RAIN OF FIRE

Cesar G.Bonilla
Becoming a Tiger

LAOAG CITY -- Hong Kong is a British crown colony on the South China Coast consisting of mainland territories and numerous offshore islands. Hong Kong is a tiny dot in the map, the size of one of our smaller islands. But the amount of business that this tiny colony does makes it the center of the world.

When it comes to money, Hong Kong's currency in circulation is enough for its economic foundation. It seems that Hong Kong, with the help of our Overseas Filipino Workers, know exactly what it needs and wants to do. Yet here we are, with a lot of tired slogans on people empowerment and optimistic views and hopes to make us another Tiger.

But there is no concrete and visible working blueprint on how to advance our vision of growth. The only thing we seem certain of is that our infrastructure appropriations and our percentage growth of money supply won’t be reduced. Comparing ourselves with a dot on the map can be a truly humbling experience.

We need a responsible and strong leadership to drive our economy in the starting lane of the competition. It is true that we are the basket case of Asia and that, we have made a lot of mistakes compared to our Asian counterparts but we must have learned from these mistakes and will hopefully, as a result, be a stronger and more stable nation in the long term.

We like to gripe about our problems for great opportunities are often disguised as insurmountable setbacks. The next President of the Philippines should be well-versed with the modern version of Filipino First Policy, a nationalistic philosophy centered on the survival of the country and its people rather than enrichment of the few. We will not create an oligarchy but a government shared by all citizens of the republic. Just like Hong Kong, we are not a giant in the map but faith, vision proper planning and implementation could be our way to success.
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Political unity and stability is a must to attract foreign investors in Ilocos Norte like all provinces. Petty misunderstanding, mudslinging, envy and grandstanding create disastrous effects. If we are to promote historical attractions prospective investors should feel good about investing.

The crime rate should be reduced. Our politicians are the mirrors of good governance and therefore, peace and reconciliation must be the norm among contending parties. A leader should should know how to reach out to the poor and the marginalized. In this way, the gap between the rich and the poor can be lessened.

A leader should not be instrumental in shaping the lives of the majority for the good of all. I was not yet born during the presidency of the late Ramon Magsaysay but many of our elders remain unforgetful of the legacy left by this man -- his leadership style and the way he treasured the friendship of the common tao.

Malacanang did not resemble a mighty Troy nor the great wall of China in keeping the security of palace occupants. He opened the gates of this famous residence of past royalty to the common people regardless of their station in life. There was no screening or appointment just to see the President for he was the one who came down and entertained the masses with his wit and listening ability attending to their problems and readily provided effective solutions to
their problems. Truly, the acid test for a good leader is the way he treats those who catapulted him to power. People should be treated without hypocrisy or pretension.
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I would like to greet Madam Pacita M.Verano,a retired Head teacher of Ilocos Norte National High School,a noted educator and reader of Northern Philippine Times. I would also like to greet Madam Leilani A.Mendoza of San Diego California together with her husband for giving us excellent rating in tour guiding.

My thanks to PhilExplorer. Regards to Sir Jerry, Boyet, Cenon, and Ma'am Malou and Janice. You are the best so keep it up.