Pag-ipunan ang mga Pangangailangan…huwag umasa sa pangungutang

Pag-ipunan ang mga Pangangailangan

…huwag umasa sa pangungutang

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Pera ang isa sa mga dahilan ng pagkasira ng samahan ng magkakaibigan at magkakapamilya. Sa diretsahang salita, ito ay dahil sa pangungutang ng mga oportunista na umaasang hindi sila sisingilin, kaya kung siningil naman ay sasama ang loob nila. Dapat baguhin na ang ganitong ugali – ang umasa sa ibang nakakaluwag. Kung may mga tao mang nakakaluwag sa buhay, ito ay dahil ngsikap sila para sa kanilang mga pangangailangan. At, hindi dahil “nakakaluwag” na sila sa buhay ay milyonaryo na sila. Ang kaluwagan ay nangangahulugang mayroon silang naitatabi upang madukot sa panahon ng kanilang pangangailangan. Tinatapatan naman ito ng mga mga oportunista ng linyang, “ipagamit mo muna sa akin yan….hindi mo pa naman kailangan”, subalit wala naman palang balak magbayad, o magbayad man ay masama ang loob at may panunumbat pa.

Dapat matutong mag-ipon para sa ibang pangangailangan. Ang piso ay dumadami kung ito ay dadagdagan, kaya huwag  itong hayaang nag-iisang piso lang. May iba kasi diyan na kapag mababa sa isandaang piso ang hawak, ang tingin nila dito ay hindi na pera, kaya kung waldasin ay ganoon na lang. Nariyang ibigay na lang sa mga anak upang gastusin sa internet games, o di kaya ay hayaang nakakalat lang sa loob ng bahay. Sa isang bahay na pinasyalan ko, ang mga barya, pati beyntehin at limampu ay nakapatong lang sa isang ibabaw ng mesa sa sala. Subalit bistado ko rin ang may-ari ng bahay na walang patlang ang pangungutang sa Bombay.

Ibatay sa uri ng pinagkikitaan ang paraan ng pag-ipon. Kung arawan ang kita tulad ng pagtitinda, dapat, araw-araw din kung magtabi ng ipon. Kung suwelduhan naman na 15/30, dapat tuwing suweldo naman magtabi ng extra. Dapat hindi galawin ng kumikita araw-araw ang kanilang puhunan upang hindi mapilitang makapangutang. Ang iba kasi na may ganitong pinagkikitaan, ang tingin sa kinita sa buong araw ay talagang “kinita” lang…hindi nila naisip na kasama dito ang puhunan at tubo, kaya ang dapat galawin ay ang tubo lang.  Ang mga suwelduhan naman, kapag natanggap na ang sahod, ang papasok naman sa isip ay may susunod pang suweldo, kaya okey lang na waldasin ang katatanggap lang na sahod.

Hindi na natuto ang iba sa kasabihang “kung maiksi ang kumot, matutong mamaluktot”. Kahit ang badyet halimbawa ay kapos, ayaw nilang magtipid. Kung ano ang gastusin nila sa panahong nakakaluwag sila sa pera, ganoon pa rin ang ginagawa nila kahit kinakapos sila kaya dinadagdagan nila ng perang inutang ang kakulangan. Sa panahon namang may pagkakataong makaipon sila, todo pa rin ang gastos hanggang maubos ang pera. Kaya lumalabas na talagang walang limitasyon ang gastos nila hangga’t mayroon silang hawak na pera. Walang pagkakaiba sa kanila kung ang hawak nila halimbawa ay sampung libo o isandaan libo, dahil parehong ubos pa rin. Ang lalong nagpasama sa inaasal ng mga taong iresponsable kaya walang naiipon ay ang ugali nilang pandadamay ng ibang tao. Nag-aalala ang mga talagang walang maipahiram na pera. Ang iba namang ayaw magpautang ay gusto lang turuan ng leksiyon ang mga walang konsiyensiyang oportunista na kaibigan o kamag-anak.

Dapat alam na ng mga madalas umutang kung ano ang kanilang mga pangangailangan at kung kaylan dumarating ito, upang mapaglaanan nila ito ng karampatang ipon. Hindi maaaring idahilan ang maliit na sweldo o kinikita, dahil ang mga gastos ay dapat ibatay sa mga ito. Halimbawa, kung hindi kaya ng sweldo ang bayad sa tuition ng anak sa private school, bakit hindi ito ipasok sa public school? Kung kaya namang ihatid at sunduin sa eskwela, bakit iuupa pa ng school bus o tricycle? Kung ang kayang ulam sa araw-araw ay isda at gulay, bakit hindi gumawa ng paraan upang lalo pang makatipid sa halip na umasam pa ng karneng baboy, baka o manok? Wala namang namatay sa hindi pagkain ng karne. Maari rin namang kumain ng karne isang beses sa loob ng isang linggo.  Ang matindi ay ang pagsanay ng mga magulang sa mga anak sa pagkain ng hotdog, hamburger at kung anu-ano pang hindi naman masustansiya, at dinadagdagan pa ng mga chicherya na pang-meryenda. Kaya tuloy may ibang bata na ayaw kumain ng kangkong o talbos ng kamote o sitaw, o galunggong man lang. Sino ang may kasalanan ngayon? May iba pang magulang na nagmamalaki sa pagkuwento na ang anak nila ay hindi kumakain ng gulay at kunwari ay may pahimutok pang sinasabi na, “ewan ko ba”, ganoong alam naman ng iba na kung hindi sila mangutang ay wala silang maisasaing na bigas. Yan ang kaplastikan at kaartehan ng iba!

