Many societies, including ancient civilizations, have grown successful economically and sociologically through adapting other cultures and ideas into their own (for example, the Romans being largely influenced by the traditions of Greece; Meiji Era Japan accepting Western Ideology, leading to its modernization and emergence as the first Asian industrialized nation).

The problem with the Philippines is that due to its geography, (instead of a single landmass, the country consists of 7107 islands) the local tribes were unable to form their own advanced empires and keep up with the rest of the world–allowing the Spanish to colonize the country for hundreds of years, followed by the United States until 1946. The Spanish and American colonizations of the Philippines can be seen as both adverse and beneficial, despite the repression of the people and culture; Spain and the U.S. brought new ideas and methods to the Philippines. Also, Jose Rizal, well aware of the opportunities in Europe, studied medicine in Spain, France, and Germany to further his knowledge.

Though I feel that the Philippines is very much lacking in pride, due to the ubiquitous corruption in the country’s government, and overall disdain towards the President, Filipinos perceive foreign goods and services as more superior to the Philippines’ (though this mentality can be seen in any country). However, you must accept the fact that Philippine universities are not internationally renowned, or even renowned in Asia–if you look at any world ranking of universities, there are either no Philippine universities on the list or our top universities in ‘Pinas are low on the list. Perhaps that is due in part of the lack of funds for research opportunities for the universities, but the main reason is that the country is not wealthy enough and the government is not making the right decisions to improve the country’s education standards. That is why many people there desire an opportunity to study abroad.

My Korean friends tell me that many people from South Korea desire to study abroad in the United States due to its high educational standards there and that many wish to be accepted into Ivy League schools such as Harvard or Stanford or top public schools such as UC Berkeley, or UCLA. My roommate’s family, for example, emigrated from S. Korea to California so that she and her sister could have a better education, as was the same with my family. Though the case with my father was that he was too poor in the Philippines to complete his college education, therefore, he received his diploma in California when he was well into his 40s! Unfortunately, many people cannot receive a fruitful college education in the Philippines due to financial problems. There is a large correlation between a country’s wealth and its educational standards.

You said that “why don’t you, instead of sending students outside and wasting all that money to get FILIPINOS educated in AMERICAN STYLE, concentrate to make the Philippine Education much more better?” Well, I ask you, how can education in the Philippines’ be improved without some NEW ideas? Yes, cheating and corruption (students’ parents paying the principal to change their childrens’ grades) is widespread. Rules just need to be more strictly enforced. For example, during the SATs, (a test required for American high schoolers that is a large determinant whether they will be accepted to the college of their choice) any form of cheating is prohibited and the proctors keep a watchful eye on you at all times, and if you’re caught cheating, your test will be immediately confiscated and you’d waste $45 for nothing. Though educational PRACTICES are different…through learning new methods of teaching, (hence, why international university teaching conferences are held every year) teaching methods can be improved.

Hopefully the ideas OFWs learn in 1st world countries can be brought back to the Philippines to improve the country. Sorry for going on a tangent, but I feel that a growing problem is that more and more Filipino-Americans are too complacent and indifferent about the situation in the Philippines. I feel that if more ideas can be spread and the people’s close-mindedness would cease, improvement will definitely ensue. Despite President Arroyo’s infamous term in office, she greatly improved the Philippine economy and earned the Philippines a better reputation amongst foreign investors–due to her knowledge of economics and business from both the United States and the Philippines.