Why Is The Philippines A Poor Country?

Why are we a third world country when we should be one of the richest in Asia, if not the world? Please comment below.

Social Environment in the Philippines

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT, like physical environment, influences the life and progress of any country. The term social environment means the people and their character and culture. The racial ancestry, the population growth, the religion, customs, language, arts and sciences, the government and the economy shape the lifestyles of the people. Of all features of a country - people, land, government and independence - the people matter most of all.

According to Mencius, a famous Chinese philosopher, “The people is the most important element in nation; the spirit of the land and grain are next; the leaders are the least important.”

    This is because God made man to have “dominion” (control) over nature and society. God told the first man and woman (Adam and Eve) in the Garden of Eden: “Fill the earth and subdue it” (Gen 1:28).

    Even a country with poor natural resources can be rich if the people are wise and work together well (e.g. Switzerland). If the Filipinos become wise in the ways of the Lord and follow His Word, then nothing will be impossible for them.

   

    Filipinos as Leaders in Asia. The history of the Philippines shows how unique and important our nation has been. Many times in our history we led the Asian world in many ways. Thus, there is every reason to believe that the future of the Philippines will be greater than in its past, because this is a great nation.

    The Filipinos are great nation because of the following:

1. We are a unique nation with a cultural heritage from four of the major civilization in the world - Asian, European, Latin American, and North American. No other nation in the world has this rich and interesting cultural heritage.
2. We are a nation with a gift of faith and a gift of music that other Asian nations do not have. The Filipinos are very spiritual and deeply religious. Christianity triumphed easily in the Philippines, but the other Asian nations did not accept Christianity from the West. Also, our music is more romantic and melodious than in other countries.
3. We were the first Republic in Asia. When the First Philippine Republic was founded by Aguinaldo in 1898, the other Asian nations were only kingdoms, colonies or non-existent.
4. We received training in self-government and democracy ahead of the other Asian nations, when the Philippine Commonwealth came into being in 1935 under President Quezon.
5. We led the Asian world in building schools and universities, roads and bridges, town planning, public health system, hospitals and orphanages, telephones and other Western-style technology.
6. We are the largest English speaking nation in Asia and are the most open to foreign influence. Other Asians do not speak English and do not feel comfortable with foreigners.

    Population. In 2002, the population was 82,841,516. Table 2 shows population from the Spanish era to the present.

    Because the population grows more than the national wealth, the nation has become poorer. It is said that the most urgent economic problems are (1) developing and protecting natural resources, and (2) controlling population growth.

    The government has a family planning and birth control program, the problem is how to convince people to limit size of their families because Filipinos love children and large families. However, many Filipinos, especially the educated ones, now agree that it is the quality of a person and not the number or quantity of people that matters most in life.

Table 2

Population of the Philippines

Date	Population	Date	Population
1591	667,612	1948	19,234,182
1735	838,182	1960	27,087,685
1829	2,106,230	1970	36,684,486
1850	3,857,425	1980	48,098,460
1896	6, 261, 339	1994	63,000,000
1918	10,314,310	2002	82,841,516
1939	16,000,303

    Two other important population problems are: (1) the number of young people, and (2) migration. Most of the population are young. Those below 15 years of age make up 44% of our people, unlike in other countries where there are more older people than young ones.

Young people depend on those who are older to care for them (food, clothing, etc.); later on they need good schools and jobs; and when they marry and have children of their own, the cycle continues.

    Another important feature of the population is migration. Previously, the country was the haven of immigrants coming from Asia, Europe and New World, who came to find a better life. Recently, however, the trend had been reversed, and many Filipinos have migrated to other countries to seek better opportunities there. The Middle East has attracted Filipinos as temporary workers; the U.S., Canada and Australia have large expatriate Filipino communities. The country is losing many of its professionals, skilled and semi-skilled workers, hence the term “Brain drain.”

    Population records may be found in the National Statistics Office. An official census (population count) is taken every ten years. Local officials in the city or town hall also keep a registry of births, deaths and marriages in their areas.