Ang diskarte ng isa kong kaibigan, si Liza, ay ang pagkaroon ng “food bank” sa kusina. Pagkatapos niyang bayaran ang mga buwanang obligasyon tulad ng kuryente, tubig, at ipa ba, ang natirang pera ay binibili niya ng mga sangkap para sa mga pagkaing karaniwang inihahanda sa party, tulad ng pansit at spaghetti, kaya nakakaipon siya ng mga de-lata, pasta, behon, miki, olive oil, tomato sauce at iba pa. Ginagamit niya ang mga ito sa paghanda kung magbertdey ang mga anak, pasko at bagong taon. Basta may sale, at may ekstra siyang panggastos, bumibili din siya ng mga pangregalo sa pasko. Dahil sa diskarte niya, hindi siya natataranta at lalong hindi nakapangungutang pagdating ng pangangailangan niya.

Ngayong papalapit na ang pasko, hindi na magkandaugaga ang iba sa pag-isip kung ano ang ihahanda o idi-display sa mesa, lalo na ang pagkain sa kapaskuhan at bagong taon. Ang hindi nila naisip ay wala silang pera, kundi mangungutang lang sa iba, lalo na sa Bombay! Kung gusto nila ng maluhong pasko at bagong taon, dapat, Enero pa lang ay nag-iipon na sila….ganoon lang kasimple. At, para naman sa iba pang bagay, dapat paglaanan man lang ng baryang  inaalkansiya!

The Deceitful “Growth” of the Philippine Economy

The Deceitful “Growth” of the Philippine Economy

by Apolinario Villalobos

When President Pnoy Aquino made reports about the “phenomenal” growth of the Philippine economy under his administration, many shrugged their shoulders, as the latter believe otherwise in view of the very obvious poverty that scars the economic landscape, like a creeping amoeba. Pnoy sincerely believes the “truth” in the result of the surveys, which many times have been proven unrealistic, hence, unbelievable. Development should result to fair and real benefits for the appropriate parties. So, whether the Filipinos are, indeed, benefiting from these foreign investments in the country or not, still remains a big question that Pnoy should answer – truthfully.

The Filipino industry is dead long ago, when the country joined the global commerce that enslaved it to one-sided provisions due to quotas involved, favoring giant industrial nations. The Philippines has become the dumping ground of cheap products, especially, those from China and the United States, and woefully, even garbage from Canada! Not even the agriculture industry is spared, as rice and corn fields gave way to subdivisions and business centers. The forests are exploited by loggers financed by foreigners, and so are the mining areas. Manufacturing in the country has become the exclusive venture of foreign investors with Filipinos slaving it out along the length of the assembly lines, and tied to 5-month contract for a measly wage.

The volume and the gross monetary returns of these investments get reported, but the details of the “real profit” are not, because they are hauled back to the countries of the foreign investors. Meanwhile, the only tangible and direct benefit from contractual employment which is the measly wage, is what’s left to Filipinos!…yet, the President Pnoy has the courage to report that the country under his administration has “moved forward” on his “tuwid na daan” (straight path), and that poverty has been decreased!…and very proudly at that!

Pnoy Aquino should stop warbling about “developments” under his term, so that he will not be overwhelmed with criticisms, as he is just basing his claims on questionable survey results. He should not worry, because presidents who preceded him are equally guilty. Just like him, they forgot that the Philippines, is first and foremost, an agricultural nation, yet, this particular segment of the economy was woefully neglected. Instead of preserving what remained of the dastardly exploited natural resources since the American regime, these are left to be further exploited not only by corrupt government officials but by foreign financiers through their dummies, as well.

Public lands were sold, supposedly for their revenue to be used in upgrading government facilities, such as those in the Armed Forces, but nothing happened of it. So, today, the archipelagic Philippines is a miserable sight in the eyes of other nations due to her Navy’s rusty and outmoded ships; the Army’s doleful and inadequate arms and ammunitions; and, the Air Force’s shabby picture with its rickety aircrafts. There are reports that acquisitions have been made…but similar reports were made many years ago…and, remained as just reports.

By the way, though known to be a dictator, Ferdinand Marcos , at the early part of his first term as president, was honest enough to admit the sorry state of the nation with its deteriorating economy. Nobody among the rest of the presidents, including Quezon, the Commonwealth president had the courage to do it.

