Why is the Philippines Poor?
By ruellm
@ruellm (145)
Philippines
September 5, 2008 10:58pm CST
I just would like to share this good article from Dr. Arsenio Martin of Fort Arthur, Texas.
Enjoy reading
The Difference
The difference between the poor countries and the rich ones is not the age of the country;
This can be shown by countries like India & Egypt, that more than 2000 years old, but poor.
On the other hand, Canada, Australia & New Zealand, that 150 years ago were inexpensive, today are developed countries, and are rich.
The difference between poor and rich countries does not reside in the available natural resources.
Japan has a limited territory, 80% mountains, inadequate for agriculture & cattle raising, but it is the second world economy. The country is like an immense floating factory, importing raw materials from the whole world and exporting manufactured products.
Another example is Switzerland, which does not plant cocoa but has the best chocolate in the world. It its little territory they raised animals and plant the soil during 4 months per year. Not enough, they produce dairy products of the best quality! It is a small country that transmits an image of security, order and labor, which made it the worlds strongest, safest place.
Executives from rich countries who communicate with their counterparts in poor countries show that there is no significant intellectual difference.
Race or skin color are also not important: immigrants labeled lazy in their countries of origin are the productive power in rich European countries.
What is the difference then? The difference is the attitude of the people, framed along the years by education & culture & flawed tradition.
On analyzing the behavoir of the people in rich and developed countries, we find that the great majority follow the following principles in their lives:
1. Ethics, as a basic principles.
2. Integrity.
3. Responsibility.
4. Respect to the laws and rules.
5. Respect to the rights of other citizens.
6. Work loving.
7. Strive for savings and investment.
8. Wil of super action.
9. Punctuality.
10. and of course... Discipline.
In poor countries, only a minority follow these basic principles in their daily life.
The Philippines is not poor because we lack natural resources or because nature was cruel to us. In fact, we are supposedly rich in natural resources.
We are poor because we lack the correct attitude. We lack the will to comply with and teach these functional principles of rich and developed societies.
Your love for intrigue and politics, your indifference to saving for the future, your stubborn attitude are the reason why the country is poor.
2 people like this
2 responses
@honey15rose (85)
• Japan
7 Sep 08
I believe that the Philippines is still poor because there are still a lot of Filipino who are still poor. Filipinos are poor because of unemployment, or limited job opportunities. And because of that many of our people cannot afford to have a good education. Another factor is the corruption in the government, poor leadership and yes, I believe that there are also a lot of undiscipline people in our country. But I do believe that Filipinos are a very hardworking people, that's why many contract worker are still leaving our country to find a greener pasture in other country. I am still proud and will always be proud to be a Filipino! God bless Philippines!
@rsa101 (38166)
• Philippines
6 Sep 08
That is a very well said reality of Filipinos in the Philippines. Those last few words really struck me in particular which really says the truth why we are poor here in our country. I have seen many OFWs prospered their lives because they were disciplined outside of the Philippines but when they returned back to the Philippines they returned to their old ways and does not bring the attitude they have shown to their foreign employers. That is why there are still many OFWs who remained in here returned being poor because of that. I think with this note we should start thinking of changing our attitude towards life to start with then maybe we could infect those in the government. Let us not lose hope that this poverty we are experiencing will soon disappear.