Why is the Philippines Poor?

May 1, 2008

Why Is The Philippines Poor?

THE DIFFERENCE

The difference between the poor countries and the rich ones is not the age of the country:Poor Filipino This can be shown by countries like India & Egypt , that are more than 2000 years old, but are poor. On the other hand, Canada , Australia & New Zealand , that 150 years ago were inexpressive, today are developed countries, and are rich. The difference between poor & rich countries does not reside in the available natural resources. Japan has a limited territory, 80% mountainous, 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. In its little territory they raise 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 & labor, which made it the world’s 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 the education & the culture & flawed tradition. On analyzing the behavior of the people in rich & developed countries, we find that the great majority follow the following principles in their lives: 1. Ethics, as a basic principle. 2. Integrity. 3. Responsibility. 4. Respect to the laws & rules. 5. Respect to the rights of other citizens. 6. Work loving. 7. Strive for savings & investment. 8. Will 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 & developed societies. If you do not forward this message nothing will happen to you. Your pet will not die, you will not be fired, you will not have bad luck for seven years, and also, you will not get sick or go hungry. But those may happen because of your lack of discipline & laziness

Comments are very much welcome, just add them below

  • Lester

    hi,

    I already read this article somewhere. If am not mistaken, one of my students emailed it to me.I think three or four years ago. I am not against publishing it here. It is actually a good move because many people will be able to read and benefit from the article. However, It would have been better if the source was acknowledged. Or there should have been a short introduction saying that this message is a ‘forwarded’ one. Let’s practice giving credit to whom credit is due.

    thanks…

    (well, if you are the one who originally wrote the article, just ignore my comments)

    • primo

      It is not a matter who wrote this facts why filipinos and philippines are still way behind compare to our rich neighboring country, the most import things is that this message must be conveyed to every filipinos around the world. Do you think this message will reach to the poor filipino people? this is why we are not growing up,because of critisism, who ever posted this message, thanks to you we will do our part for the growth of the ecomony. pay taxes and dicipline our self. mabrook

      • Bobby9211

        Your question on "Do you think this message will reach to the poor Filipino people?" Maybe not where it should be address. Criticism along is not the cause, to much is a let down but also hearing once flaw might be a wake up call. Most of us on this topics knows and wonder why our country still poor but have different analysis as to why? The topic above says it nicely, that we have the knowledge; hardworking people but what we lack the right formula – Attitude (comprises most of the 10 on this list). Our colonial culture taught us and those in authority demands obedience: don't speak back or speak up; just take it (shockers), sacrifice, the reward is in heaven. Most of our people leave their aspiration and destiny to the mercy of their faith as "Bahala na and Dios sa akin". (I leave my destiny to God) It sound like drowning and gave up before the fight.

        A quote made by a foreigners which I think is damn true but uncomfortable to face.

        =Filipinos are mostly eaten by pride. Most of the Filipinos as he observed are always concern with social status. This is as if Filipinos cannot live without it. Whenever there is something or material thing that could give them a sense of pride, they mostly do whatever it takes just to possess them and this would lead again to a terrible spending habit.

        I am add something to that big pride. My personal observation, Filipinos pride themselves to titles. Just look at formal wedding invitations, they will pack as many titles they can get (Sponsor), To get included, get ready with your titles: Doctor, Attorney, Engineer, etc. They pride to be well connected. Our professional titles goes after our last name not before. If you see otherwise, you know where they're coming from. Sorry, for the long comment, I feel the frustration, don't get me started.

  • Justin

    I was an exchange student in the Philippines the late 1990′s, I was gonna finish my Bachelor Degree. But, after 1 semester I gave it up and went back to the States. What I found out about the country are numerical. 1. Politician are greedy and they’re the one who are making millions of dollars deposited outside their country. (according with Peter Cayetano) 2. The country is so dirty and filthy I see garbage everywhere even in the classrooms. 3. Lack of facilities and discipline. One time I was riding a jeepney the driver stopped it in the middle of the street just to urinate facing the front tire. I was in line waiting to order at McDonald’s people are cutting me of left and right. I see a lot of Americans having young girlfriends (under 18) because it’s 100 dollars cheaper to have sex with minors here.

    • http://www.my2pesos.com Ben

      Your observations may have "some" truth in them, but they're not all accurate. The one observation that really sticks out is your estimation of the young girls with older men. My Filipina wife is 33-years old, and most American people think she is 16. I would say to you, as I say to other people like you, "get the facts first before opening your month." Opening your month and inserting your own foot is bad. But slandering innocent people is even worse.