   

    Social Classes. There are three social classes in the country based on income and share of the national wealth. They are: (1) the rich, (2) the middle class, and (3) the lower-income groups and the poor masses.

    The members of the rich class, or the “oligarchs,” represent about 10% of the population. They own or earn about 90% of the wealth of the country. They are the wealthy industrialists, with big corporations, the owners of large haciendas or plantations and the nouveau riche (new rich). The “new rich” includes honest, enterprising and hard-working people who invested their money wisely. But they also include dishonest politicians, businessmen and others who acquired their fabulous fortunes from “kickbacks” in government contracts dollar or other smuggling, and fraud. Some of the altruistic oligarchs in the country establish charitable and educational foundations, and engage in civic, religious and social work. Others are only interested in displaying their material wealth, traveling or living abroad, and give only token help to less fortunate members of their society.

    The middle class, about 20% of the population, are the professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants, etc.), skilled or semi-skilled workers in offices, factories or farms. They are the backbone of the nation.

Historical Discovery: A Gift of Communication      The Filipinos have a “gift of communication” from God. This makes them ideal Christian missionaries as compared to other Asians or even Western people. Most Filipinos can speak at least two languages - English and the National Language. Many also speak three or even four languages. For example, a Cebuano who is also a Chinese usually can speak Chinese, Cebuano, Filipino and English. Isn’t that wonderful?     We can make ourselves understood to more foreigners that other people in Asia, or even Westerners. Most Asians only speak their native dialect on language. If they have been to formal schooling, they may also be able to speak “carabao” English. Most Westerners can also speak only their language (English, French, German, etc.)     Only the Filipinos find it easy to speak or understand many languages. We can find out more about God from the English language, which is the “language of Gospel” today. We can also find out about Him in our native dialects. Then, we can share about God’s love for us to other people. even if we can only do it through “carabao” English, that’s all right - most other Asians also speak only basic English.    The important thing is that we understand about this “gift of God” for us and to use it for His glory. Only we the Filipinos can tell the world about Jesus, and the good news of God’s love for us.     The Bible says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that those who believe in Him may not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)

    The lower or poor class comprise about 70% of the population, but they only earn or share 10% of the wealth. Members of this class earn only enough income to provide for their basic needs - food, rented homes, simple clothes. Often they cannot earn enough to be able to save for emergencies or for future needs. Living in poverty and misery, they are, however, important as the less fortunate of the people who deserve special help and consideration.

    The Only Christian Nation in Asia. The Philippines is the only Christian nation in Asia. About 93% of the people are Christians - 83% are Catholics, 7.6% are Aglipayans, 2.3% are Protestants and other sects.

    Catholicism was Spain’s greatest legacy to the Philippines. The Americans introduced western Protestant sects (Episcopalian, Baptist, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventists).

    The Aglipay Church or Philippine Independent Church is a unique Filipino Protestant sect, founded by Isabelo de los Reyes in 1902, with Gregorio L. Aglipay as its first Bishop. It resulted from the 19th century desire for reform and freedom. Today it has some 1.43 million adherents.

    Spiritual revival in the country has been propagated by the translation and wide use of the Bible in native languages. Bible study groups, charismatic evangelical groups and prayer meetings have become a popular feature of many communities.

    The Iglesia ni Kristo, founded by Felix Y. Manalo in 1914, is a Philippine sect with members both in the country and abroad. It has 475,000 members.

    Islam, with 1.6 million followers, is the country’s second largest religion.

    Pagan religions followed by tribal minorities (such as ancestor and nature worship), account for a very small minority of the religions (0.03%). Buddhism (0.002%) and Shintoism (0.008%) are followed by Chinese and Japanese communities. There are also local communities that have special cults (e.g. the Iglesia Watawat ng Lahi which worships Jose Rizal) or practice faith healing rituals.

    Freedom of religion is enshrined in the Constitution (Article III, Section 5)

    A Nation of Many Languages. The Philippines is a nation of many languages and dialects. A survey by Richard Pitman, an American linguist, showed that there are 55 native languages and 142 dialects in the country, apart from English and Spanish. All the native languages and dialects belong to the Malayo-Polynesian family of languages.

