembang part of South or North Sumatra?

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan truly deserves this award.

You're welcome RonnieR:) Palembang is a part of South Sumatra...

http://images.dafrianto75.multiply.com/image/4/photos/59/600x600/22/multiply.jpg?et=rjTaDBkT70MCn7Z9GcKZgw&nmid=111121589

can see here:
Palembang Part 1 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=265309)
Palembang Part 2 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=448011)
Palembang Part 3 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=502335)
Palembang Part 4 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=520501)
Palembang Part 5 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=578465)
Palembang Part 6 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=615743)

Puerto Princesa City looks clean too:)

Not of ASEAN but a larger regional block...

RP, Australia push Apec integration (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=261:rp-australia-push-apec-integration&catid=23:topnews)
Top News
Written by Estrella Torres / Reporter
Monday, 13 October 2008 00:00



THE Philippines and Australia have agreed to accelerate the regional economic integration of members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum to prepare for the adverse consequences of the global financial crisis.

Mechanisms and structural reforms to the proposed free-trade agreement (FTA) take center stage in the Apec Leaders’ Summit to be held next month in Lima, Peru, to seek stronger trade and investments in the region.

Ministers of foreign affairs and trade of the Philippines and Australia had substantial discussions on how countries in the region should respond to the global financial crisis during the 2nd Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting (PAMM) held in Manila over the weekend.

“The secretaries and ministers discussed the global financial situation and underscored the need for greater regional cooperation on economic and financial issues, including through the East Asia Summit and Apec,” said the joint statement of the 2nd PAMM.

The two countries, however, affirmed their strong support to push the “successful conclusion of the WTO [World Trade Organization] Doha Development Negotiations, including as partners in the Cairns group.”

Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean, meanwhile, said Southeast Asian countries remain “sheltered at this stage from the financial crisis” due to the rigorous financial policy adopted as a result of the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

For instance, he said, countries in the Asian region are not exposed to subprime and still maintain a very regulated financial system.

But he said Australia and the Philippines, as well as other countries in the Asia-Pacific, will experience “slower economic growth” as part of the adverse consequence of the global financial crisis.

“There will be adverse consequences, but all the financial regulations adopted [during the Asian financial crisis] have spared to some extent the Asian economies,” said Crean in a press briefing in Manila.

Apec member-economies have agreed to adopt the Asia-Pacific FTA since last year owing to the lack of movement in the Doha negotiations in the WTO.

Trade officials of Apec economies had discussed, during the three consecutive senior officials meetings (SOMs), the measures to integrate existing policies of individual Apec economies—which include competition policy, regulatory reforms, public-sector management, customs tariff, governance issues and anticorruption measures.

The regional economic integration of the 21 Apec members is meant to mesh the existing intrade Apec trade agreements—at least 19 of them that include the separate five FTAs entered into by members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) with members of Apec.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) signed in 1994 remains to be the largest existing free-trade agreement. It is composed of Apec members Canada, Mexico and the United States, with a total population of about 442 million.

Apec is considered to be the most influential and beneficial trading forum, covering over 50 percent of the global gross domestic product and 41 per cent of global trade.

The regional trade bloc groups the Philippines, Canada, Australia, Peru, United States, Hong Kong-China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand,Papua New Guinea, Russia, Singapore, Chinese-Taipei, Thailand, Vietnam, Chile, Brunei, South Korea and People’s Republic of China

Groups establish ASEAN CSR network (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20081013-166160/Groups-establish-ASEAN-CSR-network)
By Alexander Villafania
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 14:35:00 10/13/2008
MAKATI CITY – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Foundation and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) launched Monday a project aimed at creating a network of companies involved in corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Dubbed "Promoting Mutual Assistance Among Corporate Foundations in ASEAN," the project will be a multi-phased initiative that will start with building a database of corporate foundations in the Asean region.

Asean Foundation Executive Director Filemon Uriarte Jr. said the foundation is focused on expanding the scope of CSRs from each country and sharing it to other potential beneficiaries in the region.

The project also aims to provide partner-corporate foundations the venue to learn about different practices from each country and to give them a better perspective on how to conduct CSR projects in different countries.

AIM President Francis Estrada said that for the initial phase, AIM's Ramon V. Del Rosario Sr. Center for Corporate Social Responsibility will manage all the activities under a partnership.

Estrada said the project will widen the ability of corporate foundations to provide assistance to other areas across the Asean region and eventually encourage other corporations to extend their own programs beyond their respective countries.

GMA off to China for ASEM meet (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081012103)
By Paolo Romero
Monday, October 13, 2008
Press Secretary Jesus Dureza reported yesterday that President Arroyo and other heads of state will discuss the global financial crisis during a summit of world leaders in Beijing, China later this week.

Dureza said Mrs. Arroyo will attend the 7th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Beijing from Oct. 24 to 25 and would likely hold bilateral talks with other world leaders to push the country’s interests.

He said she would push for a common action to avoid the US financial crisis from recurring.

Dureza likened the crisis to a fire that has already been put out. The next stage is to find out what caused it and stop the financial bleeding and take immediate steps to bring the patient back to good health.

“This would also be a good opportunity for the President to highlight what the Philippines is doing to sustain the growth despite the global economic slowdown,” he said in an interview with radio station dzRB.

He said Mrs. Arroyo would also hold one-on-one meetings with other heads of state to push for more investments.

He could not say whether she would raise with Chinese leaders the issue of contaminated products from China, such as the melamine-tainted milk products.

Palace officials earlier said it was seeking to expand trade and economic relations with China to diversify the economy and make it less vulnerable to the global economic slowdown that was triggered by the financial crisis in the US.

ASEM is composed of Asian countries, including the Philippines and the other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the 27 members of the European Union.

The ASEM is held every two years among Asian and European heads of state. The first ASEM summit was held in London in 1998; Seoul, South Korea in 2000; Copenhagen, Denmark in 2002; Hanoi, Vietnam in 2004; and Helsinki, Finland in 2006.

India, Mongolia and Pakistan, the newest members of the Asian-European group, are attending the ASEM summit this year.

“ASEM is an informal process of dialogue and co-operation addressing political, economic and cultural issues,” according to the Asia-Europe Foundation website.

The ASEM dialogue addresses political, economic and cultural issues, with the objective of strengthening the relationship between our two regions, in a spirit of mutual respect and equal partnership, it said.

Why didn't the Philippines Industrialize early on? Every product whether it be cars, ships, airplanes, cell phones need a reliable source of materials. So the most basic of industries is to produce the materials necessary for producing goods for the downstream industries that will eventually follow and that will compete in the world market. But the fact is, the very foundation of any industrialization program is a cheap source of power. Because all the basic industries like Aluminum Smelters, Steel Mills, Petrochemical plants, Wafer Fabs are power hungry industries. Every factory needs a reliable source of materials. And to import these materials will put us at a disadvantage in our cost structure. The link below will give you an idea on what happened when Marcos tried to take the early steps to industrialize our country.

Schultz and Economic Hitmen Destroyed the Philippines
http://www.larouchepub.com/other/2004/site_packages/econ_hitmen/3150philipp_coup.html

Marcos' plans included an aluminum smelter. Everybody knows that Cars and motorcycle have a lot of aluminum parts. Is it any wonder then that Malaysia can cost effectively produce engines? Why, because they have an Aluminum Smelter and plans to build another one. So for me its on my wish list of things that the Philippines should establish to get a better than even chance of generating jobs and becoming a nation that produces its own locally developed brands and products and not as a nation of subcontractors for the multinationals. For those who are curious, here's the download link on how aluminum is produced.

How_Aluminum_is_Produced_-_The_Hall-Heroult_Process.pdf
http://rapidshare.com/files/154084104/How_Aluminum_is_Produced_-_The_Hall-Heroult_Process.pdf

even soaps, toothpaste, diswashing liquids, plates ,rice cookers, electric fans etc..are being imported from korea or China ,Japan. THese are items every household must own or purchase, can you imagine if we source all these from the PHils how much that would impact the economy. that's why Korea and China are richer because we are their consumers.

Why didn't the Philippines Industrialize early on? Every product whether it be cars, ships, airplanes, cell phones need a reliable source of materials. So the most basic of industries is to produce the materials necessary for producing goods for the downstream industries that will eventually follow and that will compete in the world market. But the fact is, the very foundation of any industrialization program is a cheap source of power. Because all the basic industries like Aluminum Smelters, Steel Mills, Petrochemical plants, Wafer Fabs are power hungry industries. Every factory needs a reliable source of materials. And to import these materials will put us at a disadvantage in our cost structure. The link below will give you an idea on what happened when Marcos tried to take the early steps to industrialize our country.

Schultz and Economic Hitmen Destroyed the Philippines
http://www.larouchepub.com/other/2004/site_packages/econ_hitmen/3150philipp_coup.html

Marcos' plans included an aluminum smelter. Everybody knows that Cars and motorcycle have a lot of aluminum parts. Is it any wonder then that Malaysia can cost effectively produce engines? Why, because they have an Aluminum Smelter and plans to build another one. So for me its on my wish list of things that the Philippines should establish to get a better than even chance of generating jobs and becoming a nation that produces its own locally developed brands and products and not as a nation of subcontractors for the multinationals. For those who are curious, here's the download link on how aluminum is produced.

How_Aluminum_is_Produced_-_The_Hall-Heroult_Process.pdf
http://rapidshare.com/files/154084104/How_Aluminum_is_Produced_-_The_Hall-Heroult_Process.pdf

Definitely agree!

The name of the game is to produce locally.

To be called a truly newly industrialized country, we must have a strong highly developed and modernized industrial sector...

Its high time future administrations should emphasize the strengthening our manufacturing sector...

Look what happen to the US, their de-industrialization (most of their dirty manufacturing industries just went South)cost them dearly.

We need to continuously develop and integrate our industries starting with the steel, plastic and metals industry.:)

even soaps, toothpaste, diswashing liquids, plates ,rice cookers, electric fans etc..are being imported from korea or China ,Japan. THese are items every household must own or purchase, can you imagine if we source all these from the PHils how much that would impact the economy. that's why Korea and China are richer because we are their consumers.

Definitely agree!

Thats why we Pinoys should patronize the products our local entrepreneurs produce specially those which are made of local raw materials and not just assembled here.

The China products scare must be an eye opener for all Pinoys.

The deluge of imported products especially smuggled products in Divisoria and Baclaran, plus those damn smuggled imported agricultural products and imported cars are slowly destroying domestic industries putting thousands of Pinoys out of work.

We need to strengthen the Buy Pinoy movement and protect are remaining local manufacturers from unfair competition brought by these unscrupulous businessmen.

When we buy our own produce, we know fully well that our economy as a whole will benefit from our loxcal purchases.

Tigilan na yung puro imported ang nasa isip.

Puro competitor nations lang natin (tulad ng Tsina, Japan, Korea) ang nakikinabang!

Buy Hapee toothpaste, Condura refs and aircons, Splash-HBC products, RFM products, San MIguel products, Hanabishi etc..!

even soaps, toothpaste, diswashing liquids, plates ,rice cookers, electric fans etc..are being imported from korea or China ,Japan. THese are items every household must own or purchase, can you imagine if we source all these from the PHils how much that would impact the economy. that's why Korea and China are richer because we are their consumers.

i was surprised to know that even close up toothpastes are made in India:ohno: and many here of our imported products are either made in thailand, malaysia, indonesia, china, india, etc...

ASEAN lays groundwork for mining devt
Philippines may expect $5B in new investments (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=166859)

By Amy R. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:21am (Mla time) 10/17/2008
MANILA, Philippines—ASEAN ministers have adopted the Manila Declaration, a framework for strengthening the region’s mining sector that could be a driving force in establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community by 2015, a Philippine senior official said.

At the closing ceremony of the Second ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Minerals, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose Atienza said the Manila Declaration had helped develop a “clear direction and roadmap to successful mining in our own countries.”

He said that in adopting the Manila Declaration, the ASEAN ministers expressed their common sentiment that development of their respective mining industries would shield the member countries from the global financial meltdown.

Members of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines were pleased with the results of the conferences, especially as the ASEAN ministers “affirmed their unified support for the mining sector and minerals development,” said chamber president Philip Romualdez.

Over the past four days, mining companies have disclosed over $5 billion in new investments in the Philippines, on top of $11 billion previously announced, Romualdez said.

He added that the Philippines could even be looking at a $15-billion investment level in just four years, compared with the government’s projection of a $12.6-billion investment inflow in the period to 2013.

“No pessimism,” Atienza said. “Our assumptions are right that the demand for minerals and mineral products will not slow down. Our very own region and local consumption will support it.”

According to conference documents, the policies detailed under the Manila Declaration will be implemented over the next two years.