  • http://colegialagirl.wordpress.com Colegialagirl

    The Philippines is poor for three main reasons: 1. We are a product of colonization 2. There is massive graft and corruption in the government at all levels. 3. We have an undisciplined population.

  • http://www.yahoo.com chris

    well yes maybe your right that there is really a values declination happen in our country. but then don’t you ever think that the system of the our present government plays a great part on our present situation of economy fluctuation. think of “put a good man in the bad system and the system always win and put a bad man in the good system and the system will win.

  • Pingback: RP 2010 - What Teens Say About Philippine Election time | PTO

    • Jay

      Discipline yourself and spread it to you Barkada this is what we call a grass roots change, you get off your ass and do something bitching and begging does nothing. This is the most serious post and reply I have seen to date. Good job on that. Poor is not a state of money it is a state of mind, now if you decide to make the best and have a positive outlook then you can tell the people you see that throw trash in the street to pick it up and throw it away call them a litterbug, if you see an animal deficate on the street well they are an animal so call that person an animal, if you see a multitude of wrong doings by goverment and church then speak up on it and debate your point. Eat heathly live healthly and think healthy all else is just water under the bridge! now my opinion drop the spanish influence and pick up a more asian influence it will do good for your discipline start with a personal revolution then spread the word

      • Mark

        maybe drop all the western influence especially…We are trying to hard to be like them,,act like them and shet

  • Punyong

    Yes, I agree to give acknowledgment to the original writer. Although unless you use it for commercial purposes or wish to earn personal credit out of it, I think it's not that of a big issue. The most important thing here is the will to share the moral thoughts that may become useful to help transform our people and country for good.

    • Clarissa Reyes

      Yes, we are aware of citation rules. But as Kevin said, this was from a forum only and the source was not really specified. We're going to edit this as soon as Kevin remembers where this article is from. He might have just overlooked it and forgot. As you will see, the bulk of the articles in this site is from the contributors themselves and not really copy and pasted from somewhere so we did not intend to plagiarize when we put this here. Thanks for the reminder.

      • http://kevs.tel Kevin Paquet

        The forum I got it from is dead already, ddboard.com

    • http://facebook ailyn

      Yes, i agreed in your articles.I know if politicians in our country are not greedy, i think our country is one of the most progressive countries in the world.And second,lack of descipline.Most of us are not cooperating for the improvement and good welfare of our country.But if we work hand in hand to make our country rich,we can do it and it is not impossible.

  • Mark

    Corrupt and greedy government and individuals.It is a race to be better than one another.People always want to be better and rich than the rest.I hate the fact that it is a poor country and women and young girls have to work as a prostitute.Thus Philippines is growing to an undisciplined whore country,not caring about the importance of dignity and what not.Probably Philippines is more famous for its cheap underage prostitution and bars.foreigners come to the country just to have a cheap underage girl.And nothing is done about it because the government is greedy and corrupt(police,mayors,senators you name it) and do not give a damn about it.As long as it benefits them and brings more cash for them.

    • http://facebook ailyn

      yes,i absolutely agreed in your comments!

  • AT

    he guys i was in 35 country's on this planet and the Filipinos are one off the ignorant people what i ever meet, there just have a big mouse ..im philippino in my country .. lol i have a bad massaages for you guys so soon you will left this country the world outside will joke about you no matter how much money you made whit corruption we have so many ritch people every where ..and there have 100 times more behavior as any ritch philippino ..you now what we even don t want this shit feat people..this is the RESEND WHY THE PHILIPINO PASS PORT HAS THE VALIUM OF TOILET PAPER.. DONT THINK WE DONT SEE WHAT S GOING ONE IN THE PHILIP PINS WE JUST DONT SAY SOMETHING

    • http://kevs.tel Kevin Paquet

      I'm seriously laughing 'bout your English, seems like you're the one joking or are you really that dumb how you talk?

    • Joanne

      Talk crap to me and I'd be fine with it but don't talk crap about my country. What do you know about the Philippines? Because I honestly think you're lying about traveling to 35 countries. With that english of yours, you probably can't even pass outside your own country. So think before you type something. By the way, the Philippines is the second largest english-speaking country in Asia, so I suggest you shut your mouth because your english is serious shit and I'm not even joking. Any filipino can top your english. Even the poorest.

