We Can Make A Difference!

Earlier this year, one of my respected HR gurus, Raffy Perfecto, sent us this interesting list he came up with that he thinks can help make a difference in improving the country. I also believe in his list - though I may sound like a hypocrite to those who know me personally. However, over the years, I've tried to do much of the things in this list.

• Invest your surplus funds on agricultural ventures and enterprises. Encourage our businessmen to concentrate on providing enough food for all Filipinos


• Buy only Filipino-made goods. (Avoid buying smuggled or imported goods). When we buy Filipino-made goods, we assure our children jobs when they graduate.


• Use your spare time studying entrepreneurship or learning a new business. Make yourself productive all the time.


• Cut-down on recreation and entertainment expenses and save the amount in our local banks.


• Each one should save at least 10% of their income, no matter how small. If half of our population (42 million Filipinos) save P10.00 per day, our local banks will have P12.6 Billion every month to lend out to Filipino businessmen at very low interest rates.


• Boost Philippine tourism by inviting friends and relatives abroad to visit home twice a year. It is estimated that there are at least 20 million Filipinos abroad!


• If you are fortunately employed, you are encouraged to go the extra mile for your company and your country.  Many Filipinos are just using 70% of their abilities.  A 20% to 25% increase in individual productivity is attainable.


• Organize more Cooperatives to help the poor.


• Reduce tariffs on imported production & agricultural equipment


• Respect property rights; observe the rule of law; and BE HONEST.

Rather than dwell on the things we cannot change, let us focus on the above concerted actions that can help to move our economy forward, provide more internal resources (capital), and increase our employment rate. I believe that 84 million Filipinos acting together can make life better for all Filipinos. (No one can do everything, but EVERYONE CAN DO SOMETHING!)