"And it is baffling for a country with highly trained people, western culture, all natural resources and we are not in the same league as the developed countries. That is something I find very disturbing and we cannot point our finger on us as to why," said Mr. Albert MG. Garcia, the president and CEO of Whealth, Inc., who was born in Manila, grew up in Madrid, schooled in Manila (La Salle), lived in Sydney, and back in the country for good after realizing that there is more he can do for his native country.
That's what I read today from Manila Bulletin, page B-5. And, that's pretty true.
Last Thursday, August 7, The Manila Times featured Klink's article entitled "Singapore's Model for Success was Philippines" based on his interview with Singapore President S. R. Nathan. "We had nothing except people," he explained on the inconceivability of the success of Singapore today as it does not have natural resources. When Klink asked him about what other countries can learn from Singapore success story, the President said, "When we started, you (the Philippines) were the model." Probably because, in 1965, the Philippines was one of the most promising countries in Asia that today Singapore leads.
Singapore has no natural resources to boast of and yet one of Southeast Asia's economic giants. In tourism, it's monumental--10.3 million visitors from January to December 2007. Compare that to the Philippines' a little bit more than 2 million last year despite the fact that we have 7,107 islands and millions of pesos that the government spends for promotion. That's a dismal figure since we have a lot to offer--a lot more which Singapore does not have. Instead of complaining, maybe it's about time to start doing our part.
Let's then begin telling the world...
That's what I read today from Manila Bulletin, page B-5. And, that's pretty true.
Last Thursday, August 7, The Manila Times featured Klink's article entitled "Singapore's Model for Success was Philippines" based on his interview with Singapore President S. R. Nathan. "We had nothing except people," he explained on the inconceivability of the success of Singapore today as it does not have natural resources. When Klink asked him about what other countries can learn from Singapore success story, the President said, "When we started, you (the Philippines) were the model." Probably because, in 1965, the Philippines was one of the most promising countries in Asia that today Singapore leads.
Singapore has no natural resources to boast of and yet one of Southeast Asia's economic giants. In tourism, it's monumental--10.3 million visitors from January to December 2007. Compare that to the Philippines' a little bit more than 2 million last year despite the fact that we have 7,107 islands and millions of pesos that the government spends for promotion. That's a dismal figure since we have a lot to offer--a lot more which Singapore does not have. Instead of complaining, maybe it's about time to start doing our part.
Let's then begin telling the world...
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