Economic optimism must be matched by economic honesty There is nothing wrong with a President being optimistic about the country’s economy. Confidence matters. Investors need it, businesses need it, and ordinary Filipinos certainly need something to believe in. But optimism has one limitation: “It cannot change the numbers.” During his recent BRICS participation, President Ferdinand…
For more than two years, a large section of the ruling elite has joined forces to marginalize, if not erase, the Dutertes from the Philippine political map. The six-year presidency of Rodrigo Duterte was a nightmare for those privileged classes accustomed to entitlement. Once in a while, they may be at odds with one another….
“The financial preparedness of our nation’s youth is essential to their well-being and of vital importance to our economic future.”- Ben Bernanke, former Federal Reserve Chairman The Securities and Exchange Commission is making headline in social media as it pushes to make financial literacy a mandatory subject in the Philippine high school curriculum. It has…
Not everything in Davao City speaks well of its slogan “Life is Here” In the cramp office of senior citizens at the ground floor of the Sangguniang Panglungsod building are throngs of aged people lining up and seated in plastic chairs in a narrow isle that leads to the public toilets. The Office of Senior Citizens Affairs…
In a democracy, there is one document that stands above presidents, senators, judges, political parties and every other government institution: the “Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.” It is not a suggestion. It is not a guideline that government officials may adjust whenever circumstances become inconvenient. And it certainly cannot be rewritten simply because…
(#4 Wealth Management) “It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.” – Robert Kiyosaki With all the Philippine economic indicators going haywire – rising inflation, depreciating peso, increasing fuel prices, worsening unemployment/underemployment, etc – how financially…
Every time I share my ideas on how to improve Agriculture and Fisheries in the country, there would be some insulting comments asking “Ano ang ginawa mo noong ikaw ang Secretary?” and “Bakit hindi mo ginawa noon?” I usually ignore these comments, including those coming from trolls who call me “Bokbok Rice Promoter” and supporter…
Thousands of young Indians have crossed the sea and chosen the Philippines—particularly Davao City—as a place to pursue one of the most demanding and respected professions in the world: MEDICINE. That choice is more than an educational decision. It is a vote of confidence. For many Indian families, sending a son or daughter thousands of…
Davao City has shared the international limelight with tennis star Alexandra Eala. The Kingdome, the world’s biggest covered arena with 75,000 seating capacity formally opened September 1 with all the grandeur and splendor beyond anyone’s imagination. Across the globe, in New York City, Alex Eala delivered one of her spectacular victories same day with a…
“Unprecedented events occur regularly—be prepared”. – Seth Klarman With all the Philippine economic indicators going haywire – rising inflation, depreciating peso, increasing fuel prices, worsening unemployment/underemployment, etc – how financially secure and confident are you to face life’s uncertainties? In the same token, how are you preparing the younger generations in your family? Whether we…
