Makati Skyline By j_0_n [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Development in the infrastructure and technology are two
ways of connecting people; and connecting people creates development
opportunities. For this year 2017, this
will be two of the main keys to open the doors of Philippines development (and
other developing countries).
It is very clear that Philippines is a developing country -
which means that there are lots of economic challenges that need solution. Developing
infrastructure specifically in the transportation, energy, and
telecommunication sector are essential to fast track economic development. Infrastructure
development in transportation, for example, will result to higher mobility (more
movement) in goods, services, and people. Moreover, improving energy
infrastructure (such as renewable energy plants) can lower the cost of energy
and would be crucial for addressing long term economic development. Lower energy cost could result lower price of
goods, which could increase the purchasing power of the people, and in turn
could encourage investment in the country.
On the other hand, improvement in the telecom infrastructure
will speed-up internet, which means faster activity or productivity in the
internet. Previous years have seen how internet have shape the lives of
millions (more than 10 million) of Filipinos. Filipinos socialize shop,
communicate, book rides & flights, work & create, and study using the
internet. Thus, it would be an added value if communication infrastructure will
be improved.
On the other side of the fence, these developments have cost
and involve money investment. While the stakes are high, it should be put in
mind that the cost of these projects should not be shouldered by the public. It
is assumed that there are government funds which could be used to finance these
projects. Furthermore, putting the burden to the public will result to lower
purchasing power in general, since majority of the population comprise low
income earner. Thus, the inclusive utilization (usage) of planned
infrastructure can be encouraged by lowering the cost of usage which could help
enhance the purchasing power of the public. As others ask, what is the purpose
of development if only few can use and benefit from it?
Security & Mobility
Last year show case the effectiveness of the campaign of
Philippine National Police (PNP) against war against drugs. This is a sign that
Philippines security is improving, even thou there are still lot of things to
be done.
Security is very important for a mobile society; people need
to feel safe while walking or roaming around the street; while socializing and
doing business in the corner; tourist will not tour the islands of the Philippines
if it is not safe, thus, will affect the income of tourism industry. Last year was a good year for the PNP, hope
this will continue and further improve in 2017.
Tourism & Environment
Philippines tourism is a game changer for the country.
Tourism can create jobs and small businesses that can benefit marginalize
member of the society. For year 2017, it
is seen that tourism industry will continue to generate more income for the
country; yet, the benefit of this low hanging fruit depends on the tourism
promotion in the international arena.
The competitive advantage of visiting and living in the
Philippines is that people can do more and visit different provinces and see different
places at a lower cost compared to developed countries; plus, the unmatchable
Filipino hospitality.
Relatively, improving the environment (e.g. thru pollution
control especially in the mega cities) would be an added factor in enhancing
tourism; as the slogan says "you plant a tree you save the economy".
There
is a big optimism for year 2017 as people continue to increase spending (as of
Dec 2016, inflation is 2.60%), this is a sign of growing economy but has its
own consequence. For example, traffic jams have increased due to increased in
purchase of private vehicles. To support Philippines economic growth, right infrastructure
must be put in place and proper policies must be implemented.
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