THE FORMULA OF PROGRESS[1]

Due to difficulties in finding a job, aggravated by the current war between Israel and Lebanon, self employment is encouraged. A self-employed person earns a living by working directly for oneself, without being tied to a regular employer by wage or salary. To be an entrepreneur is an example of being self-employed, for he or she runs a business, with a financial risk. Perhaps second only to the teaching profession, entrepreneurship is a noble undertaking. An entrepreneur helps deliver basic needs, like food, clothing and shelter, to people. By doing so, profit can be earned. Definitely, entrepreneurship could help the country attain development and progress. Self-employment is a positive, but may be a temporary solution. Unless sustained support can be given by government and society to an entrepreneur, self-employment will not solve big problems in our financial and economic domains. There may be millions of entrepreneurs but, if the consuming public has no money because they dont have jobs or are scrimping their money because of the economic crisis, entrepreneurs could not help us tide over the countrys crisis. The entrepreneurs operating at the 168 Mall in Binondo, Manila seem to be earning. Yet, one wonders why foreigners are lording it over there and not Filipinos. Why are rich Filipinos investing their money outside the country? Why cant Filipino entrepreneurs survive the business climate nowadays? Some critics have replied that Filipinos know of the peace and order problems of the country, unlike perhaps the foreigners. Filipino entrepreneurs are tired of enduring extortion, and fed up with the bribery system that is becoming standard operating procedure in the country. We should note that entrepreneurs only supplement sound economic and political atmosphere, but they really cannot be the sparkplug to achieve the economic success of a nation. By themselves, entrepreneurs should not be given special nor sole focus in reaching economic progress. The 1986 Constitution already established the formula for economic success. Lest the said formula be removed due to hasty

charter change, let us revisit that constitutional provision on the national economy and patrimony. The goals of the national economy are more equitable distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth; a sustained increase in the amount of goods and services produced by the nation for the benefit of the people; and an expanding productivity as the key to raising the quality of life for all, especially the underprivileged. The State shall promote industrialization and full employment based on sound agricultural development and agrarian reform, through industries that make full and efficient use of human and natural resources, and which are competitive in both domestic and foreign markets. However, the State shall protect Filipino enterprises against unfair foreign competition and trade practices. In the pursuit of these goals, all sectors of the economy and all regions of the country shall be given optimum opportunity to develop. Private enterprises, including corporations, cooperatives, and similar collective organizations, shall be encouraged to broaden the base of their ownership. (Article XII National Economy and Patrimony). The agrarian sector should be given the most preferential attention for it produces the basic goods and food for the people, but it has not gotten enough support. The unceasing inflow of many imported vegetables, starting from garlic, onions, preserved vegetables from Korea called kimchi, is devastating to Filipino farmers. Economics depends on politics or governance. Poor politics is poor economics.

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Points of Law Atty. Berni M. Luceres The Manila Times Barangay News Tuesday, August 22, 2006