Mar Roxas Commitment to the Filipino Family and to Philippine Economics #HelpfulHowTo
Mar Roxas has the positive image in detailing the economic thrust in the Philippine business arena; noted for his initiatives in believing that the Filipinos could do more than just a country, but an economically stable in the future.
His notable history in running different positions in the government and an excellent graduate student. Roxas was appointed Secretary of Trade and Industry by President Joseph Estrada in January 2000, replacing Jose Pardo who was appointed Secretary of Finance. He resigned the position in November, as Estrada was under fire due to allegations of corruption. In January 2001, days after Estrada was overthrown, Roxas was re-appointed to the same office by newly installed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He was also temporarily designated by Arroyo to head the Department of Energy.
During his four-year stint as DTI Secretary, he pushed for the development of the "palengke" (market) as the basic unit of the economy and the root of progress, advocating not only consumer welfare and protection but also sound trade and investment policies, particularly SME development.
His commitment to the Filipino family, and will fulfill this by pursuing, sustaining, and accelerating reform in a number of priority sectors. He wanted sustained economic growth; progress will be sustained through the revitalization of key sectors like manufacturing, which will create jobs for the Filipino people.
Mar Roxas said, “In order to do this, we will develop and fully implement industry-specific resurgence roadmaps in conjunction with stakeholders. We will also address factors that will allow more businesses to come in: the high cost of power, and the lack of infrastructure, among others. Information technology will be utilized to streamline business registration and license systems at the local and national level.”
“To stimulate the creation of high-quality jobs, we will provide incentives to investors who engage in industries higher up the value chain, while ensuring that Filipinos have the necessary training and education to fill openings in these more complex industries. We will revisit EPIRA and other laws in order to encourage greater competition in the energy market. Our goal is to diversify the energy mix, while ensuring that power is affordable, and that baseload capacity can meet the rising demands of a growing economy and a growing population.”
Mar Roxas said that his future administration will sustain a high level of infrastructure development, without compromising the integrity and safety of projects. We will prioritize transport infrastructure to connect cities and regional growth hubs, industrial zones and tourism destinations. Traffic in Metro Manila will be addressed through the re-examination and reconfiguring of bus franchises, and the reform of the train system.
Another item is to maximize tourism potential. New tourism sites will be developed, while we continue the sustainable development of already-favored destinations. Participation of local communities in economic activity generated by tourism will be stimulated. We will ensure that owner-cultivatorship remains the foundation of agriculture and is more profitable and sustainable by encouraging clustering of farmers for effective access to support services and improved farm operations. Targeted infrastructure development in rural areas will be pursued: post-harvest facilities in every town and farm-to-market roads connecting agricultural centers to markets will be built to reduce wastage and maximize profit.
Lastly, before, Manuel Araneta Roxas has filed Senate Bill No. 108 (Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) to strengthen Republic Act No. 6977, the Magna Carta for Small Enterprises. The focus of the amendments of this bill focuses on three points: guidelines, institutional support and organizational support. Guidelines refer to the specific asset size definition, appropriating a definite and regular amount for the Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Council and increase in the mandatory allocation to lending activities. Institutional support comprises additional government agencies to coordinate SME efforts and formalization of the SME Development Plan.
This will intensify organizational support to intensify the powers and increase capitalization of the Small Business and Guarantee Finance Corporation to complement the growing demands for financing. Other features of the bill include formalizing the celebration of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Week and recognition of outstanding MSMEs.
Mar Roxas has the edge from other presidential candidates to uplift the standard of living in the Philippines through his continuing effort in widening the scope of Philippine economy to globalization.
The Negative Effect of "Laglag Bala" to The Philippines #HelpfulHowTo
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has been the center of controversies for the past month because of this “laglag bala” thing. It makes the government alarmed for what can be done to persuade passengers; Filipinos and foreigners alike.
Even the NBI had been tapped for alleged “tanim bala” or “laglag bala” by some unscrupulous individuals working in the airport. Of course, they’ll provide their own versions of the incident.
It’s likewise coincide with the APEC Summit that will be held this week. Moreover, the government has been lax in giving immediate answers which chaotic moves by the passengers heightened.
Even Mar Roxas, the presidential candidate for election 2016 of the government, couldn’t give much explanation for “laglag bala” thing. His pronouncement was of course to defend the Aquino government and pacified the issue at hand, “If you take contraband to the airport, then how does that become the government’s problem?”
Much criticism hurled at the government for continuing to apprehend passengers with bullets. The administration should not be viewed as a villain because it’s just doing its job as part of its ‘Daang Matuwid’ policy, he said. “We assure you that the holding of passengers found with bullets is based on procedures and is not a scam. We are against extortions and scams here.”
But the more explanation given by the Aquino Administration side or Mar Roxas on this matter, the more incidents took place at the airport. What’s really the core of the problem…How can this be?
So many questions that nobody could answer and instead of finger-pointing each other, why not solve it in a different ways?