One policy calls on ASEAN countries to commit to the “continuous development and utilization of the mineral resources of ASEAN member states to enhance the sustainability of the resources and maximize the benefits to the community and the national economy, providing the necessary safety net and shield from global financial and economic turmoil.”

The ministers also agreed to “accelerate cooperation to work toward the facilitation and enhancement of trade and investments in minerals through harmonization of mineral policies, incentives and taxation, standardization of mineral resource information and systematized flow and exchange of resource and trade information.”

Other policies include promoting a “platform for dialogue, in which the private sector and ASEAN dialogue partners can more effectively and efficiently collaborate in mutually beneficial minerals cooperation activities in support of [the establishment] of the ASEAN Community; and fostering concerted cooperation and joint approaches in international and regional fora on minerals.” With editing by INQUIRER.net

Puerto Princesa bags green award (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?view=article&catid=26:nation&id=560:puerto-princesa-bags-green-award-&tmpl=component&print=1&page=&option=com_content)
Nation
Friday, 17 October 2008 01:18
Puerto Princesa City continues to reap dividends on its environmental protection, conservation and sustainable development programs as it added another feather to its cap after bagging the prestigious Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award in Hanoi, Vietnam.

This is the first time that Asean gave out such an award which was received by Councilor Miguel Cuaderno IV. Puerto Princesa City was nominated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment Management Bureau in recognition of its role as the country’s foremost champion of sustainable development.

Surin Pitsuwan, Asean secretary-general, explained that the award is an initiative of the Asean environment ministers which aims “to give recognition to cities in the region that have taken exemplary measures to keep their cities clean, green and liveable even as they continue to grow as centers of economic and industrial activity.”

Pitsuwan stressed that the award is significant because “each awardee-city tells a compelling story of how it has placed environment and nature at the core of city planning, the challenges it faced, and its resolve to ensure the city remain environmentally sustainable as it develops and modernizes. Their ability to successfully focus on the sustainability of their environment provides an experiential model that other cities can emulate.”

In response to the Asean award, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn said, “We are happy and proud and grateful to have represented the Philippines in this very prestigious Asean search for the region’s most environmentally sustainable cities. This is a very meaningful award because it recognizes and validates the correctness of our long-avowed policy of sustainable development in lieu of the destructive boom-and-bust cycles of environmental exploitation characterized by the wanton abuse and destruction of land, air and water resources—the very sources of life—as if there were infinite.”

‘Crisis makes Asean integration compelling’ (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=579:crisis-makes-asean-integration-compelling&catid=23:topnews)
Top News
Written by Butch Fernandez / Reporter
Friday, 17 October 2008 03:32
THE integration of Asean economies remains the primary solution to improving the socioeconomic condition of millions of citizens in the region in the face of growing challenges posed by the ongoing global financial crisis, according to Sen. Mar Roxas II.

Addressing delegates attending the Asean 100 Leadership Forum at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City on Thursday, Roxas warned Asean member-countries against isolationism in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.

He urged the regional grouping to work together decisively in finding ways to cushion the crisis’s impact on its citizens. “Given the turbulence, all the more we need to keep together as we have done in the past. It means being counseled by solidarity rather than fear, trust rather than suspicion, calm rather than hysteria. However painstaking, we must strive to continue integrating our real economies,” he said.

In his keynote speech, Roxas stressed the need for Asean leaders to “strive more than ever to enroll the people in our vision. The imperatives of survival for the hundreds of millions in our neighborhood, living below $2 a day, will push governments to take an ‘every man for himself’ approach. We must resist this.”

The senator noted that the Asean 100 Leadership Forum, the fifth to be held, is a highly interactive meeting of minds of the most outstanding Southeast Asian next-generation leaders from government, business and civil society who will chart the future of Asean.

He urged the governments of Asean nations to get together and craft a plan of action that will shield and protect the livelihood of millions in Southeast Asia.

“This global financial and economic crisis will not be easily solved. It will take all nations and their leaders to do the job—all engaged in earnest discourse and dialogue, practicing trust and collaboration, all moving and striking in one direction,” he said. “There is real destruction of lives and dreams. Beyond the ebbs and flows of these trillions of dollars in market valuation are the savings, the hopes and dreams, the security of millions of our people. These people saved, set aside today’s gratification in order to provide for tomorrow, only to see what they built up over the years wiped out in a matter of days and weeks.”

According to Roxas, the crisis has shown that the governments in the region have a role as the “last line of defense,” instead of being “a willing participant of its own enfeeblement.”

“Until this crisis, we all believed that financial markets were there to enable the economy to serve the greater good in the most efficient and equitable way. But we have seen the gross inability of governments to regulate finance in line with that role, in a global context. The need for balance and restoration is so compelling that it has forced the wealthiest nations to band together for a consolidated plan of action, if only to save their economies,” he said.

He added that the government, clearly, is the last line of defense. “It is ironic that it has had to assume this role as lifeguard of last resort because of its absence over the last several years. The path of deregulation was such that government not only stood idly by, but it was a willing participant to its own enfeeblement,” he said.

i was surprised to know that even close up toothpastes are made in India:ohno: and many here of our imported products are either made in thailand, malaysia, indonesia, china, india, etc...

Learn from Taiwan...

A balance agro-industrial development...

With lots of economic nationalism on it.......:)

ASEAN leaders to hold crisis meeting next week

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Southeast Asian leaders will meet in Beijing next week to discuss measures to deal with the global financial crisis, the regional bloc's top official said on Friday.

The secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Surin Pitsuwan, said the summit of the 10-nation grouping will be held on October 23 or October 24, and may also include leaders from China, Japan and South Korea.

"I like to stress this is certainly not a panic reaction. This is a precautionary step. We know that is extremely critical," Surin told reporters in the Malaysian capital.

"No matter how strong, how resilient we are, how good we are, we will be affected one way or the other," he said.

Governments around the world have already pledged to spend some $3.2 trillion to try to resolve a global credit crisis that is now threatening to push the developed nations that much of Asia relies on for exports into recession.

Surin said the ASEAN meeting would discuss ways to support the currencies of member countries by strengthening the emergency fund already in place.

"I think that (meeting in Beijing) is good. The issue is legitimate. We do believe that we are in better shape than 10 years ago," Surin said.

East Asian countries earlier this year proposed setting up an $80 billion currency swap agreement, expanding a much more modest agreement that was set up in the wake of the 1997/1998 Asian financial crisis to protect any country facing a balance of payments crisis.

"They can work around that, they can strengthen that, they can come up with provisions, rules, regulations. That sum can be implemented for possible needs, possible necessity," Surin said.

It is true that is why i buy Hapee Toothpaste than Close-Up because it was imported from our neighbor, we should patronize our locally produced product. How can we become a Truly Industrial nation?

It is true that is why i buy Hapee Toothpaste than Close-Up because it was imported from our neighbor, we should patronize our locally produced product. How can we become a Truly Industrial nation?

Agree!

No matter what others will say, we have to love our own and practice economic nationalism by heart in order for us to become a truly developed nation.

Japan, Korea, Taiwan are in fact ultra nationalists, that's why they are rich and powerful...

.... and the rest of other industrialized countries which are in fact have overblown nationalism (thats why they conquered other countries militarily, politically, culturally and economically)


Its time for pinoys to be nationalists but not to the point of being reclusive...we can still remain open to foreign investments and influences


.... but should use such for our own advantage just like what the Japanese have done during the Meiji restoration...

urge the rich to share their wealth through diverse investments. let there be wealth distribution. urge the rich to invest more. they have the resources. the government shall have more strict taxation. when you create more jobs, these working people will now have the money to spend and thus will also be the consumer of their own products.

urge the rich to share their wealth through diverse investments. let there be wealth distribution. urge the rich to invest more. they have the resources. the government shall have more strict taxation. when you create more jobs, these working people with now have the money to spend will also be the consumer of their own products.

Some rich Pinoys indeed invest their money in business...but their business usually cater to their own kind and tastes....


e.g. spas, retail stores that sell imported luxury goods, distribution and sale of finished (imported and luxurious) products, selling of imported brands

...all of these without a dint of local value added..

..in the end...more money coming out of our country..

...more unemployment and unsustainable in the long run...

...look whats happening to our battered manufacturing sector...near death because of wanton importation and smuggling of cheap (read Chinese, even thailand and India) imported goods....

^Because the children of rich Pinoys are so spoiled that drive them to be lazy. What an Inutil bunch.

----------------------------------
Philippine made Robot

http://www.philstar.com/newphilstar/www/image/20081021/front.jpg
A commercially made bomb disposal robot, known as the Mechanical Anti-terrorist Concept, picks up a dummy explosive device during a demonstration in Makati last Oct. 14. ERNIE PENAREDONDO

Some rich Pinoys indeed invest their money in business...but their business usually cater to their own kind and tastes....


e.g. spas, retail stores that sell imported luxury goods, distribution and sale of finished products, selling of imported brands

...all of these without a dint of local value added..

..in the end...more money coming out of our country..

...more unemployment and unsustainable in the long run...

...looks what happening to our battered manufacturing sector...near death because of wanton importation and smuggling of cheap (read Chinese, even thailand and India) imported goods....

the ones you've mentioned are not the really rich Filipinos but are the feeling rich people only.

^^ :lol: Feeling mayaman lang. :lol:

the ones you've mentioned are not the really rich Filipinos but are the feeling rich people only.

Unfortunately marami sila....:ohno:

Agence France-Presse
First Posted 11:31:00 10/21/2008

SINGAPORE -- Southeast Asia's economies will suffer if a growing shortage of managers and skilled professionals is not addressed, the International Labor Organization warned Tuesday.

The shortages were no longer limited to multinational companies but were affecting an increasing number of local firms wanting to expand globally, the ILO said in the report entitled "Labor and Social Trends in ASEAN in 2008."

"If these skills shortages are not addressed, they will constrain enterprise competitiveness and ASEAN's future development," it said, citing a lack of managers and skilled staff in the information technology and finance sectors.

ASEAN is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, whose membership ranges from wealthier states like Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand to poor countries like Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

The other ASEAN members are the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.

The regional bloc, with a combined population of 550 million people, aims to create a single market and manufacturing base by 2015 in order to have more clout in the international markets.

The ILO said the growing skills shortages raised questions about the quality and relevance of tertiary education in ASEAN, adding that the problem was not a lack of applicants, but their poor qualifications.

"Many countries have been suffering from a shortage of managers and technical and professional staff, indicating a mismatch between supply of workers with appropriate education and skills and the demand for those types of workers," it said.

"Skills shortages could undermine enterprise competitiveness in a variety of ways. They can lead to capacity under-utilization and productivity losses, increased labor turnover, higher wage increases and higher recruitment and training costs," it added.

"If the problems are widespread, whole industries and entire economies may suffer."

According to ILO, a well-trained ASEAN workforce will also be better equipped to adjust to changing global trends.

"In the context of the current volatility in global markets and inflationary pressure in most of the ASEAN member countries, it is even more imperative now that education and training policies support workforce development and enrich productivity growth," it said.

Skilled labor shortage is a long-term problem that is likely to persist beyond the current economic meltdown, ILO added.

"Even if economic growth in ASEAN, and in the Asian region as a whole, decelerates in the wake of a slowing global economy, the problems of skills shortages at the high end are likely to remain."

ASEAN's labor force stood at around 285 million in 2007, with 40 million more expected to be added by 2015, ILO said.

^^ Which would actually help the economy if they spend. ;)

^^ Which would actually help the economy if they spend. ;)


yes and no.

From tribuneonline.org


Laos okays five more SEA Games sports (http://www.tribuneonline.org/sports/20081022spo9.html)

By Julius Manicad
October 22,2008

Organizers of the 25th Southeast Asian Games are set to include five more disciplines in their roster, giving Filipino athletes a brighter chance of winning more gold medals in the region's most competitive athletic meet.

In a meeting among Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose 'Peping' Cojuangco, POC games and rules committee chairman Go Teng Kok and representatives from the Laos SEA Games organizing committee last Monday, the host country decided to include archery, cycling, dragon boat, weightlifting and basketball in the list of sports set to be played in next year's biennial meet.

These sports, however, still need the formal approval of the SEA Games Federation when it convenes next month.

"But it's almost a done deal," POC spokesperson Joey Romasanta said. "All we need is the participation of four countries so that the hosts could formally include those sports in their calendar of events. This is definitely a good news to our SEA Games campaign next year."

We will never become a developed country if we stick to the attitude of always depending on the government for change, always asking help to the government, and definitely always blaming the government. In fact we are the government and thus, we must blame ourselves.

Agreed! :okay:
There is always something you can do to improve your life...it's not always entirely the government's fault.