    • lala

      you are dumb! why dont you learn english before talking shit

    • jj

      learn to speak proper english first before you start degrading another race..!you just bring shame to your self and your country wherever you came from…!

    • Gellie

      To say the truth, I'm laughing at your awful spelling mistakes and grammar.

      There's no way you can get out of the country with that kind of English.

      I am a 14-year-old Filipina Girl. I can name a LOT of Filipinos who can speak and write better than you do.

      P.S. You spelled Philippines wrong.

      P.S.S. Philipino is also wrong, it should be Filipino.

    • Sergio

      This is a roll-out laugh kind of thing. honestly, before you say something inadequate try to hone your language skills a bit.. rather a lot. hahaha. you're the one who's freaking ignorant. seriously, where are you from anyway.?. you're bringing a bad image to your own country. Philippines may have a slight problem when it comes to our economic level but I'm glad we excel when it comes to our communicative skills.

    • Bobby9211

      We agree that the English was terrrrrrrible and the message is incoherent and offensive at times but he has the right to be heard. Now you started to act like uncivilized people similar to a bees on the attack and got off to a different topic "English spelling". Stay the course, fellows! We have a problem.

  • erwin perez

    there is always a solution to every problem like poverty…. if we just change our mindset to being wealthy and healthy….. like me i had change my life and being prosperous right now…. all i had to do is to change my mindset of doing what will benefits me….. so any one that is interested to gain wealth and save lots of money jst email me at trunkz49@yahoo.com or add me to my ym trunkz49@yahoo.com ill be online for those who are interested to end their poverty…. and begin to realize how to enjoy life to the fullest…. ;)

  • Pitiful

    Philippines is a pitiful country because most people are bunch of hypocrites. 90% of the population are christians but unethical behaviours are everywhere.

    For example, both church leaders and law makers doesn't like divorce law because they alleged to be protecting the sactity of marriage… in exchange for what… unhappy battered wives and rampant adulterous relationship because of unbreakable unhappy marriages. Known to be religious people but bribery, extortion, corruption and greediness are everywhere.

    Thank goodness Filipinos still have Manny pacquiao!

    The country's moral values need major overhaul. I strongly believe that the major overhaul should start with the politicians because the powerful should take care of the weak and not take advantage of them. Again it's a leap of faith.

  • finix

    the Philippines is poor because we sold our birthright to other countries just to get one bowl of red beans.

  • valerie jean tagalog

    First, i wanted to say that the article presented an organized and meaningful argument regarding the present condition of the Philippines. I appreciate tackling topics in relation to the issues of the country, especially when it comes to our economy. I do agree that graft and corruption are not the mere factors that contribute to the "poorness" of our beloved Philippines, which WAS considered as one of the most envied countries in Asia. I believe that the Her human resource has also a problem–the attiude, OUR attitude (I cannot deny that I am doing the said problem being a pinoy myself).

    Second, i would like to react on the comment above made by Mr. Pitiful. He saud that the people in the country are generally hypocrites, 90% Christians yet unethical behavior is everywhere. I guess their Christianity must not be involved because their religion has nothing to do with their "unethical" actions. Additionally, the commentor seemingly accepted the divorce thing. I guess that these lawmakers and the ones that are against of it have more important and reasonable reasons why they do not agree with divorce. Better know everything before blaming.

    So much with the comment, I shall proceed to the article.

    Whoever the writer of the above article is, I shall give him/her credit on her presentation of arguments. However, the WRITER is not the real issue in this site but the article itself. Let us consider it as a message, an awareness, a reminder.

    The message is worthy to be shared of.

  • Rodney Lucas

    I have been to the Philippines a number of times, and it always amazes me to see the poor living conditions and poverty.

    In my view the main problem and it as been covered here will is the corruption at all levels. But the second problem and the root of all this evil in the Philippines is relegion. Yes, your Catholic Church is the main problem, they are so corrupt to make your govt. official look like choir boys. It really all stems from a bunch of old men located in the Vatican who do nothing to help there followers. There main concern is gathering more and more wealth. There laws are designed to keep people down and make them obey there every whim. Any country run by a relegion will be corrupt by its very nature. It would not suprise me to see the Philippines in the very near future involved in some Holy Crusade in the name of the church.

    Look at the middle est and Islam were there is Islam there is death, war and poverty. Even the Philippines have some of this and it is nothing but death. There is no value to human life.

    Nothing will ever change in the Philippines until the goverment takes back its country from the Catholic Church and divest itself from church followings.