    Of eight principal native languages, Cebuano ranks first. It is the mother tongue of one-fourth (24.39%) of the people. Tagalog, which used to be first, now ranks a close second (23.82%); followed by Ilocano (11.14%); Hiligaynon or Ilonggo (9.99%); Bicolano (6.96%); Waray-waray (4.62%); Kapampangan (3.43%) and Pangasinan (2.26%).

    English is the most widely-used language in the country, especially for education, commerce and the professions. In fact, the Philippines is the third largest English-speaking country in the world. Spanish has declined in use and popularity. Fukien and Cantonese Chinese are spoken and used by the large Chinese communities in the urban areas.

    National Language. In 1935, President Manuel L. Quezon, championed the idea of having a language that would serve as a common medium of expression for his multi-lingual people. Thus, President Quezon is known as the “Father of the National Language.”

    The 1987 Constitution provided that the national language is Filipino (spelled with an “F”). It will be developed and enriched by other Philippine and foreign languages. Tagalog is the basis of the national language.

    Education and High Literacy. The Filipino people are fond of education. As the Honorable Frank Murphy, American Governor-General of the Philippines, said: “No people ever accepted the blessings of education with more enthusiasm than the Filipinos.” It is the dream of every boy or girl to acquire a good education. Parents are willing to work hard and sacrifice in order to educate their children. A college diploma is a status symbol in the country. The annual enrollment in the schools, from the elementary schools to the universities, increases every year.

    The medium of instruction in schools (from elementary to high school) is bilingual - Filipino and English. In the colleges and universities, it is still English. In 1983, the Education Ministry decided to return to an emphasis on English instruction, starting in elementary schools.

    There are more than 50 universities (state and private) in the Philippines, offering courses in liberal arts, law, medicine, dentistry, nursing, medical technology, pharmacy, engineering, chemistry, physics, etc. University education has high standards, for thousands of foreign students from the United States, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Nigeria, and other foreign countries study in Philippine universities.

    The oldest university in the Philippines is the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. Founded in 1611, it is 25 years older than Harvard University, the oldest university in the United States.

    Due to these educational institutions and the people’s love for education, the literacy rate in the Philippines is now 89.9%, the highest among Southeast Asian countries.

    Asia’s Citadel of Democracy. In defense of democracy, Filipino patriots since Spanish times have sacrificed their fortunes and their lives. During World War II, for instance, thousands of Filipinos fought and died in Bataan, Corregidor, Mauban, and other battlefields in defense of freedom and democracy against the Japanese invaders.

    As early as the Philippine Revolution (1896-1902), democracy was already the people’s cherished ideal. In his True Decalogue, Apolinario Mabini, the “Brains of the Philippine Revolution,” advised the people:

    “Thou shalt strive for Republic and never for a Monarchy in the country; for the latter exalts one or several families and founds a dynasty; the former makes a people noble and worthy through reason, great through liberty, and prosperous and brilliant through labor.”

    Filipino Character.  The Filipinos, like all peoples in the world, have bad and good character traits. Their bad character traits are, however, offset by the good ones. As the British resident and writer, John Foreman, said: “The Filipino  has ,many good qualities which go far to make up for his shortcomings.” They love fiestas, parties, expensive clothes and jewels, for which they spend much money.

    Filipinos are prone to gambling and betting - cockfighting, horse races, jai-alai, mahjong and card games. Gambling has become a national vice.

    Fatalism is another bad trait. Filipinos believe that whatever happens to them depends on fate. They say “Bahala na!” (Come what may, or it is God’s will.)

They are very sensitive about their honor or reputation. They do not like to assert themselves or appear aggressive. They prefer to keep their “face” (self-pride) rather than feel shame (hiya) for a sudden act, or a wrong decision.

Filipinos also prefer smooth relations with their relatives, friends and colleagues, even when those others are wrong, corrupt or dishonest. This is called “pakikisama,” which often leads to nepotism, influence peddling or cheating.