The situation today is worsened by the obvious cover-up of what are really happening, a gross act of dishonesty. Meanwhile, the country still wallows in the corrupted government system that benefits only a few.

The Evolution of the Deeply-rooted Elitist Political and Economic Dominion that Controls the Philippines

The Evolution of the Deeply-rooted Elitist

Political and Economic Dominion that Controls the Philippines

By Apolinario Villalobos

When the Americans took over the reins of authority over the Philippines from the Spaniards, they saw the convenience in using the existing peasant-tenant relationship. This approach was used by Jacob Schurman who was appointed by the then, President McKinley, to head the Schurman Commission which subtly used the Filipino elite in laying down the groundwork for an effective control of the population in 1899.

In Negros, however, the job of the Americans was made easier by the local elite and landlords who did not wait to be prodded. They took the initiative of organizing a provisional government with the obvious objective of protecting their vast holdings and interests. Among them were Juan Araneta, Jose Luzuriaga, Leandro Locsin, Demetrio Larena, ang Agustin Montilla. They took the effort of contacting the Americans who were busy in their subjugation operations in Luzon and Visayas regions. Finally, on February 1899, representatives of the elite Negrenses succeeded in touching base with the military government under Gen. E. Otis, who eventually, created the Visayan Military district with Gen. James F. Smith at the helm, as the island’s Governor.

As pockets of the Aguinaldo-led resistance movement under the Malolos Revolutionary government were still present in Negros, open hostilities eventually ensued between them and the American-supported Negros elite and landlords, with the latter eventually prevailing.

The same pattern of partnership or collaboration between the elite/landowners and the Americans was also employed in Luzon with Baliuag (Bulacan) as the starting point. The successful takeover of towns by Americans, finally led to the capture of Aguinaldo in 1901, in Isabela. Unfortunately, the effort of the Americans using the mentioned strategy did not succeed in Mindanao. Meanwhile, the organizational plan for the subjugated towns was prepared by a Committee headed by the American-appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Cayetano Arellano.

For the central government’s Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches, the American-controlled Philippine Commission, appointed prominent personalities, still from the elite stratum of the population. Very prominent was the Chief Justice Cayetano Arellano, a law professor of the University of Santo Tomas, practicing lawyer and with strong inclination and conviction about the belief in the “sovereignty of the United States over the Philippines.” Other renowned members of the elite society who took political center stage were: Manuel L. Quezon, Manuel  Roxas, Gregorio Araneta, Benito Legarda, Osmeῆa, Jose Laurel, Jose Abad Santos, Elpidio Quirino, Benigno Aquino Sr., Claro M. Recto, Camilo Osias, Emilio Tirona, Juan Sumulong, Pedro Gil, and Ruperto Montinola, among many others.

The Americans were wise in using the elite for their orchestrated control of the Luzon and Visayas regions, and parts of Mindanao. The said group had the fear of losing their privileges and security of their interests, in view of the growing clamor of the masses for the redistribution of land since the later part of the Spanish regime, and they saw an opportunity in cooperating with the Americans in exchange for such objective. They also had an historical distrust of the masses, whom they viewed with disgust, being uneducated and whom they alleged to be dwelling on dubious moral values. Trinidad Pardo de Tavera and Cayetano Arellano were specially, vocal about these views.

The hideous strategy of the Americans with the strong cooperation of the elite not only widened the gap between the peasants and the landlords in the Visayas and Luzon regions. The landlords became richer as they broadened the extent of their haciendas while the peasants became more impoverished as they suffered the same fate under the Spanish landlords that included the friars.

Meanwhile, the control of the three branches of the central government by the elite families, resulted to the “blooming” of political dynasties. The already securely- entrenched political families were joined later on by their financially- struggling allies who became rich when they also, entered the political arena.

Today, the economic and political dominion that controls the country is distributed among the historic political families and landlords, native and mestizo business tycoons who have tract records in supporting the political dynasties that move heaven and earth to perpetuate their hold on political reins of the country, and the new breed of rags-to-riches political “geniuses”. It is an inhuman conspiracy that not even hell can equal!

The Filipino-Style of Democracy Today…inept and disastrous, enjoyed only by the few!

The Filipino-Style of Democracy Today

…inept and disastrous, enjoyed only by the few!

By Apolinario Villalobos

During the American regime, particularly under the Harrison administration, Filipinization of the government gained momentum. The effort of Harrison was criticized by the Americans who perceived the Filipinos as ill-prepared, hence, needed more “training” but the kind of a “hands off” not “hands on”, which means that they should not be given direct responsibilities, to give them time to better absorb the essence of democracy. Despite the criticisms, however, Harrison, allowed the Filipinos to have a taste of self-rule, though, with lesser control, until finally, they were left on their own.

The American Constitution was the basis of the country’s own. Except for the federal form of the American government, all other aspects of the democratic system were copied. Clearly now, while practically, the American democracy was embraced by the Filipinos, its essence was not absorbed suitably. The freedom granted by the Americans nurtured the much-abused Filipino-style of democracy which, in time, became deeply-rooted, making the resulting corruption, very difficult to eradicate.