I don't think an NIC status is worth anything if 30-40% of the population is still poor. A good example is India. India is an industrial giant with a GDP almost 1/3 or 1/2, depending of the source, with that of Japan but the poor still number in the hundreds of millions. I would like to think that the Philippine is an NIC but 40% of it's people being poor, the title doesnt carry any weight, I think.

Here's a thought...Thailand has about 40% of its population working in agriculture yet there are less poor people there. Vietnam has less poor people than the Philippines yet Vietnam is far behind the Philippines in Industry...Maybe we should be thinking of ways to curb poverty other done Industrializing...Just thinking...

Agreed! :okay:
There is always something you can do to improve your life...it's not always entirely the government's fault.

I don't think an NIC status is worth anything if 30-40% of the population is still poor. A good example is India. India is an industrial giant with a GDP almost 1/3 or 1/2, depending of the source, with that of Japan but the poor still number in the hundreds of millions. I would like to think that the Philippine is an NIC but 40% of it's people being poor, the title doesnt carry any weight, I think.

Here's a thought...Thailand has about 40% of its population working in agriculture yet there are less poor people there. Vietnam has less poor people than the Philippines yet Vietnam is far behind the Philippines in Industry...Maybe we should be thinking of ways to curb poverty other done Industrializing...Just thinking...

Agriculture in our country is almost dead.

Our industrial sector is into assembly only

our whole economy is import dependent

so alot of pinoys do not benefit really...

unless...

we jumpstart our industrialization effort....


integration of of industrial manufactururing....

with more local content...

more local value added (not only labor, but R&D, local raw materials, local capital)

strengthen our agricultural sector..

..reduce to barest minimum agricultural imports...

...rice, corn, dairy, cotton, livestock self-sufficiency

Agreed! :okay:
There is always something you can do to improve your life...it's not always entirely the government's fault.

I don't think an NIC status is worth anything if 30-40% of the population is still poor. A good example is India. India is an industrial giant with a GDP almost 1/3 or 1/2, depending of the source, with that of Japan but the poor still number in the hundreds of millions. I would like to think that the Philippine is an NIC but 40% of it's people being poor, the title doesnt carry any weight, I think.

Here's a thought...Thailand has about 40% of its population working in agriculture yet there are less poor people there. Vietnam has less poor people than the Philippines yet Vietnam is far behind the Philippines in Industry...Maybe we should be thinking of ways to curb poverty other done Industrializing...Just thinking...

because food and other commodities are cheaper in THailand and Vietnam.
vietnam is a socialist country so there is a more even distribution of weath.
though the salaries are about the same , their money will stretch farther .
We get killed on our electricity rate. Just paying for electricity alone will consume your entire budget in the Phils. Thai and Vietnam are also food exporters now , it doesn't help that we're multiplying like rabbits pushing up demand for everything doesn't help abate price increases

Southeast Asian nations back rice action plan -IRRI (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/world/10/24/08/southeast-asian-nations-back-rice-action-plan-irri)

Reuters | 10/24/2008 6:29 PM

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Southeast Asian nations on Friday supported a rice action plan for the region, including boosting yields, using new technology and policy reforms in response to the rice price crisis early this year.

The measures were presented by the Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) during a meeting in Hanoi with officials of the 10-nation Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), IRRI said in a statement.

It said ASEAN ministers unanimously endorsed the plan.

ASEAN includes the world's two largest rice exporters, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as the biggest importer, the Philippines.

Robert Zeigler, director general at IRRI, told the ministers the institute needed an additional $15 million a year over the next 10 years to support the rice action plan.

"At a time of trillion-dollar bailouts for the global financial sector, $15 million a year is barely the annual bonus of a former Wall Street executive," Zeigler said in the statement.

IRRI said it developed the action plan earlier this year when rice prices surged to all-time highs as Asian countries scrambled to secure supply of the grain, a staple for nearly half the world's population.

Benchmark Thai rice prices have come down to about $630 a ton since hitting record highs above $1,000 a ton in April as supply of the grain improved, though prices are still far above $300 a ton seen in 2007.

Measures under IRRI's seven-point action plan include reducing the gap of 1-2 tons per hectare between actual and potential yield in most ricefields in Asia, accelerating delivery of new post-harvest technologies, introduction of higher-yielding rice varieties and providing suitable policy reforms.

Other members of ASEAN include Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Laos, Myanmar and Brunei.

as of 10/24/2008 6:31 PM

East Asia discusses biofuels database (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20081025-168440/East-Asia-discusses-biofuels-database)

By Carla Gomez
Visayas Bureau
First Posted 17:21:00 10/25/2008

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental -- Delegates from six countries were here Friday to discuss the progress of moves to set up a biofuels database for 16 East Asian countries.

The biofuels database would enable the sharing of information to boost clean alternative energy, said Nobuo Hashimoto, director of the New Energy Foundation (NEF).

NEF and the Department of Energy are the sponsors of the three-day workshop being attended by delegates from Japan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines who reported on the progress of database preparation in their respective countries.
The delegates visited the San Carlos Bionergy Inc. bio-ethanol project in San Carlos City Saturday.

Hashimoto, noting Negros's potential for ethanol production, said NEF was providing financial support and assisting in the setting up of a biofuels database.

The objective is to develop and establish the East Asia Biofuels Corp. website that will include basic information on energy, biofuels policies, supply potential of feedstock and utilization, investment, incentives, market and promotions, technical information, standards and quality assurance, and future outlook of feedstock.

He said the countries covered are Australia, Cambodia, India, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Brunei, China, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Vietnam.

ASEAN revs up integration plans (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=168325)

By Ronnel Domingo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 09:37pm (Mla time) 10/24/2008

MANILA, Philippines—With all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations having ratified the ASEAN Charter, the regional bloc is bent on accelerating economic integration which is hoped to shield it from the creeping global financial crisis.

Its secretariat also said in a statement the ASEAN leaders held a special summit on the fringes of the Asia-Europe Meeting in Beijing to "to exchange views on the current global financial crisis and explore ways to prevent its spreading to ASEAN economies."

"The leaders were confident that ASEAN’s financial sector remains solid and sound," the group said. "Close consultations and coordination among members are firmly in place and the stand-by liquidity is available to respond to any emergency need."

"Nevertheless, precautionary actions are needed to send a clear and unequivocal signal that ASEAN is resolute and better prepared than 10 years ago when the financial crisis hit the region in 1997," it added.

To address this, the ASEAN leaders agreed that the multilateral reserve pooling arrangements provided under the so-called Chiang Mai Initiative should be "intensified and expedited."

ASEAN groups the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Developed in a series of meetings among Asian financial ministers -- including those from China, Japan and Southe Korea -- held in the wake of the financial crisis in the previous decade, the Chiang Mai Initiative which was signed in 2000 in Thailand provides for a network of bilateral swap and repurchase agreement facilities among the 13 countries.

Further, the ASEAN leaders agreed that the finance ministers and central bank governors set up a working group -- a meeting of which the Philippines offered to host in order to come up with concrete recommendations dealing with the global financial crisis and its impact on the region.

In a separate statement, ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan said steps toward building a single ASEAN economic community would "shift to a higher gear with full steam forward" with the full ratification of the ASEAN Charter.

"Given the current financial turmoil around the world, a real prospect of a more integrated and solid ASEAN will be welcomed by the international community," Surin said.

"We now look forward to an early entry into force of the ASEAN Charter before the ASEAN leaders meet in Bangkok for their summit," Surin added.

Arroyo meets with Asean+3 leaders (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20081024-168296/Arroyo-meets-with-Asean3-leaders)


By Christian V. Esguerra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 16:54:00 10/24/2008


BEIJING (via PLDT)—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has completed preliminary discussions with fellow leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and trading partners China, Japan, and South Korea -- collectively known as the Asean+3 -- over her proposed regional crisis fund.

The meeting took place at the imposing Great Hall of the People overlooking the Tiananmen Square at around 7:30 a.m. Friday, her first order of the day before joining opening ceremonies of the 7th Asia-Europe Meeting later at 4 p.m.

Part of the discussions was the idea of China, Japan, and South Korea shouldering 80 percent of the proposed credit facility with the rest of Asean funding the remainder, according to a Malacañang official.

Arroyo’s breakfast meeting with the Asean+3 was followed at 9:30 a.m. by bilateral talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, partly over the scuttled peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

She later held similar bilateral discussions with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long and Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

President Arroyo is set to receive officials of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China at the Shangri-la Hotel where she is also billeted.

how could you build a decent industry if the electricity cost would make up to half of monthly expenses? that would really scare the investors.

another thing, i think we need more innovative ideas to pour into the market. why not make ponkan flavor of toothpaste? toothbrush with teleserye characters? soaps with long lasting fragrance? lotion made up of katas ng niyog? carabao milk in PET bottles that can be distributed in every 24 convenience stores? if we do not have someone to step-up, how could we change our situation? there should be zillions of ideas out there.

im just a very concerned student.

how could you build a decent industry if the electricity cost would make up to half of monthly expenses? that would really scare the investors.

another thing, i think we need more innovative ideas to pour into the market. why not make ponkan flavor of toothpaste? toothbrush with teleserye characters? soaps with long lasting fragrance? lotion made up of katas ng niyog? carabao milk in PET bottles that can be distributed in every 24 convenience stores? if we do not have someone to step-up, how could we change our situation? there should be zillions of ideas out there.

im just a very concerned student.

That is so jologs. :lol:

because food and other commodities are cheaper in THailand and Vietnam.
vietnam is a socialist country so there is a more even distribution of weath.
though the salaries are about the same , their money will stretch farther .
We get killed on our electricity rate. Just paying for electricity alone will consume your entire budget in the Phils. Thai and Vietnam are also food exporters now , it doesn't help that we're multiplying like rabbits pushing up demand for everything doesn't help abate price increases

Its because we multiply like rabbits that's why our government is putting all their hopes on the OFW/OCW dollar remittances rather than try to develop the industrial sector of the country, any sector that is manufacturing based. This short sightedness started over 2 decades ago. I agree that we shouldn't wait for the government to provide the incentives to encourage the development of the manufacturing sectors, but it would help if our government doesn't do anything stupid to create a DISINCENTIVE for companies to set up their manufacturing here.

Its all of us to blame, "Colonial mentality" Foreign is always better, this is a wrong mentality. We should appreciate Filipino made products and manufacturers should improve there quality.

Its because we multiply like rabbits that's why our government is putting all their hopes on the OFC/OCW dollar remittances rather than try to develop the industrial sector of the country, any sector that is manufacturing based. This short sightedness started over 2 decades ago. I agree that we shouldn't wait for the government to provide the incentives to encourage the development of the manufacturing sectors, but it would help if our government doesn't do anything stupid to create a DISINCENTIVE for companies to set up their manufacturing here.

Well said sir!

I definitely agree!:cheers:

Its all of us to blame, "Colonial mentality" Foreign is always better, this is a wrong mentality. We should appreciate Filipino made products and manufacturers should improve there quality.

Agree!:cheers:

The Philippines can be consider newly industrialized country and still be called poor because industrialization doesn't mean that our country is rich, it only mean that we are already reach the first step to get there but still but far way to finally made it through. The thing is the majority of Filipinos is still untouch by capital market,there are some changes in our economy but so far only the wealthy are benefiting from it. As result of this, the gap between the rich and the poor is becoming wider. We can only say that the Philippines has finally made it through if the gap between rich and the poor become closer, an increase to the middle class population and the quality of living for the 50% poor has improved for all then we can say that the Philippines is indeed an industrialized country.

bat ba newly industrialised country, manila lang naman ang industrialised eh, everywhere else hindi masyado

I actually agree. To be fair, I think our colonial mentality now is decreasing. A lot of pinoys/pinays actually prefer Philippine made products now. Dati, ni t-shirt wala kang mabibiling pinoy made or at least pinoy brand. Now, we have bench, F&H, Bayo etc. I do see and hope that Pinoy colonial mentality goes away as the younger generation (kids of the 70s, 80s, 90s) take over as captains of industry.

Its all of us to blame, "Colonial mentality" Foreign is always better, this is a wrong mentality. We should appreciate Filipino made products and manufacturers should improve there quality.

bat ba newly industrialised country, manila lang naman ang industrialised eh, everywhere else hindi masyado

There are alot of industrial areas in the country namely NCR, CALABARZON, Iligan-Philvidec area, Subic-Clark, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, Iloilo I think...

Not really. Cebu, Davao, and most big cities in the Philippines are getting their share of industrialization. Even sleepy towns in the Calabarzon are alot different now than they used to be growing up as a kid. For better or worst.

bat ba newly industrialised country, manila lang naman ang industrialised eh, everywhere else hindi masyado

Most industrial factories in the Philippines are engage in assembly or into final production...

Most of them are import dependent...

almost no local content added..

plus, workers are poorly paid and less benefits....

