Applying theories in the Philippines
July 13, 2008I have yet to synthesize my random thoughts into a coherent proposal. I want to apply what I can learn, from the internet and from other places, in the Philippines.
I have written some things about talks on ted.com, mostly focusing on Oil and other means to power society.I have written of my experience with the current oil price skyrocketing to above USD 140.
The price of oil is not something that we can take for granted because as of today it drives entire societies. Should oil prices go up further the consumer will immediately feel it in terms of higher vehicle prices and fares. Consumer goods made of plastic or imported from distant lands will also increase.
The talks that I’ve written about express different approaches to a common theme, how to cut reliance on oil. Green technology and green business are sure ways to reduce oil consumption but there are risks and expenses that have to be balanced with the benefits. Rethinking industrial design and consumption patterns are also ways to reduce oil reliance.Reworking policy and enforcement is another way to go about the oil problem.
These are thoughts that have already been implemented in other countries. What I want to do is to adapt these trains of thought for the Philippines. If there is one thing I can assure everyone, what works in one country will not always work in another. Policy should always take into account the situation of the people that it will govern. Policy1 is “a plan or course of action… intended to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters.”Policy should be tailored for whoever is going to use it. I cannot simply import policies from different countries and expect it to work here. Policy, I think, should be made from the ground up. Intended to expedite planning, decision making and execution. It should follow a for-us-by-us approach.
I think that once the Filipinos are able to tackle policy issues properly and execute plans perfectly we will be better off than most countries. The Philippines has a very able and intelligent workforce, most are fluent in English. The Philippines has a wealth of natural resources (except oil). Properly harnessing these two traits with wonderfully crafted and perfectly executed policy will ensure that the Philippines could get off the ground and start running again.
1.”policy.” The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 13 Jul. 2008. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/policy>.
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