Today, the result is devastating, as such kind of democracy, is replete with abuse, being founded on kinship, gratitude and friendship. The traditional practice which had been going on since the colonial days, was never eradicated, but just got worse during the time of Harrison. It was more prevalent, though, in the lower rungs of the political system, yet. Such practice was strongly observed by the Americans in general, that is why, the freedom given to the Filipinos was perceived by them to be “unripe” and untimely.

Overly nationalistic Filipinos proudly declare that it is better to be ruled by a corrupt Filipino leader than by a foreigner. Lately, at the rate that the Filipino leaders are drowning the country in the muck of never-ending foreign-granted debts, the country’s economy has become foreign-fueled, therefore dictated by them, too, to insure the return of their “investment” complete with interest! In other words, the Filipino leaders have become puppets to these foreign lenders, making the country still foreign-ruled in a way! So, where is nationalism in such kind of a situation?

No doubt, the country has entered the new era of economic colonization. And, hypocrite Filipinos play blind and dumb to this reality, pretending that the country is still enjoying the benefits of a strong democracy. That could be true, but only for those who are in control of the government, their families, kin, and friends. The present president is undoubtedly tolerant of his critics, but democracy is not just about that. Is there democracy in the uncontrolled yearly increase in tuition fees, worsening unemployment, job contractualization, illegal mining and logging behind which are politicians and favored foreigners, yearly soaring of prices of basic commodities, and pocketing of people’s money by corrupt government officials?

A suggestion is changing the form of government, by decentralizing it. In other words, why not give federalism, a try? The essence of democracy is still the nucleus of this system, but grumblings from those with different culture will be eliminated, because with the decentralization, they can have the opportunity of ruling themselves, though on a controlled capacity. And, with the shrinking of covered areas, operation of the “federal states” can be controlled more efficiently, minimizing at least, the occurrence of corruption.

Along this line, the successful autonomous region of the Cordillera has shown that it can be done, followed by the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao which can be just enhanced for the sake of the Bangsamoro. A few more steps leading towards the creation of other regions throughout the country may result to the much-sought peace, albeit limited, due to the still prevailing pockets of insurgency and banditry. At the end, what the country will enjoy would indeed, be the true Filipino-style of democracy!

The Planned Loan from the Asian Development Bank…and its impending further bleeding of the Filipinos!

The Planned Loan from the Asian Development Bank

…and its impending further bleeding of the Filipinos!

By Apolinario Villalobos

Months ago, at least two surveys reported that the Philippines has been recovering from its economic woes, with the figure of unemployment reduced, rice in abundance, etc. Yet, it was followed by the “fluctuation” of the peso due to underspending of the government and of course, the people who has nothing to spend, anyway, then the announcement that the government is importing rice to buffer its stock to prevent hunger. Lately, the confusing scenario is worsened by the joint statement of ADB President Takehiko Nakao and Philippine Finance Secretary that Asian Development Bank, based in Metro Manila is ready to increase loans from USD1.8 billion for 2015-2017 up to USD 3billion from 2016 to 2018, and as based on the country’s latest accountability, would be about 66 percent increase!

The series of loans shall purportedly continue to “support the country’s infrastructure needs, programs to strengthen high school education, job creation for the youth, social protection and development in the southern Philippines.” Purisima added that support from ADB “ is crucial and quality education and infrastructure are needed to fuel growth beneficial to all.” Wow!…what a mouthful avowal!

The country is now wallowing in debt renewed every year for the same reasons but no tangible result can be seen. The glaring example is the K-12 program which has been haphazardly launched without the needed preparation due to the “lack of fund”!…no materials, no teachers appropriately trained, lack of rooms – the same problems since after the Martial Law! What is funny, even with the billions of donations for the rehabilitation of the Yolanda typhoon (Hayan) victims, not a single statement from the government about its progress is heard. So, what “funding” can the government honestly handle, when even the mentioned donation is being viewed as mishandled…and with so many questions about it left unanswered?

And, what infrastructure is Purisima talking about?….the “built and destroyed” roads for what reason, the people already know, if not due to poor quality of materials used by contractors?….there are many government structures that need refurbishing but are left untouched! Purisima should go out to the countryside to validate his statements that indeed, the loans are being used for the building of infrastructure – check for himself, the length of highways and roads already built, number of bridges already finished, and most especially, farm to market roads that have been “really” built!

On tourism, what has the government done? If not for the initiative and resourcefulness of the local facilities and tour operators, the industry would have gone down the drain due to neglect. What little historic remains of the once hated Spanish colonialism are left to rot due to non-availability of funds but the Filipinos are surprised at the notoriously hefty amounts of money that have gone to the pockets of the unscrupulous government officials…that is why, there are cases being investigated now. What a shame!