Filipinos, unlike the Chinese or the Japanese, lack discipline. They are usually easy going and will not work well without strict supervision. A similar bad trait is the lack of perseverance. They begin with enthusiasm but quickly lose interest in the job. This is called “ningas cogon,” after the cogon grass which burns brightly for a brief time and dies out.

Filipinos have the bad habit of putting aside the work which can be done right away and doing it the following day. This shortcoming is called mañana habit, which they inherited from the Spaniards.

As for the good character traits of the Filipinos, it may be said that they are intelligent, with retentive memory, quick perception, and talents for arts and science. They also are gentle, friendly, and cheerful people, noted for their courtesy and hospitality.

Filipinos are famous not only for their warm hospitality, but also for their close family ties. To them, “blood is thicker than water.” The parents work hard and sacrifice much for their children; in return, the children love and respect them and take good care of them in their old age.

Filipinos, owing to their beautiful country, are passionately romantic. They are ardent in love as they are fierce in battle. They are born poets, musicians, and artists.

Filipinos are liberty-loving and brave people. They valiantly resisted the Spanish, American and Japanese invaders of their native land. They rank among the bravest peoples of the world. Filipino courage has been proven in the Battle of Mactan (1521), The Battle of Tirad Pass (1899), in the Battle of Bataan, Corregidor, and Bessang Pass during World War II, and in many other battlefields.

Gratitude is another sterling trait of the Filipinos. They are grateful to those who granted them favors or who are good to them. Their high sense of gratitude is expressed in phrase, “Utang na loob” (debt of honor).

Filipinos are cooperative. They value the virtue of helping each other and other people. They cherish that ancestral trait of bayanihan, which means cooperation. In rural areas, when a man is building, repairing, or transferring a house to another place, the neighbors come to help him. Bayanihan also applies to the clearing of land or cleaning the river, in which people of the community work together.

Foreign writers assert that the Filipinos are indolent. In reality they work hard in the face of very adverse conditions. They work on the farm from sunrise to sunset, though not from noon to 3 P.M. due to the scorching heat. They work hard in the sugarcane and pineapple plantations in Hawaii, the fruit orchards of California, the fish canneries of Alaska, and in the oil  wells of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other Arab countries of the Middle East.

Finally, the Filipinos are noted for their durability and resiliency. Through the ages they have met all kinds of calamities - revolts, revolutions, wars, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, and epidemics. Unlike the Polynesians of Oceania and the Indians of the North, Central, and South Americas, they did not vanish by contact with the white race. They can assimilate any civilization and thrive in any climate. Against the adversities of life or nature, they merely bend, but never break. They possess the formidable durability of the narra tree and the resiliency of the bamboo.

Filipinos are just as good as other peoples of the world in character. In the words of President Quezon: “The Filipino is not inferior to any men of any race. His physical, intellectual, and moral qualities are as excellent as those of the proudest stock of mankind.”

Regional Traits. Filipinos possess different regional traits due to different regional environments, the lack of contract and communication in previous centuries, the Spanish imperialist policy of “divide and rule,” and the different economic and social factors which affect them in modern times.

The Ilocanos of Ilocandia are the most adventurous, hardworking, and frugal of Filipinos. This is so because their barren region is hemmed in by the sea on one side and by the rocky mountains on the other side. They have limited fertile farmlands and a harsh environment. Hence, they have to be hardy and frugal.

The Tagalogs, who inhabit Manila, the provinces around it, and the nearby islands of Mindoro and Marinduque, feel superior to other Filipinos because they live in a region blessed with rich farm lands, navigable rivers and panoramic beauties, and also because of their major participation in history. They have produced great heroes, particularly Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the country. The Tagalogs began the Philippine Revolution in 1896. The Malolos Constitution was written by a Tagalog (Felipe N. Calderon), and the President of the First Philippine Republic was another Tagalog, General Emilio Aguinaldo. Manila, the ancient Tagalog kingdom of Raha Sulayman, is the center of cultural and commercial life and is also the capital of the Republic.

