(The second of a series of articles by business executive Oscar P. Señar diagnosing the ills plaguing the country and subsequently offering solutions)
Taking off from my dream that transported me back in Biblical times thousand of years ago, when I saw God conversing with an angel, I had a follow up dream that brought me to a university campus. I was swooped down by my guardian angel, which transported me in Gregorian calendar time to a graduation rite. The angel told me, “I will show you the key players in the CHANGE PROCESS, who will initiate those reforms.” On the stage I saw and listened to the guest speaker, a boy about twenty (20) years old. His speech went as follows:
“Being very young people, like myself, you are probably discussing and pondering about your hopes and dreams. You will probably try to read as many books and seek varied advice from people of diverging occupations.
But - they will all tell you to work hard, dream big, aim high and have a clear vision in life.
However, there’s something greater than a vision. It’s a CAUSE.
A classic example of that was the Vietnam War. With outdated weapons and crude armaments, the Viet Cong was able to repulse the heavily armed US Army. The Americans had a clear vision of how to win the war, but the Vietnamese fought “tooth and nail” for a great cause.
Today, our multi-skilled OFW’s are now labeled as the New Heroes of the Republic. Aside from fighting for survival from the economic woes in our homeland, they are also working for the CAUSE of our country.
Indeed, they are heroes because collectively, they contribute almost 25% to the total disposable income of Filipinos. They are our savior in disguise.
Before coming here, I came across an article which tickled my interest and whetted my imagination. This article went as follows:
“When I was young and carefree and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of Changing the World;
As I grew older and wiser I realized I was powerless to change it.
I decided to temper my ambition and change instead my country. But again crooked ways and corruption were deeply rooted for change to happen.
As I entered my twilight years, in one desperate attempt, I decided to abandon my dream of changing my country, and instead, change my family only. But alas they would not even listen to me. And now, here I lie on my deathbed, and realize that if only I had changed myself first, then by my good example, I may have influenced my family and with their encouragement and support I may have bettered my country. In the end, who knows, I may have Changed the World.”
The 20-year guest speaker continued:
It is ironic that our politicians have done very little to promote our economic welfare. If they are sincere in reforming this country, they must possess an honest and pure intention. There are so many good economic and agricultural bills that are pending in Congress, but deliberations always give way to internal political squabbles and the daily grind of dirty politics.
Let us not wait for our politicians to make the move, otherwise we may have to wait forever. Our New Heroes, the OFW’s, have demonstrated that they can turn around the economy and move this country forward by seeking work elsewhere and remitting hard earned currencies to their families here.
But, let me just give you a word of warning. Not all of you will have the opportunity to work abroad or find lucrative jobs in the more affluent business centers of the country. But, that is not the end the world for you. There are so many other areas where all of you can fit and be gainfully employed. For example, in a small scale food processing – involving native food or beverage items such as local wines, tinapa confectioneries, fruit juice, dried fruits, etc. With longer shelf life and attractive packaging, these food products can find their way to the modern supermarkets and big retail outlets. Training seminars are regularly being held to educate interested parties and lead them to the right marketing contacts.
Let us not forget that the Philippines is basically an agricultural country. Let us not aspire to join the ranks of the industrialized nations of the world. The Philippines is short of rice for its growing population. This is one area that needs our attention but at the same time it presents itself as a good business and employment opportunity. There are so many other opportunities in the agricultural sector, which when developed would even help promote economic growth. With the high price of petroleum, oil coming from our coconut plantations, in the form of bio-diesel, can substitute imported diesel fuel, thereby conserving precious foreign exchange.
Alcohol for motive power from sugar cane is another example. These open up unlimited market opportunities for our agricultural output at a good price.
My dear graduates, find for yourself a fit in the agricultural sector, and soon you will not only harvest untold benefits, but at the same time you will get the satisfaction of having toiled for a higher cause - that of advancing the country’s economic growth.
My dear graduates, let me also warn you that the way to success is a long, treacherous and winding road. Let me therefore close with an anecdote, with the hope that this will permanently leave an imprint in your mind and guide you in the course of your journey in life.
Our 20-year boy guest as follows:
One day the Lord visited the house where Adam and Eve were staying, after they were driven out of Paradise. At that time they had already 14 children. Quickly, Adam called the children and then 7 of them marched into the room and stood politely in front of the Lord. The Lord said “I would like to give each of you a blessing”. They knelt before Him as He placed His hand on their heads. To the first child He said “you will become a mighty King”. Turning to the second He said “you will be a Princess” to the third the Lord said “you will be a rich businessman” and each of the remaining also received His blessings to become very successful professionals.
When Adam and Eve saw how marvelously God had blessed the first 7 children, they run out to call the other 7. The Lord said, “I would also like to give my blessings to your other children.” Adam and Eve smiled with great anticipation.
Putting His hand on the head of the 8th He said, “You will become a domestic servant”. To the 9th He said, “You will become a farmer” and to the 10th the Lord said, “You will become an OFW”. Others were likewise blessed to become policeman, hair dresser, carpenter, and sales girl.
When Eve heard the blessings given to the second group she cried, “Lord this is not fair. You distributed your blessings unequally. All of them are my children and yet you have made some to be Kings and others as servants”.
God replied, “Eve you do not understand for it is necessary for me to provide for all of the tasks on earth through your children. If all were Kings and Princesses there would be no one to farm or to provide food. If all were professionals, who would do the other important tasks like washing, ironing, cooking, etc? Everyone serves a different function but, in my eyes, they are all important. They all blend together and support one another.”
End of the Graduation Speech
This is the beauty of God’s creation. God fashioned us into a well balanced world.
Let us not only have a clear vision of what we want to be, and where we want to go, but let us pursue that vision for an even greater cause – that of serving our country, our only beloved country! You, THE YOUTH, are the last hope to save this country from further decadence.
But again, I suddenly woke up because my bladder was full and it was morning. My guardian angel was gone. It was a long dream indeed.
And then I prayed, “Lord,that inspire. I want to be guided so that I can share your words of wisdom with my friends. Amen.”
The Lord has gifted me with more dreams thereafter and on the next issue I will write about “The Wrath of God”. Let us go on with our march to the Promised Land long before prepared for us by the Lord thousands of Biblical years ago!
Abangan!
For comments and reaction, e mail to : oscar.senar@gmail.com