The Philippines is a sucker to what ADB keeps on telling the world that its economy has grown rapidly for several years and expanded 6.1 percent in 2014, forecasting still, that by the end of 2015, it will rise to 6.4 percent, and 6.3 percent in 2016. Are the ADB people serious about their revelation? Where did they get their information?…from paid survey firms? What economy is this bank talking about with the practice of the five-month contractual employment going on?…the decline of agriculture industry?…the mining industry given on silver platter to the foreign miners, especially, Chinese?…. the poor Filipinos left with the sidewalk vending business while decent ones are left to the Chinese and Koreans in malls that these same foreigners built? Are these foreign “investors” expected to invest further in the country, as common sense dictates that they should bring back to their country what earnings they have sucked from this ailing country?

The presence of the BPO outfits in the country should not be relied on to bolster its economic foundation. These are service-oriented companies that can easily be pulled out anytime, just like the factories. They rely on service output that can be done anywhere with cheap labor. Try to imagine if these BPOs and factories suddenly transferred their companies to neighboring Asian countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam or Cambodia, because of unrest in the country, and what do we get?…ghost economic processing zones of Cavite, Baguio, Cebu; empty commercial buildings vacated by BPOs, and unemployed four-year course university and college graduates – call center agents, gawking at emptiness pitifully left with developed vices of smoking and drinking!

The government should wake up to the reality that the country’s economy is crucially hinged on remittances of OFW, toiling pitifully, some even in inhuman situations, in countries  some of which are already feeling the pang of economic adversity that is slowly gripping the world.

The government should never mention quality education to bolster its “accomplishment”, with the yearly tuition increase that its concerned agencies are tolerating. The situation is worsened, again, by the K-12 program that has become the dead- end for the aspirations of the youth, who cannot even afford a backpack for school materials and a decent pair of shoes, much more a breakfast of gruel before going to school.

So, if the loan from the ADB materializes, the guess of my dumbfounded compatriots about this shocking revelation, as to where the money shall go…is as good as mine! …nothing has changed for our beloved country, despite the proliferation of university-educated officials that hold its reins…some even claiming to be descendants of historic political figures!

The Threat of Uncontrolled Tourism…signals the downfall of Philippines’ Last Hope

The Threat of Uncontrolled Tourism

…signals the downfall of Philippines’ last hope

By Apolinario Villalobos

Due to the unbecoming effort of the Philippines to become a prime tourist destination in Asia, it disregarded one important factor in this kind of industry – control of infrastructure. One glaring ruthless result of this is the virtual “rape” of Boracay Island. The tiny island fringed with white sand beaches is now suffering from the onslaught of the uncontrolled rise of 5-star hotels and resorts that resulted to the pollution of its water due to overflowing septic tanks. The once pristine and clear waters are now covered with layers of muck and algae.

What happened to Boracay can happen to any other touristic destinations around the country. The problem lies in the failure of the Department of Tourism to spearhead and advocate eco-tourism which is what the Philippines, as a third-world country, needs. The people behind the desks in the offices of the agency seem to have forgotten that not all tourists require luxurious hotels and resorts. These people thought that for a destination to be attractive, it must have 5-star luxurious facilities, that is why, they keep on encouraging investors to put these up in prospective and thriving destinations.

During the 70’s, “backyard tourism”, the precursor of “eco-tourism” has been advocated, primarily, by Philippine Airlines in cooperation with travel agents and the earlier eco-oriented personnel of the Department of Tourism. The idea was to give the opportunity of managing the needs of the tourists to the locals. In line with this, establishment of comfortable facilities, not the type of multi-storied hotels and expensive resorts, were encouraged. The backyard tourism was conceptualized to preserve the exemplar setting of the destination, thereby, preventing the drastic alteration of its landscape. Also, the locals are given the chance to show what the real Filipino hospitality is like. But those former people of the agency are gone, supplanted by another set of personnel with a different outlook.

With agriculture gone because of the once rice fields giving way to malls and condo buildings, slumping fishing due to the problem with China in the West Philippine Sea, denuding of forests due to careless logging, and exhaustion of mineral deposits due to incessant ventures of foreign stake holders, the only hope left is with tourism…but at the rate another form of abuse is going, the Philippines will be finally left with nothing else that can be seriously called “industry”, and which Filipinos can be proud of.

Ang Mga Lanta o Pinatuyong Gulay at Minatamis o Pinatuyong Prutas

Ang Mga Lanta o Pinatuyong Gulay

At Minatamis o Pinatuyong Prutas

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Hindi nangangahulugan na dahil ang gulay ay lanta na, ito ay hindi na masustansiya. May mga gulay na kailangang palantain nang kahit bahagya upang maihanda bilang isang uri ng pagkain, o di kaya ay patuyuin upang mapatagal sa pagkakatabi o pagkaimbak.