No wonder,only the owners of factories earn...

backward and forward industries must be established...

inputs from the agricultural sector must be bought by the industrial sector...

this will unlock the potential of both sector...

local income will be distributed...

Oh Imperial Manila! :nuts:

We should wait the SLEx rehab and expansion to be finished and to be extended to the southern tip of Luzon so the crucial parts of the southern Luzon may experience rapid urbanization and industrialization like Laguna in mid-70s was transformed from rural into industrialized area shortly after SLEx Alabang-Calamba stretch was constructed, but that pace of industrialization and urbanization should not replace the farmlands completely. Not to mention C-6 Expressway construction that may give Rizal province a boost. Also NLEx extension and NLEE (NELE) should be built in order to give development those crucial economic zones in the north.

Manila is too congested already, it should be decongested like Malaysia did decongest their main economic centers by building crucial infrastructures in their countryside such as expressways, airports, seaports, etc. That's why our government is trying to decongest the capital by improving existing infrastructures and to build new ones in order to give development in our countryside.

I think investors should stop investing in Metro Manila always and they should invest in designated parts of the countryside, like Metro Cebu, Subic, Clark, Metro Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, General Santos, Bacolod, Iloilo, Naga, Dingalan, Tarlac, Laoag, Tuguegarao, San Fernando, and the Bataan province.

Also, we should patronize our own products so that our country will truly rise as an industrialized country

The key to industrialization are substantial investments in serious research and development projects. People keeps failing to realize that knowledge or even the creation of knowledge is the firm foundation of wealth creation. If you go back to the dawn of Industrialization in 18th century Europe and America all the way to Age of Information, the wealth of industrial nations comes from investments on accumulation of knowledge through invention and innovation that create new industries and opportunities.

The key to industrialization are substantial investments in serious research and development projects. People keeps failing to realize that knowledge or even the creation of knowledge is the firm foundation of wealth creation. If you go back to the dawn of Industrialization in 18th century Europe and America all the way to Age of Information, the wealth of industrial nations comes from investments on accumulation of knowledge through invention and innovation that create new industries and opportunities.

I agree with these, proper innovation and direct invest to the people is also needed.

@jrevalde
Not only manila is highly industrial but also some part of the country what JPDM mention above is true! :)

I suppose one of the major factors to blame is the efficiency of elementary and secondary schools in inculcating among students the importance of nationalism and the benefits of pursuing education. Even if government officials are corrupt, the country would still have a high chance to progress if the population has the determination to let the country's economy to improve in a macro perspective.

Anyway, what else could we do? It would make a miracle if there would be a country in the world that is corruption-free. A study says that obliterating the entire human populace is the last resort to eradicate corruption 100%.

The Philippines is known around the world as an agricultural nation, though the current state is otherwise. I would truly agree with you that our agricultural sector is already crippled due to lack of government concentration, mishaps in budget, and the lack of support for our farmers. We should have already been the one of the largest rice producers and exporters in the world today but the past regimes' shift to industrialization tolled us to import what is perennial in us (e.g. rice, sugar).

Still we have hope.

We should not always rely on numbers such as to the industrialization and the rate of poverty in our country. What we should take in mind are ways on how to at least prevent or even alter the bad traits we have as a country ot only for our good rep but also for our betterment.

Most industrial factories in the Philippines are engage in assembly or into final production...

Most of them are import dependent...

almost no local content added..

plus, workers are poorly paid and less benefits....

No wonder,only the owners of factories earn...

backward and forward industries must be established...

inputs from the agricultural sector must be bought by the industrial sector...

this will unlock the potential of both sector...

local income will be distributed...

Having an industrialized economy means we have industries that are into honest to goodness manufacturing of goods, where added value means local inputs aside from Pinoy labor. Right now, a lot of our raw materials are still imported. If instead of being imported, these raw materials are made locally, it generates more employment. With more employment, means more available money by different people, thus, more money to spend. More money to spend, more goods sold.

For example, if an assembled product requires 10 pinoys to assemble, but the raw material is imported, then only 10 pinoys are given employment. Plus the employees of whoever is the importer, which may be 10 pinoys in that import/export company. But if that product, requiring 10 different kinds of raw material, whereby each raw material uses 10 pinoys, then we have 100 pinoys that have work.

Sure, the employers get rich in the process. Such is a fact of life. But in so doing, we develop the middle income and low income group, rather than being underemployed or worse, UNEMPLOYED.

Right now, the Philippines is mainly an importing country: Agriculture? Rice is imported. Electronics are either imported or are locally assembled using mostly imported parts. Our cars follow the same trend. We relied on clothes before, and now furniture. But furniture seems to be following the trend of our clothing sector. Our upstream industry couldn't take off, highlighted by that petrochemical scam whereby the investor decided to plunk his money and set up their facility elsewhere. After the T3 fiasco, foreign companies will think hard when approached by our government to redevelop our airports.
We offered tax credits under the BOI IPP program. What we got was a tax credit scam (though this was really more done by companies who saw loopholes in the system).

Our country has the capability to be industrialized. But our government just can't keep their klepto hands from the cookie jar. Therefore, it is safer to import rather than manufacture. Because if suddenly our fickle government changes its stance (again), a trader can easily pack up their operation with minimal losses, while a manufacturer can't, having spent capex on equipment already in place.

bat ba newly industrialised country, manila lang naman ang industrialised eh, everywhere else hindi masyado

:lol: :lol: :lol: :rofl: wtf?!? :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

this is the funniest post ever :rofl:

bat ba newly industrialised country, manila lang naman ang industrialised eh, everywhere else hindi masyado

Cebu is already very industrialised. Baguio, Angeles City and Tarlac is the same way ,I think Davao and Bacolod is also following these pattern. Although I don't believe that the Philippines is already industrialized, the point that just because Manila is the most industrialized region in the Philippines means that it can't carry over to the whole country as being an "industrialised country"

I actually agree. To be fair, I think our colonial mentality now is decreasing. A lot of pinoys/pinays actually prefer Philippine made products now. Dati, ni t-shirt wala kang mabibiling pinoy made or at least pinoy brand. Now, we have bench, F&H, Bayo etc. I do see and hope that Pinoy colonial mentality goes away as the younger generation (kids of the 70s, 80s, 90s) take over as captains of industry.

This is what Ive been hoping for many many years now.

But you are right things are getting better. Filipino youths are slowly eliminating this paralyzing national illness.

Unless we take away this scourge called colonial mentality we can never graduate from being a poor country...

Most countries in Asia have realized how important loving one's country through economic nationalism...

But we are not...

Thats why our national capacity to develop economically almost grounded to the halt... We are moving slowly because every time a Philippine president comes up with a nationalistic policy of promoting Pinoy first...there is always vested interests that will destroy it....

Magsaysay's nationalistic inclination (killed by the CIA)Garcia's Filipino First (destroyed by Macapagal and the US. Macapagal started the decontrol and started the debt problem of the Philippines.), Marcos' 11 industrial project, Cory's nationalistic inclination....all destroyed...

Now, our industrial and agricultural sector is almost dead too. because of over-liberalization of the economy...with no protection from foreign (unfair) competition...

I will not anymore mention who started this globalization-privatization, deregulation and liberalization....

i like the first two, but I hate the last one....

Having an industrialized economy means we have industries that are into honest to goodness manufacturing of goods, where added value means local inputs aside from Pinoy labor. Right now, a lot of our raw materials are still imported. If instead of being imported, these raw materials are made locally, it generates more employment. With more employment, means more available money by different people, thus, more money to spend. More money to spend, more goods sold.

For example, if an assembled product requires 10 pinoys to assemble, but the raw material is imported, then only 10 pinoys are given employment. Plus the employees of whoever is the importer, which may be 10 pinoys in that import/export company. But if that product, requiring 10 different kinds of raw material, whereby each raw material uses 10 pinoys, then we have 100 pinoys that have work.

Sure, the employers get rich in the process. Such is a fact of life. But in so doing, we develop the middle income and low income group, rather than being underemployed or worse, UNEMPLOYED.

Right now, the Philippines is mainly an importing country: Agriculture? Rice is imported. Electronics are either imported or are locally assembled using mostly imported parts. Our cars follow the same trend. We relied on clothes before, and now furniture. But furniture seems to be following the trend of our clothing sector. Our upstream industry couldn't take off, highlighted by that petrochemical scam whereby the investor decided to plunk his money and set up their facility elsewhere. After the T3 fiasco, foreign companies will think hard when approached by our government to redevelop our airports.
We offered tax credits under the BOI IPP program. What we got was a tax credit scam (though this was really more done by companies who saw loopholes in the system).

Our country has the capability to be industrialized. But our government just can't keep their klepto hands from the cookie jar. Therefore, it is safer to import rather than manufacture. Because if suddenly our fickle government changes its stance (again), a trader can easily pack up their operation with minimal losses, while a manufacturer can't, having spent capex on equipment already in place.




^^This is very true!why? Even the green peas found in the Ding dong snack is from the USA:lol: It's insane!

Foreign firms eye $ 500-M investments
spacer


By EDU LOPEZ

At least 10 foreign garment manufacturers are planning to relocate their production out of China and invest $ 500 million in the Philippines.

Philexport garments sector trustee George Siy said: "Many of those who put up factories in China are beginning to move out due to its high labor cost. Export rebates were also abolished and they lack workers now. So we need to take advantage of this period to try to attract some of them to come here instead of our neighboring countries."

Although the Philippines has relatively high labor cost, Siy said that the workers’ proficiency in the English language is the country’s competitive advantage in attracting foreign investors.

He cited the need for the country to also implement policies meant to lure more manufacturers to set up their production facilities here and help the industry regains growth sales.

Siy said some of the incentives granted to companies that expired have to be renewed and that efforts must also be geared towards reducing electricity cost; improving infrastructure, logistics and processing of goods; and lowering traffic and other logistics costs.

He stressed the importance of negotiating trade benefits with other countries because although not all of them, most of the country’s competitors have been negotiating and some of them have already gotten some of those benefits. "We have to push through negotiations to get these trade agreements in place."

"Investments especially of these major regional players into the country are crucial for the garments industry to achieve growth despite the global economic slowdown."

"If they invest, definitely, there will be industry growth because major players bring clients with them. (Unlike) if you are a small player and you move to one country, you have to market again," said Siy. He indicated that industry players are already experiencing reduced sales volume as a result of the financial crisis in the United States.

"We expect that effects the global crisis would be felt probably in the next few months because the orders were already booked earlier. But there were some reductions in the orders. And in the next few months, it might show itself more."

The garments industry, along with the country’s largest export electronics, is targeted to post zero growth this year. But overall export sector is projected to grow in 2008 by three to five percent which already factored in the impact of the US crisis.

Business Mirror

RP further down ladder of prosperity

Top News

Written by Dennis D. Estopace / Reporter

Monday, 03 November 2008 00:21

THE Philippines has a long way to go to become prosperous—defined as a holistic combination of material wealth and life satisfaction—being 52nd in rank among 104 countries surveyed, or down from 36th of the 50 countries in last year’s survey.

The results of the Legatum Institute’s Prosperity Index study also showed the Philippines has “exceptional weakness” in growth of invested capital and commercialization of innovation—two of eight components of economic competitiveness the index uses.

It is, however, strong on one point—low dependence on commodity exports—but it was not enough to lift it higher in ranking.

Legatum said they didn’t only measure prosperity “by actual levels of material wealth or life satisfaction,” but also “on the conditions that foster prosperity.” The latter pertain to “the factors that promote economic competitiveness and improved liveability in a given country. We refer to these factors as drivers of prosperity, and to those that impede prosperity, as restrainers. The index endeavors to rank countries according to the strength of these drivers and restrainers, not according to simple measures of income and life satisfaction.”

Legatum executive William Inboden said in a statement, “True prosperity consists of more than money. It also includes happiness, health and liberty. [I]n addition to economic success, a society’s prosperity is based on strong families and communities, political and religious liberty, education and opportunity, and a healthy environment.”

No. 1 this year is Australia, which leads countries in the strongly represented Asia-Pacific region that includes Singapore, Hong Kong and New Zealand ranking 4th, 8th and 9th, respectively.

Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand outranked the Philippines as the 13th, 21st, 26th, 29th and 35th prosperous countries in Asia, respectively.

Yemen is at the bottom of the barrel and above which ranked several African nations, including Zambia and Zimbabwe.

In the other components, the Philippines scored “average” or within the world score of zero. These include government effectiveness (-3), levels of education (-3), low costs of starting a business (-2) and low dependence on foreign aid (4).

Still, China is even lower than the Philippines (overall at 54) with Sri Lanka (69), India (70), Indonesia (71) and Vietnam (80), among other Asian nations.

