Hanggang sa muli

After four years, dear reader, I take my leave of you as I begin my new assignment in Jamaica. The next time I will be here will be as an ordinary citizen, a Balikbayan. I wonder at changes I will witness then and what will be the aspirations of Filipinos.

I have no doubt that the economy will continue to grow simply because it is essential for those who live in poverty in both rural and urban areas. Inclusive growth will be a reality if business leaders and implementers of government policy focus on outcomes and not get lost in process. Infrastructure investment should move from piecemeal projects to a national network of modes of transport that improve passenger travel time, be it by rail, road, sea or air. That will lead to end to end logistics systems that will open up the rural economy to markets within and beyond the Philippines. Farmers, working as cooperatives, producing high value crops and manufacturers processing food, will turn the agricultural sector into a driver of prosperity.

Affordable social housing is an essential element for sustainable cities. Clearing squatter areas and replacing them with office buildings and luxury towers may be pleasing to the eye. People with modest incomes need to have their place in cities so that they can serve the needs of the community.

The places I have had the pleasure of visiting in the Philippines are extraordinary. But if I am honest, the journey, the relative price of accommodation and the distractions that generate revenues are not at par with other ASEAN destinations. Careful zoning, sewage treatment plants, outlets for local products, reliable and organised excursions together with sustained collaboration between airlines, ground service providers and resort owners will boost tourism. Pinoys have an outstanding reputation as service providers in many parts of the world. Filipino food is delicious. Foreigners need to be tempted with better presentation and food that is served warm. The natural beauty of the Philippines and the cheerful charm of Filipinos are great assets.

The hunger for education here is inspiring. Every parent I have met, no matter what their means, are doing their utmost to support the development of their children. From the British projects in the most deprived communities in the country, I have learned that with modest investment, children can thrive. Alongside classrooms and teachers that they can access more easily, students need adequate nutrition, healthcare and clothing. There is more that can be achieved with international collaboration including distance learning.

I hope to witness the benefits of reform arising from amendments to the Constitution that will allow more foreign participation. Filipino consumers will have greater choice based on competition and quality. Faster internet, better health care, reliable power supply and iconic public and private buildings are some examples of improvements that will follow from both established and new businesses.

Whether it is federalism or just better distribution of budgets is a matter for Filipinos to determine. We can offer examples of what has worked and what is still in need of improvement. What is vital for prosperity and security is a political and economic settlement in Mindanao. People have worked on the peace process for much longer than my 7 years of effort. Bringing over 5 million Filipinos into the mainstream of the country’s economic and social system will add new momentum to the future of everyone who has a stake in the Philippines.

As an ordinary citizen, the rule of law and effective justice is an essential right. I truly hope that the Philippines can mend its flawed processes, curtail the influence of feudal powers and strengthen institutions that improve confidence in the police, independence of the courts and rehabilitation oriented penal institutions. Drug lords are fearful of intelligence led raids and disruption of their financial transactions. Drug addicts have to be persuaded to live better lives within their communities.

There are many things in the Philippines that I hope will never change. I have been treated more as a friend than an official in my time here. The most precious gifts I have received are in kindness and smiles of affection. In family groups, in barangays and in the workplace, there is a rich sense of togetherness which is a great source of resilience and happiness. In places of worship in all faith communities, I have seen the renewal of hope in adversity. My commitment as a balikbayan is to do what I can to improve the lives of people. In particular, Filipino children have won me over with their honest love of life. The impact on the young that we can make is huge and can be life changing.

So dear friends, this is not good bye. Until we meet again, I wish you well in all your aspirations.

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