Sa paghanda ng “laing” (ginataang dahon ng gabi), ang dahon ay kailangang palantain ng bahagya, pero ang original na ganitong lutuin na nagsimula sa mga probinsiya ng Bicol, ang dahon ay kailangng tuyong-tuyo bago iluto sa gata. Kailangan namang patuyuin ng bahagya ang labanos at mustasa bago magawang “binuro”. Kung panahon ng sili, halos ipamigay na ng mga tindera ito dahil sa napakamurang halaga, subalit kung panahong bihira ito, ang presyo ay lumalampas sa isandaang piso ang kilo. Ganoon din ang nangyayari sa luya at sibuyas. Hindi naisip ng iba sa atin, na maaari silang patuyuin o buruhin sa tubig na may asin o suka upang magamit kung hindi na nila panahon. Ang masama, naging ugali na ng Pilipino na ngumalngal ng todo sa pagreklamo kapag sumirit na ang mga presyo, sabay sisi sa gobyerno!

Ang mga bansang India at Pakistan ay may mga bahagi kung saan, ang mga katutubo ay nagpapatuyo ng gulay upang maimbak at magamit pagdating ng panahong “tag-lamig”. Sa Italy, kung saan ang mga katutubo ay mahilig sa ispageti na ang pinakamahalagang sangkap ay kamatis, isa sa kanilang produkto ay “sun-dried tomato” na dinidelata o ginagarapon bago i-export sa ibang bansa. Ang Alemanya naman ay may tinatawag na “sauerkraut” na ang ibig lang sabihin ay binurong repolyo na maaari rin namang gamiting panghalo sa kahit anong klaseng lutuin. Sagana tayo sa mga nasabing gulay subalit ang gusto lang natin ay palaging sariwa, at kung panahong nagmahal sila, nagtitiis tayo sa mataas na presyo o di kaya ay nag-iingay tayo sa pagreklamo.

Dito sa minamahal nating bansang Pilipinas, malanta lang ng bahagya ang gulay, ay tinatapon na. Sa palengke, nilalangaw ang mga bulok na kamatis at lantang gulay na maaari sanang patuyuin. Nakakalungkot isipin na ang alam lang ng karamihan sa ating mga Pilipino, ay nasa sariwang gulay lamang ang sustansiya, kaya kapag naistak lang ng dalawa o tatlong araw sa ref ay sa basurahan na bumabagsak. Ang masama, ayaw pala ng iba sa atin ng nalalantang gulay, bakit bumibili ng marami at iniistak sa ref? Dahil kaya takot na baka biglang magdilubyo o di kaya ay lulubog sa baha o masunog ang palengke?

Sa prutas naman, ang ugali ng iba sa atin ay ganoon din, sa pagturing na ang sobrang hinog o overripe na prutas ay hindi na pwedeng kainin o di kaya ay para lamang sa mga mahihirap o naghihirap – yong mga namumulot sa basurahan. Hindi man lang naisip ng iba na ito ay pwedeng matamisin upang magamit na palaman sa tinapay o pamutat pagkatapos kumain. Ang mga prutas na sobrang hinog o may kaunting sira ay tinatapon na, ganoong pwede namang tapyasin ang bahaging sira at ang natirang maayos ay maaaring matamisin tulad ng nabanggit.

Para sa ibang kababayan natin, dapat ang prutas ay “maganda” ang kulay, wala maski bahagyang kulubot na tanda ng kalumaan dahil ang alam lang gawin ng ilan sa atin ay kainin ito na sariwa, at ang mga minatamis na jelly o jam ay dapat bilhing naka-garapon o naka-lata mula sa supermarket o grocery, at lalong okey kung imported pa!

Dahil sa “imported mentality” naman nating mga Pilipino, naiisahan tayo ng ibang bansa, lalo na ng Tsina. Umaangkat sila mula sa atin ng mga prutas upang tanggalan ng katas o di kaya ay patuyuin, at binebenta sa atin pagkatapos – imported nga naman! Kaya ngayon, sa mga grocery, naglipana ang mga pinatuyong iba’t ibang prutas galing Tsina, na galing din pala sa Pilipinas, tulad ng sampalok, mangga, pinya, buko, kundol, at saging. Marami ring mga fruit juice na dinelata, na ang pinanggalingang sariwang prutas ay galing sa atin. Sarap na sarap tayo sa pagkain ng mga minatamis na tuyong mga prutas na ang plastic na balot ay may tatak na “manufactured in the People’s Republic of China”, at pag-inom ng mga fruit juice na ang lata ay may ganoon ding tatak, na ibinalik lang pala sa atin bilang finished product!

Kaylan kaya tayo matututo upang maging maging mapamaraan o resourceful, hindi yong magaling lang magreklamo kung mataas na ang mga presyo? Siguro ay kung nasa ilalim na tayo ng Tsina, na gustong mangyari yata ng isang nagkakandidatong presidente…

Hindi Dapat Asahan ang mga Survey

Hindi Dapat Asahan ang mga Survery
Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Obvious na ang mga survey ay hindi naman talaga accurate at kumakatawan sa isip at damdamin ng mga tao sa pangkalahatan. Ibig sabihin ay estimate lamang ang mga ito. Simple lang ang tanong: sa iilang libong iniinterbyu, ilang porsiyento ba sila ng milyones na kabuuhan ng population o bumobotong population? Ang bukod tanging epekto ng survey ay psychological o pangkaisipan lamang, dahil ang mga makakaalam ng resulta ay mag-iisip ayon sa gustong mangyari ng nagpasurvey.

