by Nicasio Angelo Agustin
There are three major items that could probably be the focus of discussions among the sensible critics and supporters of the US trip of our beloved President.
First is the speech of the President before the 65th UN General Assembly. It was a straight forward, clear narrative of what should be done to address global problems and a brief declaration on what the current administration is doing about them.
Global interdependence was highlighted which some people think is no longer necessary because that’s the very essence of the United Nations – to provide a venue for nations to help one another. Yet to some, the challenge posed by our President for the more progressive economies to help out the developing ones was rather overstated that it made a general impression of begging, appearing to be unnecessarily disadvantaged, and pitiful.
The call for a “global people power against poverty” is very Filipino. It carries the Filipino brand, a signature of doing things. It is a strong reminder to the world that through people power, Filipinos were able to oust a dictator 25 years ago, but its very essence which is democracy is still to be fully attained. What does global people power really mean after all the noble and countless movements mounted by international development institutions since the end of World War II? Is there really something in it different from what are being done now that would ultimately and successfully end poverty?
Some critics say, and I agree, that poverty has its cultural, political and institutional contexts. It also has its underlying local considerations. Before we ask other nations to help us in this fight, shouldn’t we first do what is expected of us and do so the right way? Sure, we’ve been doing a lot. But, are these the right things to do? And, are we doing them right? Poverty has now become a “culture”, an accepted way of life, a reality, a destiny, a fate. No matter what we do, poverty will remain unless this mindset of the poor people themselves is crushed and trampled. That there is a better life, that there are opportunities out there waiting for everybody – rich and poor alike. It is a personal battle and that people should realize that the first step to break the chain of poverty should come from them. Not through mere doleouts and other forms of material assistance. It’s all about the outlook, the motivation and the way poor people look at themselves as indispensable assets of society. As Senator Hillary Clinton said, “The US stands ready to help Filipinos help themselves”.
The second item may sound as good news – that the President was able to attract US$2.4 billion worth of investments for job creation. In a more formal way, the President signed a five-year US$434 million dollar compact with Millennium Challenge Corporation. On how and where these monies will be expended is a great test of the capacity, sincerity and commitment of this administration to keep its promise to fight corruption and poverty as well as the promotion of social justice. As reported in the news, the President said during the signing that the Philippines will be open for business to foreign investors. Many have raised their concerns about this statement,, particularly its possible impact on our local entrepreneurs.
The compact grant agreement was not granted without certain conditions and indicators for the Philippines to meet. These include some neoliberal economic and political policies which may appear good on the surface but may have adverse impact on Filipino people at the core. There is then a need to ascertain that these conditionalities do not unnecessarily put the Filipinos in the losing end. As they say, the devil is in the details.
The third item, which is regarded by many as the highlight of the President’s trip, was the time when the President and his delegation feasted on hotdogs along a busy street in New York. As expected, the President got praises for his capacity to rub elbows with ordinary citizens and his sincerity in keeping his promise to use people’s money wisely. As a head of state however, there are more suitable ways to show and display his capacities and sincerity to his cause than devouring hotdogs.
Certainly, the President made a good impression with his first trip abroad representing the Filipino people. His advocacies and pronouncements are good. The good personal image that he was able to build along the streets of New York would even become better when he brings everything into action and when he starts to deliver tangible results.
Feel free to send your comments to nic_agustin@yahoo.com.