Legatum said it gave scores for each factor “based on statistical analysis, using 40 years of historical data on economic growth in more than 50 countries, and life satisfaction survey data for more than 100 countries. The index combines 22 key indicators and 44 subindicators in order to rank more than 100 countries, based on the degree to which the actions of their people and governments drive or restrain the creation of holistic national prosperity.”

The Philippines, for example, is included among the “poor and satisfied” countries because it can create an environment for well-being, having a moderate climate. Likewise, the Philippines also gained a high –-“exceptionally strong”-– score in building social support via religious freedom (7) and religious belief (11).

“These factors tend to alleviate some notable deficiencies in income, health, and, in some cases, political freedom,” said the Legatum report.

Group executive Alan McCormick noted that while “governments alone cannot mandate prosperity. . .they can foster an environment that encourages prosperity through implementation of wise policies.”
NONIE REYES

I find it disturbing to find this kind of news...we are heralded as a newly industrializing country but still poor?

This is something the government should look into very carefully...

based on the article, it says "THE Philippines has a long way to go to BECOME PROSPEROUS" which obviously means the capability (not the quality) to become a developed nation.

we are still considered as a developing nation and i think those lapses based on the study is natural for us which is a nation yet to be lifted from the scars of economic woes during the martial law era and the debts our past governments have incurred.

pero im still looking forward to that we would get at par with our fellow southeast asian nations in the long run at naniniwala akong it's not that hard to achieve dahil alam kong magaling ang pilipino. hahaha

SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newly_industrialized_country

Just would like to share some info:

The category of newly industrialized country (NIC) is a socioeconomic classification applied to several countries around the world by political scientists and economists.

NICs are countries whose economies have not yet reached first world status but have, in a macroeconomic sense, outpaced their developing counterparts. Another characterization of NICs is that of nations undergoing rapid economic growth (usually export-oriented). Incipient or ongoing industrialization is an important indicator of a NIC. In many NICs, social upheaval can occur as primarily rural, agricultural populations migrate to the cities, where the growth of manufacturing concerns and factories can draw many thousands of laborers.

NICs usually share some other common features, including:

* Increased social freedoms and civil rights.
* Strong political leaders.
* A switch from agricultural to industrial economies, especially in the manufacturing sector.
* An increasingly open-market economy, allowing free trade with other nations in the world.
* Large national corporations operating in several continents.
* Strong capital investment from foreign countries.
* Political leadership in their area of influence.



List of countries consistently considered NICs in each continent by different authors/experts:

AFRICA:
South Africa

SOUTH AMERICA:
Mexico
Brazil

ASIA:
China
India
Malaysia
Thailand
Philippines
EURASIA
Turkey

SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newly_industrialized_country

Just would like to share some info:

The category of newly industrialized country (NIC) is a socioeconomic classification applied to several countries around the world by political scientists and economists.

NICs are countries whose economies have not yet reached first world status but have, in a macroeconomic sense, outpaced their developing counterparts. Another characterization of NICs is that of nations undergoing rapid economic growth (usually export-oriented). Incipient or ongoing industrialization is an important indicator of a NIC. In many NICs, social upheaval can occur as primarily rural, agricultural populations migrate to the cities, where the growth of manufacturing concerns and factories can draw many thousands of laborers.

NICs usually share some other common features, including:

* Increased social freedoms and civil rights.
* Strong political leaders.
* A switch from agricultural to industrial economies, especially in the manufacturing sector.
* An increasingly open-market economy, allowing free trade with other nations in the world.
* Large national corporations operating in several continents.
* Strong capital investment from foreign countries.
* Political leadership in their area of influence.



List of countries consistently considered NICs in each continent by different authors/experts:

AFRICA:
South Africa

SOUTH AMERICA:
Mexico
Brazil

ASIA:
China
India
Malaysia
Thailand
Philippines
EURASIA
Turkey
there are some inconsistencies. Its either increased social freedoms and rights are not considered as a measure for their nichood or some countries aren't really NICs such as Malaysia and China.

^^ Yes indeed.. But China, notorious for their human rights violations, scored higher in many other aspects such as manufacturing, low labor costs, infrastructure..

Nevertheless, i hope this post will shed light that being an NIC doesn't limit to the economy per se..

Nevertheless, i hope this post will shed light that being an NIC doesn't limit to the economy per se..

^^ well based on the name itself -- the Newly Industrialized Countries roster (NIC's), it's merely based on the industrialization which obviously specifies (but not really exclusive) on manufacturing, business, and other economic-related sectors in a macro point of view

the one on human rights violation or religious freedom or human development rate would rather be highlighted by a different listing :)

NIC or no. The Philippines rank 5th among countries whose significant percentage of its population experiences extreme hunger - Gallup International 2008.

I am curious...

What are average Filipino family household grocery items from supermarkets, and how many of those are made locally?

Here in Malaysia, i can see lots of our household grocery are manufactured in Malaysia, including Nestle Milo, which is argubly the most popular drink here...

^^You had me checking the pantry with that question.

Yep, a lot of items in the grocery are manufactured locally, and that includes Milo.

NIC or no. The Philippines rank 5th among countries whose significant percentage of its population experiences extreme hunger - Gallup International 2008.

very bad news:ohno:

there are some inconsistencies. Its either increased social freedoms and rights are not considered as a measure for their nichood or some countries aren't really NICs such as Malaysia and China.

India has many billionaires but still the country has too many poor families because of their religion and culture. They believe that the untouchables will not improve their lives anymore and they said that they [the untouchables] will stay in that status forever unlike in the Philippines which the poor people here may have the possibilities to have a miracle for the better life and/or to change their way of living.

very bad news:ohno:

Is that even news? :lol:

NIC or no. The Philippines rank 5th among countries whose significant percentage of its population experiences extreme hunger - Gallup International 2008.

I don't believe in this survey.. How come other countries which are obviously poorer than the Philippines are not included in the list?

I am curious...

What are average Filipino family household grocery items from supermarkets, and how many of those are made locally?

Here in Malaysia, i can see lots of our household grocery are manufactured in Malaysia, including Nestle Milo, which is argubly the most popular drink here...

After the melamine scare, most of the food and beverage products sold at supermarkets are locally produced. Nestle has a huge manufacturing plant here. However, for items such as toothpase and shampoo, these are made in Thailand, India or China.

^^ well based on the name itself -- the Newly Industrialized Countries roster (NIC's), it's merely based on the industrialization which obviously specifies (but not really exclusive) on manufacturing, business, and other economic-related sectors in a macro point of view

the one on human rights violation or religious freedom or human development rate would rather be highlighted by a different listing :)

Categorically and fundamentally speaking, it's a SOCIOECONOMIC classification.. The thing speaks for itself, "Res Ipsa Loquitor".. :)

I don't believe in this survey.. How come other countries which are obviously poorer than the Philippines are not included in the list?

Me either.. I don't know how they were able to come up with such datum, or what methodology they used.. If it's merely based from perception of people outside the country, than it's entirely biased.. I really doubt it..

Asean members forge 3 air-lib agreements (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1647:asean-members-forge-3-air-lib-agreements&catid=23:topnews)
Top News
Written by Lenie Lectura / Reporter
Friday, 07 November 2008 00:50

TRANSPORT officials belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Thursday signed three major agreements aimed at liberalizing air passenger and cargo services in the region—the multilateral agreement on air services, the multilateral agreement on the full liberalization of air-freight services and the Asean framework agreement on facilitation of interstate transport.

The multilateral agreement on air services and freight services grants unlimited third-, fourth- and fifth-freedom traffic rights within and between the Asean capital cities and the member-state’s regions, or the right to fly passengers from one country to another and back again.

The current practice among Asean members involves bilateral discussions to reach agreement for a specific number of entitlements for passengers and cargo.

The agreement on the facilitation of interstate transport aims to facilitate interstate transport of goods between and among the member-states, to support the implementation of the Asean free-trade area, and to further integrate the region’s economies, to simplify and harmonize transport, trade and customs regulations and requirements for the purpose of facilitation of interstate transport of goods; and to work in concert toward establishing an effective, efficient and integrated and harmonized regional transport system that addresses all aspects of interstate transport by 2009.

Asean comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The multilateral agreements affirm the policy of progressive implementation of full liberalization and integration of air services in Asean, as laid down in the Action Plan for Asean Air Transport Integration and Liberalization adopted at the 10th Asean Transport Ministers Meeting on November 23 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific are looking forward to the implementation of the new agreements for as long as the Philippines carriers are “given fair treatment,” they said.

The third freedom right is the right of an air carrier to carry passengers and cargo from its own country to a foreign country; the fourth freedom is the right of an air carrier to carry passengers and cargo from another country to its own (return service).

Most countries give the fourth freedom to air carriers at the same time the third freedom is given out. Every air carrier in the world usually has third and fourth freedoms for their international service.

Fifth freedom, on the other hand, is the air carriers’ right to transfer passengers, and cargo from one’s country to another country and to continue on to a third country. (With Wilfredo Rodolfo III)

^^Even some of our basic needs are made in India and China.

^^ Mexico is in North America!

I don't believe in this survey.. How come other countries which are obviously poorer than the Philippines are not included in the list?

Me either.. I don't know how they were able to come up with such datum, or what methodology they used.. If it's merely based from perception of people outside the country, than it's entirely biased.. I really doubt it..


i don't want to believe it either...but, try having a walk in any of the streets of metromanila, it won't take you long to see the obvious.

SM's "BONUS" brand products are sourced from local manufacturers, if i'm not mistaken. That's why I support this brand: it's affordable and let's me buy locally made products :)

After the melamine scare, most of the food and beverage products sold at supermarkets are locally produced. Nestle has a huge manufacturing plant here. However, for items such as toothpase and shampoo, these are made in Thailand, India or China.

Not even a single toothpaste or shampoo is manufactured in your own country? If it is, i think it is wasted because with your country's relatively large population, it is very, very feasible to produce it inside your own country...imagine if basic stuffs produced in your own country, think of multiplying effect on jobs...

Here in Malaysia, Johnson and Johnson shampoo, produced in Malaysia...Japan's Lion soap products, also manufactured in Malaysia...Procter and Gamble's Pringles....manufactured in Malaysia too...just to mention a few...

Products from Thailand are notably, Red Bull and some shampoo like Rejoice (i just mentioned a few)....from Philippines, it is hard to see, but i think cereals made by Nestle, are imported from your country....

After the melamine scare, most of the food and beverage products sold at supermarkets are locally produced. Nestle has a huge manufacturing plant here. However, for items such as toothpase and shampoo, these are made in Thailand, India or China.

Hello... we have Lamoiyan Corporation, the company that manufactures Hapee toothpaste...

^^"Hapee" is a local brand name of toothpaste manufactured here in the Philippines:)

sabay pa:lol:

Not even a single toothpaste or shampoo is manufactured in your own country? If it is, i think it is wasted because with your country's relatively large population, it is very, very feasible to produce it inside your own country...imagine if basic stuffs produced in your own country, think of multiplying effect on jobs...

Here in Malaysia, Johnson and Johnson shampoo, produced in Malaysia...Japan's Lion soap products, also manufactured in Malaysia...Procter and Gamble's Pringles....manufactured in Malaysia too...just to mention a few...

Products from Thailand are notably, Red Bull and some shampoo like Rejoice (i just mentioned a few)....from Philippines, it is hard to see, but i think cereals made by Nestle, are imported from your country....



We also have ACS Manufacturing Corporation rare engaged in the manufacture of household care and personal care consumer products, as well as concrete admixtures. Their brands include: Pride laundry detergent, Unique toothpaste, Starwax floorwax, and Prokrete concrete admixture.

We also have ACS Manufacturing Corporation rare engaged in the manufacture of household care and personal care consumer products, as well as concrete admixtures. Their brands include: Pride laundry detergent, Unique toothpaste, Starwax floorwax, and Prokrete concrete admixture.

Another product that i saw in Malaysia from your country, is probably the Blueskies biscuits...

SM's "BONUS" brand products are sourced from local manufacturers, if i'm not mistaken. That's why I support this brand: it's affordable and let's me buy locally made products :)


Bonus brands are actually of the same quality as other shelf brands, contrary to those who would say that it's of substandard quality because of its cheap price.

Before SM signs a contract with some local supplier of "branded" goods, SM would usually ask them to supply the same product content at cheaper price, and later repack it to Bonus brands. Call it SM's corporate goodwill.

Many suppliers made complainsts about this allegedly unfair competition, that SM is competing with its own suppliers.

Another product that i saw in Malaysia from your country, is probably the Blueskies biscuits...

:) Robina and San Miguel Corporation are some of the biggest food and beverages manufacturer in the Philippines and even in SEA.

^^ Century Tuna are everywhere too.