Sa laki ng nagagastos kung gumawa ng survey, hindi makakagalaw ang survey firm kung walang uupa sa kanilang serbisyo. At kung sino man ang nagpapa-survey ay dapat lang na masiyahan sa resulta. Aanhin naman ng survey firm ang resulta ng survey kung walang nagbayad sa kanila upang gumawa nito?

Sa nangyayaring survey kung saan ay pumapaimbulog ang nakuhang resulta ni Poe laban sa nakuha ni Binay, ang tanong ay kung sino ang may gustong matalo si Binay. At sa ganitong plano ay halatang ginamit lang si Poe. Hindi pwedeng gamitin si Roxas dahil alam ng lahat na talagang wala naman siyang hatak sa mga botante kaya siguradong maraming magtataka kung umangat siya maski sa ikatlong puwesto man lang.

Ilang beses nang napatunayang hindi totoo ang ipinapahiwatig ng survey dahil noong nakaraan eleksiyon, ilang senador ang ni hindi man lang napasama ang pangalan sa listahan subalit nanalo pa rin. Ngayon, kahit mataas ang rating ni Poe, hindi nangangahulugang siya na nga ang mananalong presidente, lalo pa at malayo pa ang eleksiyon, at ni hindi man lang siya nagdedeklara ng kagustuhang tumakbo sa nasabing puwesto.

Sa aspeto naman ng ekonomiya, kinilig ng todo ang mga taga-Malakanyang nang malaman sa isang survey na umangat na daw ang Pilipinas kung ihambing sa mga kapitbansa nito sa Timog Asya. Talaga namang nang-insulto ang gumawa ng survey dahil malayo sa katototanan ang nakuha nilang resulta. Malamang na ang nagpagawa ng survey ay mga bangko na inuutangan ng Pilipinas para ipabatid na dahil umangat na ang ekonomiya nito ay pwede na uling umutang!..ganoon lang.

Ang ilan pang resulta ng survey ay tungkol sa pagkabawas daw ng malaki ng unemployment sa bansa, ganoong taon-taon ay nadadagdagan ito ng mga bagong graduates. Tinataon siguro ang survey na ito kung kaylan ay marami ang bagong na-hire na mga contract employees, na pagkalipas ng limang buwan ay tutunganga na naman.

Ang sa pagkain at gutom naman, nabawasan na rin daw ang gutom dahil nagiging self-sufficient na ang bansa, ganoong kasasabi lang ng Department of Agriculture na aangkat na naman uli ng bigas bago mag-Oktubre upang mabawasan ang kakulangan. Ang presyo ng mga bilihin sa palengke lalo na karne at isda, lalo pang tumaas. Dahil sa mga nabanggit, paanong nabawasan ang kagutuman, ayon sa survey, lalo pa at ang take home pay ng ordinaryong manggagawa ay kulang pa sa isang araw na panganailangan ng kanyang pamilya?

Talagang sa mundong ito, lokohan ang takbo ng buhay. Kaya kung minsan ay nakakatamad na ring magbasa ng diyaryo o makinig ng radyo dahil hindi na malaman kung alin sa mga balita ang totoo. Marami na rin kasing diyaryo at brodkaster na binabayaran.

Kawawa naman ang Pangulo…naniniwala pa rin pala sa mga maling report sa kanya

Kawawa naman ang Pangulo
…naniniwala pa rin pala sa mga maling report sa kanya
Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Sa kanyang talumpati sa Japan noong June 3, sinabi ni Pnoy na nabawasan na daw ang nag-aabrod upang magtrabaho. Isa daw itong indikasyon na umaangat na ang ekonomiya ng bansa. Kawawa naman siya, dahil hanggang ngayon ay naniniwala pa rin pala sa mga pambobola ng mga tao sa kanyang gabinete na pinagkakatiwalaan niyang magbibigay sa kanya ng mga impormasyon.

Pagkatapos niyang magtalumpati sa Japan, sa parehong araw pa rin, lumapag naman ang isang eroplano sa Manila galing Saudi Arabia at mula rito ay nagsibabaan ang maraming Pilipino na dineport ng nasabing bansa dahil sa programa nilang Saudization. Madadagdag sila sa mga Pilipinong hindi makakapag-abroad dahil walang panlagay sa mga switik na recruiter, at mga libo-libo o baka milyon na, na naipong mga graduate, at kung ilang taong nang nakaistambay. Ang maswerte sa kanila, kahit papaano ay nakakakuha ng contractual na trabaho sa loob ng limang buwan. Yan ang tunay at kalunus-lunos na kalagayan ng kakapusan ng trabaho sa Pilipinas!

