National development is such a big phrase encompassing almost all aspects of a nation. It isn’t all about a good economy or low prices of commodities, however, it is a good considering factor, for a good economy entails bona fide government, reasonable demographics, and a dependable culture. All these four factors moves in a circular approach where a change in one, significantly affects the other.
Governance is undeniably a powerful contributing factor to achieve national development. It is actually safe to say that without good governance, there could be no visible development for a nation. When someone hears the word politics, the miserable concept of corruption immediately lingers behind their minds. Yes, corruption is an overpowering problem, however, there are still other things aside from that. Corruption alone is actually wrongfully blamed for an unsuccessful national development. Corruption is just being used by the Filipino elites dominating certain region in the country. Political elites, political dynasties, political landlords, they’re all the same, an enormous hindrance to a fair, honest and prosperous democratic nation. These ruling elite groups control a lot of people, thus they also control production, markets and resources and the successful subordination of the state to their interests. Philippines has so many people under the poverty line and evidently, it has failed to develop. It is because the state which is impeded with a number of competing group’s demands cannot even foresee the country’s direction.
What our nation needs are reforms, successful reforms in the political order. These, however, will all depend on the current administration. Evidently, Aquino’s administration is very much focused and serious on fighting against graft and corruption, but the President must now consider bigger though a little obscure challenges in the political system, such as a more equitable balance of power and fair distribution of wealth.
Demographics are statistical characteristics of a population. It includes gender, race, age, disabilities, mobility, home ownership, employment status, education level, health and even location. It shouldn’t be neglected when considering the future prosperity and development of a nation. Through analyzing demographics, the state may know what the people need, what the people want and what actions the must carry out. On education for example, it must be given much attention for it will prepare the young generation for its future incorporation into the workforce. It could give us a better chance of catching up to some of the more advanced societies, many of whose education systems have problems of their own. As our country realizes our demographic benefit, other countries will be able to continue to invest in the development process. More investment would create more work opportunities, thus it will also give us the resources to prepare for the future.
If we fail to act on issues presented and/or reflected by the country’s demographics, it may would lead to damaging effects on future prospects, such as unemployment rises, and rapid population growth. Demography identifies what are supposed to be major priorities and what policies should be regulated, therefore should be a priority for the government in securing national development.
Culture may best explain why some countries are successful and why some failed to develop even when economic factors are in place and maybe why the Philippines is still far from development despite of a strong resource base and “well educated people”. Culture impacts national development, and sad to say, Philippine culture is “weak and damaged”. The line from an essay written by an American scholar might be a good way to explain what Filipino’s must change, he said “It is the only country (Philippines) that I know, which the national ambition is to change their nationality”. It hurts our ears, however, he has a point. The country could not succeed if the people within it are very much not interested and concerned.
Achieving national development also includes how people are driven by the existing cultural values favorable to economic transformation and how it is related to political leadership. Good governance must be able to change the way society behaves, on where they believe in, and how they feel, towards achieving national development.
Change must begin, not from the top, not from below but on both sides at the same time. However, it doesn’t necessarily means overhauling the whole Filipino culture, it is about, being open to changes, dropping the negative practices, and retaining such traditions that have strengthen the Filipino as a nation.
Lastly, in achieving national development, there is also a need to focus on setting the stage for sustained and sustainable economic development. Above all, the top factor to be considered in ascertaining the development of a nation is its economic standing. Economic standing is what commonly attracts investors, which again, plays a vital role towards achieving the aim.
The current administration should formulate economic strategy to focus on the domestic market, however, it must also strengthen its ties on the global economy to support and strengthen the domestic agriculture. Yes, the government must consider the agricultural sector to be one of the top priorities. Not just because it comprises the largest work force, but also because it is already there and just needs attention, and proper management.
National development requires good political, demographic, economic and cultural standing. All must be present; there could be more, but no less.
References:
Population Matters: Demographic Change, Economic Growth, and
Poverty in the Developing World
by Nancy Birdsall, Allen C. Kelley, Steven W. Sinding
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND THE DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION
David E. Bloom Edited
David Canning
Jaypee Sevilla
The Anti-Development State
The Political Economy Of Permanent Crisis In The Philippines;
by Walden Bello