  • http://www.joserizalonline.com Kenmar Bual

    Facebook group Jose Rizal Online. This is a very good website. I'm happy (yet sad) that the youth of the islands share a vision for a better future. The bottom line is self-esteem of every individual… which is related to character. Unfortunately, systemic corruption is rampant and seems to be shared by the most powerful of our leadership. So Jose Rizal Online has a goal of starting w/the individual Filipino citizen at the barangay level. The leadership (Noynoy, to me, represents transparency, integrity; he will be challenged) cannot possibly be the examples for us to follow, esp w/the current president. So it's back to the Filipino citizen. We, the people, will be the ones to change our own futures. 500 years, it's been someone above us, whether Spaniard, American and our own corrupt, self-serving countryman. Thanks for your insight. :)

  • Alvin

    Discussing about why the Philippines is poor will take a long way to finish so let me just talk about one aspect which I think slow down our development- energy.

    It's vital for a country to have its energy produced in a cost efficient way that's why Marcos made the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in the 70s to have us less dependent on imported oil. The Marcos administration also paid for the improvements of our energy sector. However, Meralco was returned by Mrs. Aquino in a silver platter without the Lopez family paying for improvements done during Martial Law. And look at us now, we have one of the most expensive power generation and distribution in the region.

    Just try to understand why after overthrowing Marcos, crippled our energy sector (particularly the BNPP and take note of the frequent brownouts during Ramos administration). South Korea (28.5% of total South Korean generation capacity is from nuclear) and Japan (34.5% of Japan's electricity is also from nuclear) have nuclear power plants even though Japan has strong earthquakes. India and China continue to build more nuclear plants to satisfy their growing economies while Indonesia and Vietnam are planning to go nuclear by 2020.

    So I challenge President Noynoy Aquino if he is not really a Lopez puppet, he would revive BNPP or build more nuclear power plants to feed our growing energy demand for the development of our country.

  • http://yahoo froxmyn

    Poverty? Because we are living of who we are not supposed!!!!

    • http://facebook ailyn

      I absolutely agreed! Most of our fellowmen are wannabes!

  • http://josecarilloforum.com Jose A. Carillo

    Due to the mounting international indignation over the horribly violent end of the hostage-taking incident in Manila last August 23, I was initially hesitant to do a grammar critique of the Philippine print media’s news coverage of it. I told myself that if the grammar error in their stories were anyway not that “major major”—a now hugely popular phrase because of the semantically faulty way it was used by the Philippine bet to the Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas also that day—I would just close my eyes to them so as not to further exacerbate the already error-laden week dominated by profuse fault-finding. Ultimately, though, I just couldn’t let pass without comment two major grammar errors in the news reporting of the hostage-rescue fiasco by two of the Metro Manila broadsheets. I thought that like the bungled police operations to free the hostages, they were much too serious and instructive to be spared from a rigorous grammar postmortem.

    Check out my critique, "Grammar errors too serious to be spared from rigorous postmortem," in this week's edition of Jose Carillo's English Forum at http://josecarilloforum.com.

  • Abode

    I concur with your statements Except for this one:

    "On analyzing the behavior of the people in rich & developed countries, we find that the great majority follow the following principles in their lives:

    1. Ethics, as a basic principle.

    2. Integrity.

    3. Responsibility.

    4. Respect to the laws & rules.

    5. Respect to the rights of other citizens.

    6. Work loving.

    7. Strive for savings & investment.

    8. Will of super action.

    9. Punctuality.

    10. and of course…Discipline"

    BY FAR, THIS IS WRONG.

    I would not like to point out countries, but there are countries who live OPPOSITE the characteristics stated.

    • james smyth

      Well done i agree , this guy has not got a clue.35 countries my arse"

      Where on this earth did he learn to spell. I am irish, and speak english and i wish i could speak Filapino.

      is it tagalong? so i put my hands up to you Filipino's at least you can speak two language

      As for being poor i think one of the first things that needs to be done in the philippines is to tell the

      catholic church to keep its nose out of running the country. You have to admit there is a major problem ahead if you don't get the birth control sorted! Nice to have the church looking after your other needs , but when you look at the wealth it has , well ill leave that for your own thoughts.

