I’ve been planning to write a lot of posts lately about some ideas on how to improve the economy of the Philippines. But schedules are quite busy at the moment and I don’t have much time to write lengthy posts.
So this is some sort of a freestyle or a summary on what I was planning to write about.
Here are the most important points that the Philippines has to improve on, to unlock its potential to become a developed country.
1.) Agriculture
– Philippines should develop the Agriculture industry. Expansion and modernization is needed. Take for example the Netherlands. It’s a very small country, but it has one of the most advanced farming technologies. Modern farming is a study on agriculture, biology, mechanical engineering, civil engineering and even computing and IT for automation, control and monitoring.
Agriculture Zones should be identified. Best areas are, Negros Island, Panay Island ( Including the fishing industries in Roxas City ), all possible areas of Mindanao, all possible area of Norther Luzon and Southern Luzon. Leyte and Samar Islands, Some areas in Palawan and some areas in Cebu.
2.) Land Transportation
– The PNR ( Philippine National Railways ) is ongoing a rejuvenated rehabilitation, with the Baccor ( North of Luzon in Cavite ) to Manila railway line to commence construction after the approval and release of the JICA loan. The famous Bicol Express will also be revived in the next phases of the project
Metro Cebu should have an LRT ( Light Railway ) that will be constructed on top of major highways. The BRT is planned to start its construction probably next year. BRT phase 1 is a planned Bus transit line right in the middle of Cebu City. The ideal LRT will be built on existing highways in Mandaue City, North Reclamation Area and South Reclamation. One best technology to use is the “Sorsobahu” construction technology. The Indonesian “Sorsobahu” is now used in the construction of a huge expressway in Metro Manila.
The Panay Railway System or an improvement of the road network connecting Ilo-Ilo, Passi and Roxas. The Panay island was once a rich Philippine province that needs new developments. It has huge potential as a Commercial, Agricultural and Eco-tourism destination.
As for Mindanao, there are images that are circulation on Facebook about a Mindanao Railway. Yes this is a great project but I think phase 1 should be General Santos – Digos – Davao – Tagum line.
The Iligan – Cagayan de Oro line should not be the priority since there is more economic activity in Davao and General Santos. Then the second phase should be the Davao – Cagayan de Oro line, since Cagayan de Oro is a major city in Northern Mindanao.
3.) Sea Transportation
The Philippine should aim to be one of the best shipbuilding manufacturers in the entire world. We already have numerous world class seamen crew deployed around the world. And new has it that Shipping companies in the Philippines buy second-hand Vessels from other countries. Sea transportation is very important in the Philippines since the country is made up of several islands.
4.) Economic Focus Zones
– Urban Zones are already identified, but other islands and regions should be developed into their own distinct zone. Boracay Island should not be commercialized, It should maintain its natural beauty. The designated commercial zones would be Kalibo and Malay, not in the island of Boracay itself. Urban Zones are already identified, such as Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao. Potential commercial zones would be Bacolod, Ilo-Ilo and Cagayan de Oro. Other regions should also be designated as Industrial zones. There should also be eco-tourism and national parks where it’s natural beauty is preserved. Examples of national parks are Boracay, Mountain Province, Batanes Islands, Camiguin, Siquijor and Palawan.
There are certain regions in the Philippines that are on high risks of typhoon landfall. Development in these regions are usually affected. These regions can be developed as agricultural zones with disaster preparedness. Sport fields, campuses and training grounds can be developed in the region of Samar, Leyte and Southern Luzon.
5.) ASEAN and relations to neighboring countries
Philippines should maintain good relations with its neighboring countries. The Philippines is in a very strategic central location. Japan, Korea and China in the north, Vietnam, Malaysia and other SouthEast Asian nations in the east. Indonesia and Northern Australia is in the south.
A lot of countries similar of size and even smaller than the Philippines has achieved economic growth. Take for example, Japan ( with almost the same size as the Philippines ). Taiwan and Singapore are very small countries but has a vibrant economy.
THE CEBU STRIDES 