Another product that i saw in Malaysia from your country, is probably the Blueskies biscuits...

I think Jack and Jill products are being sold in Malaysia, although manufactured there, they are owned by Filipinos - Universal Robina. I think they have a joint venture with Malaysian businessmen. There's also a big manufacturing plant - Splash Manufacturing that produces shampoo, facial products, etc.

By the way, is Roti Boy a Malaysian brand? I've seen similar bread here in the Philippines, coffee bun - being sold in Kopi Roti, a Singaporean coffee shop.

I think Jack and Jill products are being sold in Malaysia, although manufactured there, they are owned by Filipinos - Universal Robina. I think they have a joint venture with Malaysian businessmen. There's also a big manufacturing plant - Splash Manufacturing that produces shampoo, facial products, etc.

By the way, is Roti Boy a Malaysian brand? I've seen similar bread here in the Philippines, coffee bun - being sold in Kopi Roti, a Singaporean coffee shop.

Rotiboy has its origins from a man from Penang......its current base is in Rawang, Selangor...

So far, Rotiboy has outlets in South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and Taiwan, aside from its base in Malaysia...

Another product that i saw in Malaysia from your country, is probably the Blueskies biscuits...

We have a lot of locally made products that you just don't know, why? because our main export countries are US, Korea, Japan, China.

Jollibee foods here in the Philippines are the mogul of fastfood chain here, they are eating those other fastfood chain like crazy.:nuts: and also cited that Jollibee foods are now trying to eat more fastfood/restaurant chain in taiwan or thailand.

This article shows the capability of Pinoys to manufacture industrial products even without the help of our government...


Couple revs up in motorcycle arena

By Margie Quimpo-Espino
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:52:00 11/08/2008



MANILA, Philippines—A Chinese-Filipino couple, however, has taken the trading business a notch higher and is working to get a chunk of the market with its Filipino-developed motorcycle brand.

Eric and Leviruth Lee of MCX Motor Phils. Inc. have been producing Filipino motorcycle models the past two years, starting with three last year and four this year.

It was because of this clamor that we decided to go into [full-time] manufacturing.”

He invested in research and development in the Philippines, and decided to go downstream by putting up a small plant in China to ensure better quality of raw materials and parts. “We are now also manufacturing some critical parts with our specification designed for the local market.”

The goal is to eventually bring the MCX brand overseas, to Indonesia or Vietnam.

But for now they are focusing on improving the models they have created. To improve operations and production efficiency, MCX hired a German consultant.

Eric says he believes they have competent top people already. However they need middle level managers. He says a lot of workers do not want to be promoted and accept bigger responsibility. But definitely, Filipinos are good workers.

From www.inquirer.net


ASEAN plans infrastructure fund

By Julie Goh, David Chance
Reuters
First Posted 18:08:00 11/10/2008

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Southeast Asian countries plan to set up an infrastructure finance mechanism, the latest move to extend regional cooperation in the face of the global financial storm, Malaysia's deputy prime minister said Monday.

Najib Razak said the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) needed to cooperate to mobilize their large pool of savings to help fund infrastructure projects at a time when capital is scarce and budgets are under pressure.

"As past experience has highlighted, the building of capacity to manage financial risks is very critical to contain the potential spill-over effects infrastructure projects may have on fiscal expenditures," said Najib, who will take over as Malaysia's prime minister in March.

The smaller export-dependent economies of Asia are expected to see growth fall in 2009 and budget deficits look set to rise as they seek to offset lower growth.

In Malaysia, growth is forecast to slide to 3.5 percent of gross domestic product in 2009, the lowest level since 2001.

The move from ASEAN, which groups Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Brunei, came after China announced a near-$600-billion boost to its economy.

The Asian Development Bank believes that regional spending needs on infrastructure could be as much as $583.1 billion from 2006-2015. Najib noted that there was $340 billion a year in gross national savings generated each year in ASEAN.

But underdeveloped capital markets meant that money was not channeled efficiently and, while intra-ASEAN trade has boomed in recent years, regional cross-border capital flows were less efficient, Najib said.


BANKABLE PROJECTS

Biswa Bhattacharya, special advisor to the dean of the Asian Development Bank Institute, said that while there were huge infrastructure needs in Asia, there were also massive reserves -- not just in China and Japan but also in smaller countries.

"The problem is not money but projects that are bankable," he told a conference in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. "We need to explore how we can mobilize these savings into infrastructure financing."

Countries such as Thailand and the Philippines have said recently they will boost their spending on infrastructure projects, although Malaysia is in the process of cutting some.

In Indonesia, the government is currently in the process of offering almost 100 infrastructure projects for 2009-2011 such as electricity, toll roads, airports, railways and housing. Total cost is estimated at around $30 billion, one-third of which would come from the government.

Despite the rise in global aversion and an increase in the cost of capital, private sector funding remained available, Mak Hoy Kit, BNP Paribas associate director of equity research for Asia, told the conference.

"A lot of it is about having bankable projects, the ability to reduce political risk and in keeping to the sanctity of contracts. That is what the private sector wants to see," he said.

UN, Asean partner to ensure food security in Southeast Asia
Tuesday, 11 November 2008 23:28

THE United Nations (UN) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are currently looking at areas where they can work together to ensure food security in Southeast Asia.

Stephen Anderson, UN World Food Program (WFP) country director and representative, said the current meeting on food security provides an opportunity for the UN to determine how best it can assist Asean in implementing its Strategic Plan of Action on Food Security (SPA-FS).

“This meeting is somewhat a working-type session to try to work out areas where the UN can best use its resources to support Asean,” said Anderson at the sidelines of the opening ceremonies of the Asean-UN meeting in Manila.

The meeting, he said, is also preparatory to a meeting between the UN and Asean leaders in Chiang Mai, Thailand, next month.

Asean adopted a medium-term Strategic SPA-FS in the 30th meeting of Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry in Hanoi last month. It is a comprehensive approach to promoting and maintaining regional food security. The plan was drawn up in response to soaring food prices and the global financial crisis.

Meanwhile, the UN has its own Comprehensive Framework of Action (CFA) which seeks to address the global food crisis. The CFA was drafted in June and was finalized in July.

During the three-day meet, both the UN and Asean will look at their programs and where they can collaborate. One expected output from the meeting is a “comprehensive matrix” to put together the framework of the UN and Asean’s strategic plan on food security.

Agriculture Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano said that aside from the UN, other multilateral agencies and institutions like the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the International Rice Research Institute also presented their programs concerning food security.

“This is a technical meeting that is preparatory to what director general will discuss prior to the Leaders’ Meeting. So, hopefully, we can provide some input to the summit in Chang Mai,” said Serrano.

Food security has become a global concern this year after commodities like rice and wheat rose to unprecedented levels, resulting in more poor people getting hungry.

SEAG Federation Council approves 3 more sports

THE Southeast Asian Games Federation Council has officially approved the inclusion of archery, cycling and weightlifting in next year’s Southeast Asian Games in Vientiane, Laos.

“Those sports are added in the Laos SEA Games. This development gives our bid in the SEA Games a boost because we’re always a contender in those sports,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) spokes**man Joey Romasanta, who got the news from SEA Games Sports and Rules Committee Representative Go Teng Kok Wednesday.

Go, POC First Vice President Monico Puentevella, Deputy Sec*retary-General Mark Joseph and Treasurer Julian Camacho are currently in Laos for the SEAG Federation Council meeting.

The inclusion of the three sports brings to 25 the total number of sports to be contested in the 25th edition of the biennial meet. These are aquatics (swimming and diving), athletics, badminton, boxing, football, golf, judo, karate, muay, sepak takraw, shooting, table tennis, tae kwon do, tennis, volleyball, wrestling, wushu, fin swimming, petanque, pencak silat, and shuttlecock.

However, Romasanta said that the Laos SEA Games Organizing Com*mittee is still undecided whether to include basketball in the list due to lack of facilities.

“The main reason is there’s no playing venue,” he said.
-- Emil C. Noguera

Thai Queen to visit Manila

THAI QUEEN Sirikit will visit Manila next year to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Thailand, Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza said yesterday.

In a chance interview, Mr. Dureza said this was one of the topics tackled by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, who visited Malacañang Monday.

"There was a mention of the coming of queen Sirikit in November next year to the Philippines, we will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of friendship between Thailand and the Philippines and I think the culminating activity will be the visit of the queen of Thailand to the Philippines," he said.

Formal diplomatic ties were established with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship in Washington, D. C. on June 14, 1949.

Mr. Dureza said the two leaders also tackled topics on defense, regional economic cooperation, tourism, and the establishment of a unified passport for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members.

The setting up of a common visa for ASEAN was meant to boost tourism. Issues on economic ties and the global financial crisis will be tackled in the 14th ASEAN Summit to be hosted by Thailand in December.

During the state dinner hosted for the Thai Prime Minister, Mrs. Arroyo expressed confidence that Thailand, as chairman of the ASEAN summit, will expand the Chiang Mai initiative and promote the interests of the poor who would be hit by the global economic crisis.

"We count on Thailand as chairman of ASEAN to champion the cry of the poor as we work together to solve the global financial crisis. We are very pleased... that under your leadership, we are strengthening the Chiang Mai initiative to a large and quick disbursing fund for the needy," she told Mr. Somchai.

"We all agree that we must instill confidence in our market economies. But we must also take action to provide hope to those who need it most." — Alexis Douglas B. Romero

Funny how your statement just reminded me of another one of my experiences while vacationing in the Philippines. While being driven around inside my Aunt's car, I noticed that roads are bumpy even though they were cemented. I was riding inside a car, not an old car but rather a well maintained SUV and it was a noticeably bumpy ride even though the road was cemented. Just an experience and not meant to bash good ole Philippines.
^^^^^^Ive also driven and still driving on cemented roadways and asphalted roadways here in the United States so somehow I have a basis for comparison. Again not to bash the Philippines but sharing experiences. Funny how your statement just reminded me of some of my experiences driving around Los Angeles and the good ole I-405. I sometimes switch between a Tahoe or a Suburban. One thingy I noticed about the good ole I-405 was that it was just as bumpy as the South Luzon Expressway. Or that North Luzon Expressway leading to Angeles City. :lol: I frequently go to California, moderately to Illinois, Nevada, New York and Texas as well. :lol:

On my last trip we drove from San Diego (convoy with many pitstops) all the way thru L.A., the beautiful CA countryside and its many asparagus farms & all the way to San Jose and San Francisco. The roads were generally nice and smooth but I felt there was no huge disparity in bumpiness.

In the same way I felt there was this needless & pointless comparison between the world's strongest superpower and a developing Southeast Asian nation. It's kinda tacky. Sure, we got problems but the bumps are just as bumpy as any I had seen in North America, China and Europe. Ei, not meant to bash but merely sharing experiences :lol: :lol: Viva Filipinas!

Problem also is that most Filipino companies "discriminate" thus a lot of Filipinos cannot find jobs..

1.) Should be 21-25 y.o. only OR should be less than 30 y.o. :bash: (In Singapore, lots of old people working in McDonalds)

2.) Should be at least 5'6 :bash:

3.) Should submit NBI, Police, and Barangay Clearances (Isn't one more than enough????).. So meaning past offenders who are now reformed are automatically disqualified from having a job.. Even those with cases (like napagbintangan lang) are automatically disqualified from having a job;

4.) Should have pleasing personality

5.) Should be a graduate of BS Computer Science (even if the job involves typing documents in Microsoft Word or some simple programming that even an idiot can perform);

6.) Should be an accounting or business ad graduate (even if the job is only a teller in a bank or a cashier)

7.) Should be a college/university graduate (even if the job is just an assistant or a barista in a coffee shop)

....and a whole lot more...


and then there's the hidden requirement:

--> Should come from UP, Ateneo, LaSalle, etc.


...and here's a hilarious requirement:

- Submit a full body picture (found this ad in a hospital recruiting Nurses) :bash:




..... Wow, the list has grown since our time. Yup, Requirements 1, 2, 3 and 4 were also in vogue back then. Also #7. Oh yeah, the time immemorial hidden reqt - UP, Ateneo and LaSalle. Pity, pity, pity those who can't get into the big 3... :ohno:

^^ imho, it is very easy to get a job. mapili lang ang ibang pinoy. kung baga ma-arte.

kung hindi nakapagtapos ng elementarya, high-school or kahit college., edi tangapin ang pag-janitor or crew or tindero... ang daming trabaho, marami lang tamad..

By Tony Lopez (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/nov/13/yehey/opinion/20081113opi4.html)

I was a reactor the other day to the Jaime V. Ongpin Memorial Lecture of poverty expert Dr. Arsenio Balicasan at the Ateneo at Rockwell. Here is the first part of my reaction:

The statistics and the analyses on poverty incidence in the Philippines are distressing. They will make you grab the nearest paltik and shoot the politician next to you.