Historical Insight: Many Languages and Cultures     The many languages and cultures of the Filipinos give us a great ability to communicate and get along well with other tribes and nations in the world. Most Filipinos speak two or even three languages - one native dialect, the National Language, and English. If they are Filipino Chinese, they will also be able to speak or understand Chinese.     Many countries in Asia are also made up of dozens of tribes and nations. For examples, Laos (pop. 4 million) has more than 40 tribes; Vietnam (pop. 70 million) has about 60 tribes.

The Bicolanos of Bicolandia are a religious, mild-tempered, and musical people. Unlike both Ilocanos and Tagalogs, the Bicolanos possess a stoical outlook on life. Their land has been devastated frequently by terrible typhoons and the various eruptions of Mount Mayon so that they have become accustomed to the blows of nature. They endure calamity with calm resignation, believing it to be the will of God. The Bicolanos, like the Indonesians and Malaysians, are fond of spicy food with hot pepper and coconut milk (gata).

The Bisayans, particularly those from Iloilo and Negros Occidental, are extravagant, carefree and jolly. They love nice clothes, fine jewelry, and gay parties. They are lavish spenders and prefer to have a good time to hard work.

The Muslim Filipinos in Mindanao and Sulu are fierce. They are valiant warriors on both land and sea. They fought the Spaniards for three centuries and later the Americans for four decades. They were defeated in many battles, but were never conquered.

Muslims are also among the best pearl divers and seafarers in the world. Born fighters and seafarers, Muslims are adventurous, proud of their Islamic heritage and separate cultural identity from the rest of the country.

Cultural Minorities. Out of the 52 million Filipinos, around 1.6 million belong to so-called national cultural minorities live in the remote areas, particularly the high cordilleras of Luzon, the hills and mountain forests of Mindanao, and on isolated lakes and seashores.

In the Constitution, the Cordilleras in Luzon and the Muslims in Mindanao have autonomous (semi-independent) regions. These special regions preserve their tribal laws, culture and traditions.

Among the northern tribes are: the Ifugaos, the Bontocs, the Kankanays, the Ibaloys, the Tinguians, the Kalingas, the Gaddangs, and the Negritoes. Some of the northern tribes used to practice headhunting, but it has now been stopped. Traditionally, the headhunters and their families tattooed their chest, arms, hands, and faces, a practise which can still be seen on Ifugao and Bontoc tribesmen and women around Banaue and Bontoc. Some tribes still worship nature and their ancestors. The weaving and designs of native costumes and blankets, with lizard, river and human motifs, are regarded as highly artistic and unique. Most tribes practice kaingin agriculture. The Ifugaos, Bontocs, Kalingas, Tinguians, and Apayaos developed extensive terracing systems (rice terraces) for cultivating wet-rice farming on the mountainsides of the Cordilleras.

Mindoro tribes comprise the Mangyans, a peace-loving, musical people with no head-hunting tradition. They farm and hunt in the remote areas, and have their own writing system dating to pre-Spanish times.

The southern tribes of Mindanao and Sulu are the Maranao, Ilanum, Tausug and Samal, all Muslims; the Badjao and Yakan (partly Muslim); and the Subanon, Bukidnon, Mansaka, Higaunon, Kalagan, Mandaya, Bagobo, Tiruray, Manobo, Blaan, Manubo Blit and Ubo tribes, mostly pagan tribes. Many of them also used to offer human sacrifices. Much of their architecture, customs and traditions came from the Celebes-Borneo islands of the south. The Badjaos and the Samals are primitive fishermen and often live in boats.

Filipino Women. Women in the Philippines occupy a high place in society, politics and professions. They enjoy equal social and political rights with men unlike in the other Asian nations where women are treated as inferior to men. They can vote and be voted to any public office. They can study in universities and engage in any profession. They can compete in sports, art, and literary contests and inherit or own property. They have been successful not only as wives of distinguished men and as mothers of children, but also as career women so that an American governor general, Leonard Wood, once said: “The best men in the Philippines are the women.”

