“For the bureacrat, the world is a mere object to be manipulated by him.” – KEN ROBINSON.
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“Rural development” is a phraseology that refers to a specific territory or area that is intrinsically opposed to progressive urban regions.
It connotes a negative understanding because it is more inclined to essay in the mis-appreciation of the un-developed countryside where most people of Third World countries reside and dwell.
Here, rural development traces its historical roots somehow min the 1950s when the Philippines was coming out of the ruins of WWII.
Maybe, you faintly remember that during the Magsaysay era, the late President Ramon Magsaysay sent thousands of farmer-families from Luzon, Iloilo and Negros aggrieved by agrarian woes to Mindanao.
They were granted hectares of agricultural lands to till (homestead) located in the then huge undivided provinces of Cotabato and Davao.
Today, the heirs of these farmer-families are proud top claim that their grandfather and parents contributed largely to the development of these areas.
The (lamentably forgotten) Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement was the initiator of rural development in the Philippines. It was born in 1952, tracing its roots to China where a Dr. Y.C. James Yen brought forth the idea of rural reconstruction into a movement in the 1900s.
PRRM is a movement committed to advance the status of the Filipino peasant which was started by UP Dean Conrado Benitez leading a small group of prominent Filipinos.
PRRM has pioneered major contributions in the development of the rural communities including the introduction and institution of the “Barrio Council” or the Barangay Council today.
Heads and chieftains of barrios then were called “Tenyente del Baryo.” This is grassroots democracy, if you care to know.
PRRM sent its people (technicians today) that intoduced and implemented its four-fold program in education,, livelihoodm, health and self-governance.
Did you know that the PRRM model inspired other countries like Guatemala, India, Colombia, Ghana and Thailand to follow suit?
This is flattering, if you ask me.
However, when you look at the mess we are in today – abject poverty, lack of employment and livelihood, the proliferation of the illegal drugs trade in the rural areas and almost everywhere in the country, the corruption in all levels of government, etc., etc, this would surely dampen your enthusiasm and your pride.
There have been plenty of attemps to decongest Metro Manila and bring home to Mindanao native Mindanaoans who are nostalgic to return to their original roots.
The “Balik-Probinsiya” was an excellent idea but…
The construction of additional and more roads and expressways, links and connectors may have facilitated vehicular traffic and the movement of people and goods but more problems are springing up.
The PRRM concept should be revived.
Rural development makes an inclusive attempt to integrate the poorest of the poor and lead them to live decent lives from decent livelihood.
The ayuda mentality that is now pre-occupying the DSWD and the unceasing dole-outs via the 4Ps do not permanently solve and mitigate poverty.
These actually kill the initiative of the recipient-beneficiaries who are not mostly indigents. They are turned into indolent do-gooders and beggars. (Some are known to be political proteges of local politicians and barangay chiefs.)
Sometimes we really wonder whether the efforts of the government are nor mis-directed.
Instead of focusing on poverty alleviation, education and livelihood generation, officials are captivated by the unproven ROI of the investment vehicle they love to call the MIF.
Global developments are not favorable.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has dragged on for two plus year.
The Mid-East crisis continues and no peace seems possible.
The world’s oil supply and global inflation are very alarming
And then, our tourism program cannot get off on its right foot.
Well, maybe, the next regime come 2028 might be different. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESDS THE PHILIPPINES!