My contention, however, is that the Philippines is not that poor. The Pinoy is not that poor. And yes, we need the politicians. Just look at how that priest in Pampanga is running the local government.

Why do I say the Philippines is not that poor? Let me cite some data:

1. The Philippines is a large country and a large economy. The population is 92 million, the 12th largest in the world. Only China, India, the US, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russian Federation, Nigeria, Japan and Mexico are bigger.

We are the same size as Vietnam. We are bigger than Germany 82.7 million, Thailand 65.3 million, France 60.9 million, the UK 60 million, Italy 58.2 million, Korea 48 million, Spain 43.6 million and Argentina 39.5 million.

The Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) in purchasing power parity is worth $327 billion, according to the World Bank 2008 World Development Report and $319 billion, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook October 2008. That makes it the 36th largest economy in the world, out of 200 countries. The Philippines is the ninth largest economy in Asia.

We are bigger than Hong Kong, Norway, Chile, Portugal, Singapore, Vietnam, Ireland, UAE, Kuwait, and New Zealand. Switzerland, home to the largest hoard of hidden wealth in the world, is just slightly bigger.

In the whole of Asia, only eight other countries are bigger than the Philippines in GDP PPP – China, Japan, India, Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia,

2. As a domestic market, the World Economic Forum classifies the Philippines as the 33rd largest market in the world. Domestic market here means GDP plus value of imports of goods and services minus exports. RP is bigger than Austria, Malaysia, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Portugal, Vietnam, Chile, Hungary and yes, Singapore.

In October this year, the IMF classified the Philippines as a newly industrialized country with estimated its nominal GDP per capita at $1,908.

Per capita, the Gross National Income, per World Bank 2007 data, is $1,620, 50 percent more than Vietnam’s $790. Even in per capita PPP terms, we are richer than the Vietnamese—$3,730 vs. $2,550, a difference of $1,180 or 46 percent. Of course, we could have been far richer if we had grown as fast as Vietnam.

In the eight years from 2000 to 2007, the Philippine average GDP growth was 5.14 percent. That of Vietnam was 7.63 percent, 48 percent faster. But who is happier—the Filipino or the Vietnamese?

3. The Philippines has ten million expatriate workers, the so-called overseas Filipino workers (OFW). There are 16 million families in the Philippines. That means 63 percent of total households in the country have an OFW. Two of every three families.

This year, the 10 million overseas Filipino workers will remit $18 billion. That’s an average remittance of $1,800 per worker. Divide that by 5.5—the average of Filipino family size and you get $327.27 additional per capita income. Add that to the domestic $1,620 per capita income and you get a per capita income figure closer to $2,000. In other words, one can conclude that 10 million households—two of every three—are middle class.

Compare that to the ten million households in America who are technically bankrupt because their homes have less value than the loans borrowed with which to buy them.

4. The Philippines is unique as a poor country. Filipinos spend more for e-loading and texting than for their milk, coffee, patis and even Jollibee. Is that the behavior of poverty-stricken people?

The Filipino farmer is productive only half of the time. He has plenty of spare time. He uses that to drink gin or beer with his barkada, make bets at the cockpit, and make love. He breathes fresh air, eats his wife’s cooking and listens to the latest two-bit political commentator on the radio. His wife, meanwhile, watches the latest telenovela.

Is he happy? Yes. Is he poor? Yes.

biznewsasia@gmail.com

^^that is true, madami sa atin ang pinili ay hindi magtapos ng pag-aaral....so dapat marunong silang tumanggap ng katotohanan na mahirap silang makapasook sa matitinong trabaho o high earning job. as what @leechtat said madami talagang trabaho, andyan ang pagja-janitor o crew sa isang food chain, mag-apply sa MMDA bilang hardinero o metro aid, kargador sa palengke, etc.

kung isasang-tabi ng pinoy ang kanilang pride (hindi po yan detergent), bababa dramatically ang bilang ng unemployment sa bansa. masyado nating minamaliit ang mga disenteng trabahong ito. ang payo ko naman sa mga nakaka-angat, hwag nating matahin ang mga ito o kaawaan, sa halip bigyan natin sila ng respeto at karangalan sapagkat ang mga ito ang pumupuno sa mga trabahong ayaw nating gawin. sila'y nagtitiis na magpakapawis sa ilalim ng araw habang ang mga mambabatas natin ay nagpapalamig at pakuya-kuyakoy sa kongreso at hindi man lang naisip na bigyan sila ng mga benepisyong nararapat sa kanila.

tayo pa nga dapat ang magturo at iniidolo sa Asia sapagkat una tayong tinuruan ng demokratikong pamamaraan ng pagkilala sa mga manggagawa.

^^3-in-1 coffee....complete and instant

kung hindi nakapagtapos ng elementarya, high-school or kahit college., edi tangapin ang pag-janitor or crew or tindero... ang daming trabaho, marami lang tamad.. Yes, this 2nd line (above) is correct and I can agree to it up to a certain point.

Howbeit this 1st line (below) is not really accurate and can be unfair. Moreover, there is a disconnect between this line and our posts (lord C & I). ^^ imho, it is very easy to get a job. mapili lang ang ibang pinoy. kung baga ma-arte. See, we were talking about college graduates & Philippine employers. IMHO, the factors enumerated by the other poster are true, I had also experienced half of it in my lifetime. :)

By Tony Lopez (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/nov/13/yehey/opinion/20081113opi4.html)

I was a reactor the other day to the Jaime V. Ongpin Memorial Lecture of poverty expert Dr. Arsenio Balicasan at the Ateneo at Rockwell. Here is the first part of my reaction:

The statistics and the analyses on poverty incidence in the Philippines are distressing. They will make you grab the nearest paltik and shoot the politician next to you.

My contention, however, is that the Philippines is not that poor. The Pinoy is not that poor. And yes, we need the politicians. Just look at how that priest in Pampanga is running the local government.

Why do I say the Philippines is not that poor? Let me cite some data:

1. The Philippines is a large country and a large economy. The population is 92 million, the 12th largest in the world. Only China, India, the US, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russian Federation, Nigeria, Japan and Mexico are bigger.

We are the same size as Vietnam. We are bigger than Germany 82.7 million, Thailand 65.3 million, France 60.9 million, the UK 60 million, Italy 58.2 million, Korea 48 million, Spain 43.6 million and Argentina 39.5 million.

The Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) in purchasing power parity is worth $327 billion, according to the World Bank 2008 World Development Report and $319 billion, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook October 2008. That makes it the 36th largest economy in the world, out of 200 countries. The Philippines is the ninth largest economy in Asia.

We are bigger than Hong Kong, Norway, Chile, Portugal, Singapore, Vietnam, Ireland, UAE, Kuwait, and New Zealand. Switzerland, home to the largest hoard of hidden wealth in the world, is just slightly bigger.

In the whole of Asia, only eight other countries are bigger than the Philippines in GDP PPP – China, Japan, India, Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia,

2. As a domestic market, the World Economic Forum classifies the Philippines as the 33rd largest market in the world. Domestic market here means GDP plus value of imports of goods and services minus exports. RP is bigger than Austria, Malaysia, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Portugal, Vietnam, Chile, Hungary and yes, Singapore.

In October this year, the IMF classified the Philippines as a newly industrialized country with estimated its nominal GDP per capita at $1,908.

Per capita, the Gross National Income, per World Bank 2007 data, is $1,620, 50 percent more than Vietnam’s $790. Even in per capita PPP terms, we are richer than the Vietnamese—$3,730 vs. $2,550, a difference of $1,180 or 46 percent. Of course, we could have been far richer if we had grown as fast as Vietnam.

In the eight years from 2000 to 2007, the Philippine average GDP growth was 5.14 percent. That of Vietnam was 7.63 percent, 48 percent faster. But who is happier—the Filipino or the Vietnamese?

3. The Philippines has ten million expatriate workers, the so-called overseas Filipino workers (OFW). There are 16 million families in the Philippines. That means 63 percent of total households in the country have an OFW. Two of every three families.

This year, the 10 million overseas Filipino workers will remit $18 billion. That’s an average remittance of $1,800 per worker. Divide that by 5.5—the average of Filipino family size and you get $327.27 additional per capita income. Add that to the domestic $1,620 per capita income and you get a per capita income figure closer to $2,000. In other words, one can conclude that 10 million households—two of every three—are middle class.

Compare that to the ten million households in America who are technically bankrupt because their homes have less value than the loans borrowed with which to buy them.

4. The Philippines is unique as a poor country. Filipinos spend more for e-loading and texting than for their milk, coffee, patis and even Jollibee. Is that the behavior of poverty-stricken people?

The Filipino farmer is productive only half of the time. He has plenty of spare time. He uses that to drink gin or beer with his barkada, make bets at the cockpit, and make love. He breathes fresh air, eats his wife’s cooking and listens to the latest two-bit political commentator on the radio. His wife, meanwhile, watches the latest telenovela.

Is he happy? Yes. Is he poor? Yes.

biznewsasia@gmail.com

I enjoyed reading this article by Tony Lopez.... quiet true. He did not mention the natural resources: that the Philippines has over US$1 Trillion....waiting to be extracted.

i guess we can learn from thailand, singapore and malaysia's tourism infrastructures. :cheers:

i guess we can learn from thailand, singapore and malaysia's tourism infrastructures. :cheers:

It took a military coup for Thailand to boost its tourism.

nakakatuwang isipin na ipinagmamalaki natin sa buong mundo ang nangyari sa ating bansa 22 taon na ang nakararaan. marahil alam nyo ang sinasabi kong ito. dalawampu't dalawa na mula ng magkaisa ang taong-bayan na tahakin ang EDSA para ipakita sa buong mundo na tayong mga Pinoy ay nanguna at tagumpay na ipinaglaban ang kalayaan laban sa rehimeng diktaturya...pero ano? patuloy at paulit-ulit lang nating binabalikan ang EDSA hindi para gunitain ang kaganapang ito kundi ipagpatuloy ang labang dapat ay tinapos na natin 22 taon na ang nakararaan.

sinasabing nasa atin ang Asia's first modern non-violent proponent of political reforms, forerunner of Gandhi and contemporary of Tagore and Sun Yat Sen. Ganyan ipunyagi ng mundo ang dakilang si Gat Jose Rizal... ngunit sa kabila nito naghihikahos tayong isa-ayos ang sistema ng ating bansa.

sa bansa naka-base ang International Rice Research Institute ngaunit sa kabila nito, tayo pa ang nangunguna sa pag-iimport ng bigas sa ating kalapit-bansa.

isa tayo sa nangungunang progresibong bansa sa Asia at kasama sa pagtatatag ng ASEAN...pero asan na tayo?

Ano nga ba ang pagkukulang natin?

nakakatuwang isipin na ipinagmamalaki natin sa buong mundo ang nangyari sa ating bansa 25 taon na ang nakararaan. marahil alam nyo ang sinasabi kong ito. dalawampu't lima na mula ng magkaisa ang taong-bayan na tahakin ang EDSA para ipakita sa buong mundo na tayong mga Pinoy ay nanguna at tagumpay na ipinaglaban ang kalayaan laban sa rehimeng diktaturya...pero ano? patuloy at paulit-ulit lang nating binabalikan ang EDSA hindi para gunitain ang kaganapang ito kundi ipagpatuloy ang labang dapat ay tinapos na natin 25 taon na ang nakararaan.

sinasabing nasa atin ang Asia's first modern non-violent proponent of political reforms, forerunner of Gandhi and contemporary of Tagore and Sun Yat Sen. Ganyan ipunyagi ng mundo ang dakilang si Gat Jose Rizal... ngunit sa kabila nitonaghihikahos tayong isa-ayos ang sistema ng ating bansa.

sa bansa naka-base ang International Rice Research Institute ngaunit sa kabila nito, tayo pa ang nangunguna sa pag-iimport ng bigas sa ating kalapit-bansa.

isa tayo sa nangungunang progresibong bansa sa Asia at kasama sa pagtatatag ng ASEAN...pero asan na tayo?

Ano nga ba ang pagkukulang natin?

nationalism

Asians are nationalists and patriots.

They love their nations very much.

In the Philippines, nationalism is a dreaded disease.

In NIC countries, nationalism is a badge of honor.

By Tony Lopez (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/nov/13/yehey/opinion/20081113opi4.html)

...The Philippines is unique as a poor country. Filipinos spend more for e-loading and texting than for their milk, coffee, patis and even Jollibee. Is that the behavior of poverty-stricken people?....[/email]

Thats the problem, the poor behave as if they are rich.

Rich for 1 day during payday, poor for the next 29 days.