And then, supposed victims of the extortion scheme narrated how security officials at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport demanded money in exchange of dropping charges for possession of a bullet?
The Aquino government must take immediate action for these incidents. It made havoc to airport passengers and airport workers alike. What could be the answer for the problem? The very core of the problem lies with the government to solve at once and bring the culprits to justice. A severe punishment must be implemented for this purpose to alleviate the situation and awareness for the airport passengers and workers.
What more interesting, the “laglag bala” scheme was well-known all over the world. It creates negative image for the Philippines and for all Filipinos around the world. The Pnoy Administration must act immediately on this damaged issue.
6 Tips For Foreigners Who Want To Move To The Philippines #HelpfulHowTo
Foreigners move to the Philippines for various reasons just as Filipinos also move to other countries. Americans were married to Filipinas and learned to love the Philippines during their first visit to the country. The Koreans first wanted to learn English and eventually set up a thriving business. The Japanese chose to retire here after seeing a wonderful place that feels like small city in Japan " reminds them of home without being too far away from it.
Some move to save, others to spend. Some move to escape the heat back home, others to have more of it. Some move to be close to their families, others to be far away from them. Some move temporarily, others permanently.
Whatever your reasons for moving to the Philippines, wouldn't it be nice to learn something about the place you want to live in?
The following are some of the most valuable tips you will ever have.
1. Learn about the Filipino Culture
First of all, Filipinos are Asians. They have some of the traits, traditions, and cultures shared by other Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, China, and Indonesia. They have high respect for their elders and they care a lot for them. They can be so shy, they don't directly look at you in the eyes when you speak. They laugh when someone bumps his head while going for a jeepney ride.
Second, Western influences are also deeply woven into the fabric of the Philippine society. You will find names that sound like Spanish or Mexicans. That's the result of more three hundred (300) years of Spanish occupation in this part of the globe. The Spaniards brought their religion, among other things, to the Philippines. The Filipinos love the Americans, too. The Americans brought with them a system of education that became the basis of the one currently practiced in the country. The Filipinos love anything foreign. As a matter of fact, they love everything that is not made in the Philippines.
The Filipinos speak a number of dialects and languages, too. You could easily guess that the Biblical Tower of Babel was erected here and broken down into 7,000 islands that make up the archipelago. Both foreign languages and native dialects are spoken all over the country. The poor and the middle class are struggling to speak fluent English. The rich wants to experiment with Spanish and Chinese-flavored languages. The super-rich just wants the speak the plain Tagalog or Bisaya dialect.
This is just a small cross-section of the Filipino Culture. Learning more about the Filipino Culture is one of the best investments you will ever make if you don't want to experience Culture Shock when moving to the Philippines. If your spouse is a Filipino, you get a tip of the iceberg.
Here are some of the best books to get you started on the Philippine Culture:
a.) Culture and Customs of the Philippines (Culture and Customs of Asia)
b.) Philippines - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart!)
c.) Culture Shock! Philippines: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock)
2. Get To Know the People
Filipinos are among the most hospitable people on the face of this planet. But of course there are some who are rude, too.
Do you want to setup a business in the Philippines? Did you know that most Filipinas are highly sensitive? You can't just shout at her and expect her to be back at work the next day.
Are the Filipinos friendly to Americans? You bet. And that makes it easy for you to mingle with them. Not only that, they can hardly distinguish the Americans from other Western races. They think if you are white, you must be an American.
If you can get along fairly well with your spouse or his/her friends and relatives, it would be easy for you to adjust with the rest of the Filipino people.
3. Learn to Speak a few native words
The Filipino Language (based on Tagalog) is the National Language of the Philippines. It is taught in schools and many Filipinos understand it and knows how to speak it. The Cebuano or Bisaya is also widely used especially in the areas of Visayas and Mindanao.
Knowing how to speak a few lines of these dialects is a plus factor in dealing with a Filipino. An American who can speak it becomes an instant celebrity.
One other thing about native language: A lot of foreigners are pissed-off when they join a group of Filipinos (perhaps in a party) only to realize that everyone is speaking in Greek. You have to understand that they are using a language they are most comfortable with just as a Japanese will use Nihongo most of the time. If you want to join the conversation, have an interpreter close by your side.
The following learning materials will prove to be useful in learning the Filipino Language:
a.) Learn Filipino, Book One, with Discs 1 and 2
b.) Teach Yourself Tagalog Complete Course Audio package
4. Know What It is That You Want in Place
Do you have a clear picture of what it is that you really want in a place? Knowing that is crucial and will save you endless hours of search. Are you looking for a country living? Do you want easy access to the airport? Do you have kids who are going to school? Consider all things that you want and then search for the city or town that has them.
The Philippines is the same everywhere. Well, more or less.
Baguio " dubbed as the summer capital of the Philippines " is a cool place with an American ambiance. Davao was once called the Little Tokyo by the Japanese occupants. Manila is one of oldest city in the country and continues to be the center of commerce until these days. Cebu is a booming city known for its historical traces. And then there are smaller cities, towns, and provinces where all things bright and beautiful abound.