  • http://www.debtkillerblog.com James Horan

    Reading over this post and answers, most I fear are right when they speak of the problems: Corruption, values, personal, political its just a mess. From tribal groups w/ their religious groups in the north, the Catholics and finally arrogant Muslims in the south. Barangay Thiefdoms to National demigods…its a real mess. And of course, no national language pervasive throughout the country… Tagalog in the north, Cebuano in the south. Hell…the Philippines government named Spanish, then English, then Tagalog, then Wikang Pambansa, then Filipino and the "official" National Language. It just seems the country is a mish-mash of all that can go wrong. And with so many islands I guess its a little natural for each to take pride in self, not in a national identity…lolzzz I'm a Texan first.

    Seems to me, as an American who has never been to the Philippines, but has fallen in love with the country through the internet and Filipino friends both here and on the internet, the Philippines is a place…a people, that are Screaming for a National Leader (and Leaders) that are devoid of personal ambition. National leaders that will work for the good of the people and the country even if its unpopular. I think the country is so hungry, so in need of a self-less leader the nation would accept a non-Filipino if he/she would be up to the task.

    (Filipino Gandi, where are you?).

  • shella

    kilven.

    even some body speack english is wrong?

    but you can understand no need to insult!!!!!

    its not good.

    atles you can understand

    ok!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    because not all ,know how to speack english?

    spicialy! they are not language.

    shella

    allah bless you

  • Sergio

    too bad We didn't inherit Spain's social system when we were colonized. The culture of poverty is self-perpetuating. We are poor because people are lazy. our population that is over 80 million should be productive in terms that will help our country succeed in its endeavor.

  • Ron

    Pinoy's are the best in the world at some things! But in others they are the worst!

    By far the biggest factor making the philippines a poor country is the attitude of the filipino's themselves.

    Again and again and again and AGAIN i see pinoy's blaming others for their problems (politicians,colonialism,etc) instead of actually DOING SOMETHING POSITIVE.

    Japan,singapore,taiwan,korea and others have made great lives for themselves while having no resources SO THERE IS NO EXCUSE.

    Population –

    THIS ONE IS SOOOOO STUPID!

    THE BIBLE DOES NOT SAY BIRTH CONTROL IS WRONG.if you beleive the church's interpretation without checking,YOU DESERVE THE PROBLEMS YOU HAVE.

    Pride- pinoy's have the wrong kind of pride.They don't want to admit others are better

    INJUSTICE – this one is so sad.Pinoys generally don't care about others!

    They are so ashamed of confrontation (see pride above) that they won't help someone who has been wronged

    • Bobby9211

      Ron, well said. Getting it from what you have said, the cause has the root from religion. Yes, our attitude: the me first; the I am well off than you; our hypocritical, I am a person of God, persona. We are in denial and psychologically controlled to stay in the dark ages like some other kind of religion that are willing to blow up themselves because there's no other hope than meet their creator as they were made to believed. Look at those who 's lives under the control of their religions are not as progressive as those who are not.

      For every difficulties comes about, they run to seek intervention for God's help, instead off preparing to meet the challenges. Honestly, when you are down out and under, it is easy to say stand up on your boot strap. How then will we change it around?

  • Jim Usher

    Poverty is due to broken relationships. Check out the book When Helping Hurts and you will discover the reasons why. JIm

  • vizfar

    I noticed that the countries governed by state churches, where there are no non-conformists, show little creative ability. Spain, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Italy and the Philippines were far behind United States, England, Germany, and the Scandinavian Peninsula. There had been no creative ability until bible -based Christianity had been introduced. Only in the recreated human spirit do we find God’s wisdom and ability to get wealth. You find this truth in Deuteronomy 8:18, “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”

  • IDK_IDC

    Maybe if we had a strict society like Singapore or some other much more developed country, we might be able to instill discipline amongst our bretheren. just saying =)

  • ihateallflips

    The entire Filipino race is forever genetically racially culturally inferior to every other race from other countries since Filipinos are a tropical race from tropical country Philippines. All Filipinos should better commit suicide now before it’s too late, you’ll be glad you did sooner.

    • http://enzoone.com/ Enzo One

      Wrong. First, there's no such thing as “Filipino Race”, only Filipino People. Second, get your facts right and get your self educated on History and Anthropology. On topic, The Philippines used to be 2nd to Japan 50 years ago. I'm not really sure what happened back then or why it went down but I guess we can already feel the outcome today.

  • http://www.poeticnotes.com Kevin Paquet

    Hi, we just got it from a forum, and the topic creator doesn’t know either who was writing it.

    Also, when there is something own written by us, we mention it, else, it means the copyright is not ours or the source is undefined :)