Focus on what is there, Work on what is not

To many, when you say Philippines, its a Third World Country. It built the reputation that Philippines is a country of poverty. Economically speaking, we may not be as rich as other countries. We may lack the technology to say were advance. We may not have buildings as tall as the Empire State building or the Petronas Towers, or grand opera houses like the Esplanade in Singapore, and the one in Australia, but were not left behind either. We are a coping country. If compared to humans, the country has the capability to adapt. After how many years of identifying the problems the country have, somehow people and the government take steps to solve it. Right now, I say we are developing, in a very good way. We got so much we dont even try to appreciate. We got so much to focus on, because these things are the signs of our developed country. Focus on education; poverty and distance is not a hinder. I believe more children today is given education especially the indigenous people. Many volunteers would go hike, even if the travel takes hours just to teach children who live up the mountains. It may not be as regular as school, but its a step. Its there, lets focus, and lets improve. Focus on entrepreneurship; lack of education does not stop you from earning. The country is rich in resources. Livelihood programs are taught by the government. All you need here is patience, and it is a good investment. There are lots of things you could gain profit from like handcrafts and food business. Lack of education is not a hindrance as long as you have a very good skill. Focus on you skill. Focus on innovation; advancement in other countries is not an intimidation. For a country like ours, we should be thankful that we have what we need to have. We got computers with internet, machineries that help in production, transportation of different means, and we can compete globally through this. Let us accept we dont have the first when it comes to creating the next great thing, but atleast we werent as left behind as other countries. We are indeed under innovation, we may not create them, but we surely adapt them. Focus on global competition; dream big, third world. Inshort, the Philippines is not a loser. Venus Raj and Shamcey Supsup proved that. Palawan and Siargao island proved that. Team Azkals and Philippine Rugby proved that. We have so much to prove that we too, can win, can be recognized, can be not only the first but also the only. The country got so much to prove, let not belonging in a small archipelago stop you. Philippines shines. Focus on cultural and environmental preservation; we may not have skyscrapers and nanobots, but we are rich in culture and tradition. The Philippines has a very colorful culture. And despite the changing world, we preserve them. We got our values and beliefs we stand on. We dont let advancement and development interfere and erase the Filipino culture. In many situations, we are aware that we should stick to what used to be, rather than what can be whenever a certain belief or value is to step on. You see, money is not the only standard to say were developing. The mere fact that we have the it, shows it. Were not totally left behind, as a matter of fact, were running after them, slowly but surely.

Jeannine Louise Arenas JOU31 DevBroad Mr. Artin Umali