Fresh air and polluted air; serenity and noise; modern lifestyle and traditional living; wealth and poverty. The Philippines has it all. Chose which one you like and you will have it in the Philippines.
5. Familiarize Yourself with the Place You Want to Live In
One of the best ways you can be familiar with a place is by going there. Stay in hotel for a couple of days. Move around the city or town with your wife, Filipino friend, or fellow traveler. If you find a place that you like, rent an apartment for a couple of months and observe the place more. Check to see if that is really the place that you wanted to live.
6. Let The Philippines Be The Philippines
One of the nice things about being in a foreign land is that you begin to appreciate the good things you are doing back home. When you are here, you will find yourself comparing how things are done in your country versus how same things are done here. Wisdom consists in understanding the differences. Peace of mind starts with accepting what is.
Let the Philippines be the Philippines. Expect some things to be a little different than what you are used to. In fact, expect the unexpected.
Source: Mark Paningbatan, President and Managing Director, Graduated of Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Marketing Management at the San Beda College Manila.
The Plus and Minus Of President Aquino SONA 2015 #HelpfulHowTo
The last SONA 2015 of President Benigno Aquino III gave much reaction from an ordinary Filipino citizen up to the different sectors of the Philippine society. Even in the political arena where he intertwined his prowess to intermingle with some sort of people with mindset that cannot be swayed by his words.
Political analysts are born to criticize and observe the way he handled the remotest events gradually according to its governance. The President has the highest accolade for all its components to generate returns and continue up to the next election. The Philippine economy index had been moulded to increase its percentage through the years of his governance.
His latest SONA was never a failure but never a winner. He revealed some figures and events that can be toiled by Filipinos in the future. Nevertheless, his positive outlook for the Philippine economy was so real and vindictive. It depicts the true value of being a Filipino when things that he said have its meaning.
Form the downsides and up to the highest echelon of public governance he delivered it with pride and vigour; noting that some failures are looming within his Administration for the past five years.
The MRT3 is the greatest failure so far for its Administration to counter the damaged it had done from the past administration. The contract can never be recoiled into something positive while it’s the private ownership that counted its mark. The Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) that he encouraged for the entire nation reverberated for some other sectors, but for some, it gave the meaning of business relationship.
Because of its effect, traffic congestion in the main thoroughfare at EDSA couldn’t be resolved by its extreme deluge of passengers. Train commuters were at constant problems for their daily ride that caused much pain and sacrifice.
Even the DOTC leaders couldn’t give concrete answers for the huge problems that they’re facing at present. It only denotes the weakness of Pnoy Administration to deal with this MRT3 problem.
The President still very much inspired for the continuation of his endeavour to the next president next year. Likewise, he also wish to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law by the Current Congress and when he mentioned his interest on Anti-Dynasty Law, it received the loudest applause from SONA attendees.
Therefore, it’s the will of the President to have the best governance so far, but he has some failure for some sectors of the government.
The Mamasapano incident took its toll nationwide for making it the number one media frantic of Pnoy Adminitration. It created more views and opinions to all Filipinos who made them think differently and showered the media jobs into the zenith. Because of these, the lives of our leaders and the oppositions wrangled into another dimension of claiming the glory; in which the steps of negativity surrounded the ordinary citizens living condition a nearly damaged.
The President and his military leaders were among the most failed coordination that ever happened in Philippine history. The highest of cowardice and ingratitude to the Filipino people were made him the lame duck in history of Presidency. The points of Pnoy stand not to accept the blame of the death of 44 SAF members, but the Exodus Operation was the answer of much awaited change that many Filipinos had wished for.
It opened the entire system of governance in the Philippine society wherein finger-pointing was the fashion of this case. The opposition was ever ready to hurl the President any negatives that resulted to the fiasco to acquire the sentiments of the Filipino people.
Investigations were carried-out by many groups that wanted him down and succumbed to their wishes. It’s not very easy for Pnoy to do the action but the willingness to fight back was on his blood, that he had done the right thing only the military leaders had gone bad. Facing credibility crisis and public outcry for justice, President Aquino and his public relations team have resorted to their own version of the incident. Malacanang has branded as “subversive” anyone and anything critical of Pnoy Administration, particularly his lying and disowning his culpability for the Masasapano massacre.
Pnoy administration, along with its cronies at the Senate and the Congress, has lost its credibility and respectability in staging moro-moro probes of the incident for the entire world to see. It was a “box-office hit” in the making, at first, with the testimony erstwhile Special Action Force (SAF) commander Director Getulio Napenas.
Lately, the Board of Inquiry (BOI) released its finding that made this incident into a circus of doubts and hopes. But the fact still remains with the President to come out honestly and tell the truth about the true Exodus Operation. And, the thing that most Filipinos and political oppositions wanted the President to step down and give way to politicians with vested interests in administering their desire for money and power?