The business sector plays a key role in the development of emerging economies in Southeast Asia once the mechanisms of peace and conflict resolution are in place.
This is among several lessons shared by a Dabawenya scholar earlier sent by the Rotary International to Thailand with scholars from other countries to study ways to promote peace and conflict resolution in cultures of varying circumstances.
Ma. Lourdes A. Arcenas, a practicing psychologist and lone business sector representative to the World Peace Fellow program at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, said the Philippines has the edge over other neighboring countries in the enjoyment of freedom and democracy “ even if flawed”.
In a talk during the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of East Davao, her sponsoring club, Arcenas said neighboring countries who are less democratic do not enjoy what we have in the Philippines.
It may be recalled that Thailand has been the scene of bloody clashes between rival political followers, the Red Shirts and the Yellow Shirts, and that only the presence of the military prevented any escalation of violence. Conflicts have been caused by charges of corruption and election fraud.
In nearby Cambodia, located just across the southeastern Thailand border, peace is seen returning in the country where once the brutal regime of dictator Pol Pot committed genocide against two million people for “knowing how to read and write,” according to Arcenas.
In the meantime in Myanmar (formerly Burma), the ruling military junta, under pressure from western powers, recently released a democratic icon Aung Sun Suu Kyi, from 17 years of house arrest, after holding a national election which limited the participation of the country’s genuine opposition.
Arcenas said that in a democracy, there is a validly ratified constitution where people know the rules, there is check and balance and that people have recourse against graft and corruption and where people do not allow dictatorship.
When the business sector is involved in political activities, not partisan politics, it can help bring into power the kind of government the people deserve, she stressed.
“Business pays taxes that create jobs and basic services, therefore it contributes to nation-building”, she added.
“The root of peace is good governance, in being fair, in helping people to have dignity, in fulfilling their dreams and in being able to eat three times a day”, she also said.
She said Cambodia is now investing in education so people can work, become mobile and be able to know their rights and responsibilities.
She praised Rotary for its role in building partnerships through problem solving and conflict resolution in cultures of varying circumstances.
Arcenas is adviser on sustainable development at the Mindanao Business Council (MBC). She sits as private sector representative at the Mindanao Rising, a Mindanao Stakeholders Conveners Group based in Davao City.