Ang mga nabanggit ba ang indikasyon na umaangat ang ekonomiya ng Pilipinas? Anong pera ang gagamitin ng mga istambay upang magastos, na siya sanang magpapausad ng mga negosyo, ganoong wala naman silang trabaho o pirmihang trabaho?

Sa susunod, sana huwag nang magsinungaling ang pangulo upang maiwasang siya ay mapulaan o pagtawanan. Kung wala siyang masabi, magkuwento na lang ng iba…tulad halimbawa ng pagbalik sa serbisyo mula sa anim na buwang suspension ng kanyang best friend na si Allan Purisima. Pwede rin niyang ikuwento ang pagtakbo ng mga questionable na mga kalihim niya sa election 2016, na ang infomercials ay umaarangkada na sa TV at radyo – ginastusan ng milyones na pera ng bayan. At lalong maganda kung kanyang i-enumerate ang mga anomalya na naipon ng kanyang administrasyon – sa mga ganyan siya pag-uusapan…kung yan ang gusto niyang mangyari. Baka mailagay pa siya sa Guinness Book of World Record!

The Irony of the Philippines’ “Tiger Economy”

The Irony of the Philippines’ “Tiger Economy”
by Apolinario Villalobos

The Philippine government untiringly and proudly tweets the “tiger economy” of the Philippines that has finally risen from its miserable state in the past. But, is the rising economy real? Clearly, poverty is still very prevalent. For the doubting Thomas, the government asks for an allowance of a little time for the benefits to be enjoyed….until when? Yes, there is an influx of investments from outside, but their returns are also brought out of the country and deposited in the countries where they came from, so nothing is left for further investment in the country, supposedly for its development. These investors come to the country because of the cheap labor, period! They even have the temerity of quarrying the minerals and bring them by shiploads back to their country to be manufactured as important components of gadgets that flood the local market later as finished products. Is that progress?

The government perceives the employment of Filipinos as sales clerks in malls, hotel staff, call center agents, drivers, maids in condos of foreigners as the country’s economic benefits. Ironically, these contractual jobs with pittance pay may be called “benefits” – that last for as long as the contract stays, the longest of which is five months! After that period, the poor Filipino is again out in the streets looking for meagerly paying jobs offered by foreign investors.

In the desire of the Philippine government to leap-frog the economy, it gave priority to the easy revenue that comes every 15th and 30th day. Along this line, it disastrously came up with the K-12 education program to purportedly prepare the youth for the future – as exported migrant workers in other countries, with their skill as driver, manicurist, hairstylist, cook, housemaid, hotel staff, etc. In its enthusiasm, the government forgot that the educational system is not even prepared for the massive unemployment that will result, as well as, confusion that will prevail due to the absence of modules and facilities such as rooms, teaching materials, etc. This effort simply shows the short-sightedness of the government…its utter lack of foresight.

The agencies such as the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry which are supposed to come up with back up programs for the sustenance of the country are now hideously perceived with disrespect due to corruption that has practically eaten up their foundations. Not only the two agencies have questionable integrity, but other agencies, even some branches of the judiciary, as well, and worse, many local officials. Practically, from below up to the top levels of the government, corruption prevails. Is this the country with a “tiger economy”?

There was a time when a reputable international dictionary came up with the definition of the “Filipina” as “domestic helper”, but fortunately, it was checked in time and scrapped. Woefully, despite the talents of the Filipino in other fields, these are overwhelmed by the stigma brought about as his being an “overseas Filipino worker” which has more negative connotations than positive. In this regard, a Thai who works in Manila, even has the gall to call Filipinos as “toilet lickers”. In other words, not even a Lea Salonga or a Manny Pacquiao or a Charisse Pempengco, or the beautiful faces and wits of international Filipina beauty titlists, are able to erase this horrendous image. The Thai has boldly shown that our pride as Filipinos can be trampled right in our country. The Thai has lost his respect to us…can we blame him, as corruption has practically become part of the air that he breathes while working in a multi-company in Manila? The government should take this latest incident seriously, as it has clearly signaled the decadence of a once respected race in this part of the world! But, has the government booted out the Thai because of his overly ungrateful post on his facebook that has international viewership?…I really doubt!

Economic declarations are based on reports, and figures on papers can be shrewdly crafted to suit their purpose. If the world will be made to believe about the rising economy of a country, then, its image must be cosmeticized with nice figures in a report to show its “rising economy”. On the other hand, the report encourages the sucker government with inflated ego to seek more loans, as it can “afford” to pay anyway. So, the blacker the figures are presented, the more loans that the country can get….and the deeper it gets down the muck of indebtedness!

It is funny how a country can be called an “economic tiger” when even its toothpick and cotton balls are imported from China and its rice perpetually imported from struggling Asian countries whose economies are proudly founded on agriculture! And, yet such country delights for being called a “tiger” when it cannot command even a slight respect from its neighbors due to its stark pathetic state….and as to its leadership?…well……….