The Filipino farmer is productive only half of the time. He has plenty of spare time. He uses that to drink gin or beer with his barkada, make bets at the cockpit, and make love. He breathes fresh air, eats his wife’s cooking and listens to the latest two-bit political commentator on the radio. His wife, meanwhile, watches the latest telenovela.


These are the reasons why Pinoys are perpetually poor


Is he happy? Yes. Is he poor? Yes.

[email]biznewsasia@gmail.com

Unfortunately, puro saya na lang.

^^Weeeeeee umiral na naman ang pagka pessimistic, tama uunlad nga Pilipinas sayo pare...Salamat..:lol:

Pessimistic ng Pinoy pasok!

Para sakin hindi nationalism/patriotism ang kulang kundi ang disiplina:bash:!

^^Weeeeeee umiral na naman ang pagka pessimistic, tama uunlad nga Pilipinas sayo pare...Salamat..:lol:

Pessimistic ng Pinoy pasok!

Para sakin hindi nationalism/patriotism ang kulang kundi ang disiplina:bash:!

Weeeeee.... umiral na naman ang pagka-pessimistic ng isang poster.

Pasok!... ang mga taong gusto puro magaganda lang naririnig...

Tama ka, hindi uunlad ang pilipinas sa iyo pre pag ganyan mga reaksyon mo.

magbasa ka nga uli tol.

Kulang sa Pinoy, pagiging makabayan.


Yan disiplina mo wala yan. Panahon ni Marcos, disiplinado nga pinoy pero saan tayo umabot.

Alam mo disiplinado ka nga, binebenta mo naman kababayan at bansa mo, e di wala rin.:bash:

How do you understand this part: 92 M population, 10M OFW. Does that mean the 10M is part of the 92M population already or that's 92M population that is in the Philippines, so if you add the 10M OFW, that means we are already 102M?

^ yes.

By Tony Lopez (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/nov/13/yehey/opinion/20081113opi4.html)

I was a reactor the other day to the Jaime V. Ongpin Memorial Lecture of poverty expert Dr. Arsenio Balicasan at the Ateneo at Rockwell. Here is the first part of my reaction:

The statistics and the analyses on poverty incidence in the Philippines are distressing. They will make you grab the nearest paltik and shoot the politician next to you.

My contention, however, is that the Philippines is not that poor. The Pinoy is not that poor. And yes, we need the politicians. Just look at how that priest in Pampanga is running the local government.

Why do I say the Philippines is not that poor? Let me cite some data:

1. The Philippines is a large country and a large economy. The population is 92 million, the 12th largest in the world. Only China, India, the US, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russian Federation, Nigeria, Japan and Mexico are bigger.

We are the same size as Vietnam. We are bigger than Germany 82.7 million, Thailand 65.3 million, France 60.9 million, the UK 60 million, Italy 58.2 million, Korea 48 million, Spain 43.6 million and Argentina 39.5 million.

The Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) in purchasing power parity is worth $327 billion, according to the World Bank 2008 World Development Report and $319 billion, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook October 2008. That makes it the 36th largest economy in the world, out of 200 countries. The Philippines is the ninth largest economy in Asia.

We are bigger than Hong Kong, Norway, Chile, Portugal, Singapore, Vietnam, Ireland, UAE, Kuwait, and New Zealand. Switzerland, home to the largest hoard of hidden wealth in the world, is just slightly bigger.

In the whole of Asia, only eight other countries are bigger than the Philippines in GDP PPP – China, Japan, India, Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia,

2. As a domestic market, the World Economic Forum classifies the Philippines as the 33rd largest market in the world. Domestic market here means GDP plus value of imports of goods and services minus exports. RP is bigger than Austria, Malaysia, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Portugal, Vietnam, Chile, Hungary and yes, Singapore.

In October this year, the IMF classified the Philippines as a newly industrialized country with estimated its nominal GDP per capita at $1,908.

Per capita, the Gross National Income, per World Bank 2007 data, is $1,620, 50 percent more than Vietnam’s $790. Even in per capita PPP terms, we are richer than the Vietnamese—$3,730 vs. $2,550, a difference of $1,180 or 46 percent. Of course, we could have been far richer if we had grown as fast as Vietnam.

In the eight years from 2000 to 2007, the Philippine average GDP growth was 5.14 percent. That of Vietnam was 7.63 percent, 48 percent faster. But who is happier—the Filipino or the Vietnamese?

3. The Philippines has ten million expatriate workers, the so-called overseas Filipino workers (OFW). There are 16 million families in the Philippines. That means 63 percent of total households in the country have an OFW. Two of every three families.

This year, the 10 million overseas Filipino workers will remit $18 billion. That’s an average remittance of $1,800 per worker. Divide that by 5.5—the average of Filipino family size and you get $327.27 additional per capita income. Add that to the domestic $1,620 per capita income and you get a per capita income figure closer to $2,000. In other words, one can conclude that 10 million households—two of every three—are middle class.

Compare that to the ten million households in America who are technically bankrupt because their homes have less value than the loans borrowed with which to buy them.

4. The Philippines is unique as a poor country. Filipinos spend more for e-loading and texting than for their milk, coffee, patis and even Jollibee. Is that the behavior of poverty-stricken people?

The Filipino farmer is productive only half of the time. He has plenty of spare time. He uses that to drink gin or beer with his barkada, make bets at the cockpit, and make love. He breathes fresh air, eats his wife’s cooking and listens to the latest two-bit political commentator on the radio. His wife, meanwhile, watches the latest telenovela.

Is he happy? Yes. Is he poor? Yes.

biznewsasia@gmail.com

Ahhh... This article is more than just a massage to me... Exposing the Philippines to a great heights.. Wow!!! It rocks man.. It really rocks. This is the reality... No... This is 100% reality... damn....

Thanks sir... Thanks a lot. :cheers:

hindi masama ang pagiging positibo sa buhay...pero tulad ng kasabihan.."masama ang sobra"

ang sobrang positibo sa buhay ay nakakabulag

ang sobrang negatibo sa buhay naman ay nakakapilay

subukan nating umalis sa tanikalang kinalalagyan natin at buksan natin ang ating isipan para tingnan sa malayo ang "panorama" ng riyalidad/ katotohanan

kapag nagawa mo na ito, malalaman mo na nasa Quiapo ka na kung saan halos lahat ng sasakyang dumadaan ay patungo sa iba't-ibang dako ng syudad. ngayon mag-desisyon ka kung saang landas ka patungo:)

hindi masama ang pagiging positibo sa buhay...pero tulad ng kasabihan.."masama ang sobra"

ang sobrang positibo sa buhay ay nakakabulag

ang sobrang negatibo sa buhay naman ay nakakapilay

subukan nating umalis sa tanikalang kinalalagyan natin at buksan natin ang ating isipan para tingnan sa malayo ang "panorama" ng riyalidad/ katotohanan

kapag nagawa mo na ito, malalaman mo na nasa Quiapo ka na kung saan halos lahat ng sasakyang dumadaan ay patungo sa iba't-ibang dako ng syudad. ngayon mag-desisyon ka kung saan ka patungo:)


Agree.

Tingnan mo yung mali tapos planuhin mo kung paano maitatama.

Hindi puro dapat magaganda ang nakikita sa labas kasi baka yun pala bulok na ang nasa loob.

We should know our weakness in order to surmount it.

And I know the Pinoys can do it.

How do you understand this part: 92 M population, 10M OFW. Does that mean the 10M is part of the 92M population already or that's 92M population that is in the Philippines, so if you add the 10M OFW, that means we are already 102M?

The 10M is part of the 92M population of the PHilippines.

yes it true in other word's 90M Population - 10M OFW (Not Included the Filipino who are not duly registered w/ DOLE & DFA estimated 2-3M TNT) = 80~77M who are living in the Philippine and 30% is Less than 20 year's old of age.

We are lacking in both discipline and nationalism. But in reality, our people are not much different from the other Asians around us. If we delved deep into their histories, we find their societies before were like ours.

Nationalism and discipline can be fired up, jumpstarted or galvanized by a charismatic leader or a well organized group. We need leaders that know how to take charge. It may be well worth noting that most of our Asian neighbours are hardly the chaotic democracies we know of... for example, we can learn from these leaders on how they galvanized their nations and whipped them up into Nationalism, thence on to discipline. These are my 4 personal favourites. The success of their respective countries speak for themselves. :)

Deng Xiaoping inherited a China in chaos and led market reforms to transform China into what it is today. The best of both socialism and the free market.
http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo332/mercato2008/Resources/225px-DengXiaoping.jpg
Ho Chi Minh fired up the imagination of the Vietnamese into winning against all odds. He galvanized his people into Nationalism. Due to his legacy, Vietnam though ravaged by war is fast overtaking the Philippines.
http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo332/mercato2008/Resources/225px-.jpg
Mahathir Mohammed was a firebrand and led his country to greater reforms w/c eventually transformed Malaysia into what it is today. Another one who galvanized Malaysians into Nationalism.
http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo332/mercato2008/Resources/225px-Mm_un.jpg
Lee Kuan Yew galvanized a young nation into what it is today. His book From Third World to First is a sterling summary of how they did it.
http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo332/mercato2008/Resources/225px--1.jpg

^^ and all of them were dictatotors....stupid marcos

^ true.. sometimes im inclined to believe that what we truly need is a big government, authoritarian like these 4, in order to get things done in our country. Asian countries are best run by strong leaders, with soft authoritarian approach, limiting the democratic principles to basic at least at its infancy stage. this country has not seen discipline since the US military bases and Marcos. we have not a government to respect and "fear" and trust after the walls fell down in Malacañang and Subic and Clark. we have learned to depend on a large power: the Spanish, Americans, American-puppets up til Marcos. And after we've become free from these regimes, can we truly say we are free in terms of economics? Last time we were an economic power (2nd to japan) we were under those regimes. (we lost it with a crazy Marcos) but these Asian countries prove it can be done with a benevolent fist (unlike Marcos) but still a fist! :D

but doing anything drastic may hurt, lets see first how far our American Style of Democracy can go.. hehe

....we're in the east, the most powerful nations that have come from this place have been authoritarian,..maybe it's time to stop following western ideologies and embrace our nature,..filipinos as a people require a strong hand, anything too soft and they'll find ways to wiggle out their own way....

I would still prefer a democratic system, no matter how flawed it is. We have seen how an authoritarian system could do in its worse. What if another dictator would end up like Marcos? We can only wish that there would be a benevolent dictator, but what if there's none? We can argue that ours is a very flawed democracy but despite its weaknesses we are still able to hold firm after 25 years. Our economy might not be the best but certainly it is not lagging anymore. Thanks to authoritarianism, we became the sick man of Asia.

Some argue that the western type of democracy is not suitable to our culture. How can we say so when we haven't even gotten close to what was a supposedly democratic government? We may have elections and free speech but that doesn't make our political system a democratic one.

There must be something wrong with our culture. Our semi-feudal, regionalistic and family-centered political culture must be hindering us from becoming a true democracy and therefore, forbidding us to enjoy the fruits of democracy. We proudly boast that we are a "democracy", but our culture doesn't reflect that. From the very basic unit of society, the Filipino family, to the very top, the state, everything/everyone is centered and are dependent on the head or "Pang-ULO" (Pangulo, Head, Apo) and their cohorts, the oligarchs. The people merely perpetuate that, in exchange for a few silver coins, just as Judas had betrayed the Messiah. That is not the true teaching of democracy.

In the case of the US too, their forefathers have reservations granting too much freedom to their citizens. Some even suggested giving unequal votes based on educational background, social class, or population of states, etc. They even have to fight a civil war because of slaves. After 200 years, they are now the only remaining superpower in the world. Despite the weaknesses of their leader, their institutions could still make up for what their leader could not do. That is the beauty of democracy. In an authoritarian system, everything collapses, as the leader fades.

^^ actually our democracy, is more absolute than that of the US, we rely on popular vote, the US has an electoral college, with a two party system, the ability of a person to run for higher office would depend a lot on the support of his party, especially the leaders ,superdelegates(party leaders) are a factor on both sides...

^^That's right. In our system, however, popularity is more important and the absence of real parties is not helpful either. But somehow, I believe that our democracy is flourishing pretty well despite its weaknesses. It would take time to develop of course.

Have read from INQ a while ago that the COMELEC is planning to add political debates in every elections as a requirement. That must be a good sign indeed. Aside from that, these investigations in all branches of government might be seen as a hindrance to development, but somehow it also helps in the development of our political system as people tend to get educated of the various functions of several branches of government. We have a long way to go. We've only been practicing this type of government for 42 years since we became independent in 1946.

^^ 26 years, remember the marcos era...

^^Nope. I've included the 25 years from 1946-1971. Then I've added 21 from 1986-2008. It should actually be 46 years! You are meticulous eh. :D:lol: