Another year means another challenge. I believe everyone has their own challenges in life and for us Filipinos that would be breaking the cycle of poverty.
According to the First Metro Investment Corporation (FMIC), the Philippine economy continues to grow this 2014. They forecasted a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 7.6%. By 2028, the Philippines will rank up from 42nd place (2012) to 28th place (2028) of the world’s biggest economies, said Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) in their 2013 report of World Economic League Table (WELT). These forecasts was based from several factors taken into account like energy, oil and gas surplus to fall in the year 2020s, weaker commodities and emerging market currencies in the middle of 2013.
If so, that means more jobs, more food on the table, education for a lot of children, wider health coverage and even a very own home for every single family in the Philippines. This is something to look forward to, isn’t it? But the aftermath caused by the super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) not only to the lives of those affected but also to the agricultural output pauses a threat to weigh down the country’s economy if the recovery would exceed by year 2015, stated by CEBR. I wonder what impact it would bring to the world as well. Since, most of us are aware that the Philippines is an agricultural country that supplies some of the food that the whole world consume. Only time can tell.
Breaking the Cycle
But, I am not here to talk about the “economic” status of our country in details. I leave that to the experts and to our “great” politicians. I am here to share a story of every “Juan” (Filipino) who strive everyday for their lives that was featured in the BBC news by Anita Rani in BBC Two: Philippine Documentary – The Definitions of Lower, Middle and Upper Class.
Although, the documentary film is just a glimpse of the “real” Filipino life, it captured very well the Filipino spirit. As I was watching the film, I felt more proud despite the negative things thrown at us Filipinos here in our very own country and most especially outside our country. You cannot please anyone and pleasing everyone would be the biggest mistake anyone can make.
To give you a summary on this amazing documentary, it features the different lives of a poor couple that only earn as much as 300+ pesos everyday (if there are jobs available) that feeds 7 children; a 24 year old young professional (undergraduate) that supports a family of 5; a middle class couple (who worked their way up) having their 2nd and last child and an 18 year old beautiful lady who undergoes personal enhancement procedure in a very well known dermatology and aesthetic clinic here in the Philippines, including some of the personal interviews of economic expert, CEO and Manager in terms of economy and poverty in the country.
A very inspiring film on how different people from different classes strive for their lives. As quoted by one of the modern heroes in the film, “Filipinos by nature are hardworking people. We strive very hard to improve our lives and…we all strive doing that...the opportunities are there and just take advantage about it.” I hope after watching this short film, may we not only break the cycle of poverty but also gain the respect of the whole world like everyone deserves whether you are poor, middle or upper class. Like what Anita mentioned in the film…”Filipinos are patient, polite and educated.” Cheers to all hardworking Filipinos!
I would love to hear your comments, opinions and stories, so, feel free to share.
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