The first lady President of the Philippines was Mrs. Corazon (“Cory”) Cojuangco Aquino. She is the widow of the popular Benigno (“Ninoy”) S. Aquino Jr., who was assassinated during the previous regime and became a martyr for freedom and non-violent change.

The country is also noted for its beautiful women. Evidently, Eurasian ancestry and heritage have produced some of the most beautiful women in the world. Filipina beauties have won honors in international beauty pageants.

The Arts. Filipinos are creative people, and they have produced outstanding artists - writers, painters, sculptors, musicians, etc. The arts are well-developed in the country - taught in schools having courses in the humanities; performed in theaters and movies; and preserved in libraries, cultural centers and private collections. Since 1972, numerous Filipinos have received the National Artist award for their distinguished contribution to the arts (see Table 3).

Table 3

Some National Artists of the Philippines

Architecture Juan F. Nakpil Pablo S. Antonio	Literature Amado V. Hernandez Jose Garcia Villa Nick Joaquin Carlos P. Romulo
Dance Francisca Reyes Aquino Leonor Orosa Goquingco Lucrecia Urtula	Painting Fernando Amorsolo Carlos V. Francisci Victorio Edades
Music Antonio J. Molina Jovita Fuentes Lucrecia Kasilag	Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino Napoleon Abueva
Film Lamberto V. Avellana Gerardo de Leon “Atang” de la Rama

    Science and Technology. Science and technology are the twin keys which unlock the door of industrial progress in modern times. The Philippine government, through its scientific agency - the Department of Science and Technology (formerly the NAtional Science Development Board) - is pushing the frontiers of the country’s technological knowledge. The DOST is generously financed by public funds and advised by the National Academy of Science and Technology and the National Research Council of the Philippines.

    Science policy in the Philippines is aimed at finding ways of meeting the social needs of the people in agriculture, manufacturing, and other industries. Through research and application, Filipino scientists are trying to find alternative technology (herbal medicine, natural fertilizers, etc.) appropriate to Philippine conditions. Since 1978, several National Scientist awards have been conferred on outstanding scientists in the Philippines (see Table 4).

Table 4

Some National Scientists in the Philippines

Medicine Juan S. Salcedo Jr. Fe del Mundo Geminiano T. de Ocampo	Chemistry Alfredo C. Santos Julian A. Banzon
Engineering Gregorio U. Zara	Botany Eduardo Quisumbing Gregorio T. Velaszuez Dioscoro Umali
Physics Casimiro del Rosario

    Filipinos are among the best inventors and scientists in the world. For example, the “yoyo”, which is now used only as a toy, was invented by ancient Filipinos as a weapon of war, the fluorescent lamp was invented by a Filipino (Flores) but the Americans developed it commercially. The “moon buggy” used by the American astronauts who first landed on the moon was invented by a Filipino. Some of the best computer programmers in the world are Filipinos.

    Historical Values. From our study of the social environment of our country, we learn the following values:

1. We are very important and unique nation in the world because God made is to have a gift of faith, the arts, sciences, communication and culture. We led the world in so many historical events. This means God would like to do an important mission with us.
2. It is not by accident that we are the only Christian  nation in Asia. We are meant to be the bridge between the Christian West and to the non-Christian East.
3. Filipinos have both good and bad characteristics, like any other nation on earth. We must appreciate the good character traits of our people. And we must do something to remove the bad traits. We can only progress as a nation if our people will be disciplined, hardworking and good stewards of material and social wealth, like the Chinese, Japanese and the richer nations.
4. We must appreciate our cultural minorities, not oppress or look down on them. God made them to know Him, too. So we must befriend and help the tribal peoples to improve their lives and to know God’s Son Jesus.
5. There will always be cultural and regional differences in our nation. So we must look for unity - not uniformity. We must love and be understanding of one another, even if we speak different languages, or have different customs.
6. The Philippines is a good training ground for missionaries because here we can already practice the ways to share the gospel with many different peoples.