On overpopulation and Maroon Berets

We give way to two of our readers today. The first, from Engr. Alex G. Serrano, are excerpts of a lengthy letter on one of my favorite topics: the Philippines’ poorly managed population growth. The second, from 2nd Lt. Earl Gerard Gamboa, is about the Maroon Berets.

Oversupply of labor

Serrano writes: “I sincerely believe in your statement that “The unemployment rate has been showing an alarming increase, and even in absolute numbers, should be enough cause for concern by our government economists ....”

“I think the real problem is that many of our people especially the church and cold-hearted economists (cheap labor is good for business) refuse to accept the fact that through the years we have accumulated an oversupply of labor, more specifically from the ranks of the poor, which as you said “will continue to swell if the population growth is not subdued.”

“I know that there are many other factors that cause poverty in our country, but I do hope that you and many others like you will be able to convince our government that at least for long term development we should accept the fact that an oversupply of labor from the poor exists and should be dealt with squarely.

“From having almost the same population with Thailand and South Korea in the 1950’s, the Philippines by 2010 had 33.6 million more people than Thailand and 51.3 million more people than South Korea.

“For 60 years, while Thailand and South Korea, aided by their manageable population growth, gradually transformed into substantially developed countries (S. Korea is now practically developed), our beloved Philippines gradually deteriorated in effect into a welfare state, with too many mouths to feed, children to educate and care for, and adults to employ from the ranks of the poor.

“For the longest time a big part of our budget has been for education (school buildings, equipment and supplies, and teachers’ salaries), healthcare (hospitals, day care centers and medicines), and shelter (low-cost housing and relocation costs plus the additional expenditures in overcrowded urban areas such as garbage disposal, sanitation and flood control).

“Not much is left for infrastructure, manufacturing and agricultural support, and for research and development. The sad part is that with a 1.7-percent population growth, we will continue to be providing and caring, instead of developing and training at least for the next 10 to 15 years.

Other concerns

“In addition to our problem with population, there are two more things (that continue to weigh the country down) and they are:

1. Garapal na graft and corruption (billions of pesos stolen by shameless public officials)

2. Walang pusong corporate social irresponsibility (employers towards their own employees)

“I believe that a lot has already been done by this administration to reduce graft and corruption, but considering the magnitude of the problem as revealed by the recent developments as reported in the papers, a lot more is needed to be done which requires a very strong political will and continued vigilance by netizens, respectable and patriotic businessmen, and of course principled people like yourself of the fourth estate.

“Metro Manila and some highly urbanized areas, amidst the grim reality of poverty, now have a lot of high rise condominiums and offices, shopping malls with luxury boutiques and fine dining restaurants, casinos and exclusive clubs, brand new cars, high fashion and expensive jewelry which are all possible I believe from excessive profits for the benefit of employers, managers and high ranking executives while the real value of the wages of the majority of their employees remain stagnant.

“All these three factors that are weighing down our economy, and in my opinion, should be dealt with squarely by the leaders of our country, both from the government and the private sector.

“And before concluding, I would like to make a bold assertion. No matter how big the improvements we can achieve in managing our population and reducing corruption, the benefits that we can attain from an expanding economy with GDPs of 7, 8, 9 or even 10 or more will never trickle down if the people who have the means to trickle it down do not trickle it down – unless of course we address poverty not only with our minds but also with our hearts.”

Maroon Berets in Basilan

The following letter comes from 2nd Lt. Earl Gerard Gamboa, a grandson of a military man still interested in the ongoings in the military circle, Lt. Col. (PA, Reserved Officer), Roberto Gamboa Jr., a long-time reader of this column and, incidentally, my eldest brother.

The letter of 2nd Lt. Gamboa states: “Our AFP Reserve unit just returned from Basilan, Mindanao last week from the most daring mission in the history of the Reserve Command, also timely after the signing of the CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro) as we are now sending in peace-builders instead of purely combatant units.

“The Civil Military Affairs Brigade (Reserve), known as the “Maroon Berets” from Manila, held a mission in Basilan, Mindanao, bringing books, school supplies, computers, construction materials, along with medical supplies to inspire the children and people of Basilan to “turn from guns to books” and promote lasting peace.

“A Philippine Air Force C130 heavy lift aircraft transported the contingent to Zamboanga City, to Basilan.

“Commanding officer of Civil Military Affairs Group-NCR, Lt. Col. Nathaniel Marquez MNSA (Res) PA said we are in a win-win situation where we have now deployed a contingent of Civil Military Affairs Operators, instead of purely combatant units.

“The activity is also considered a “daring milestone” for members of the reserve force, hoping that it will lead to further utilization and realization of the value of our reservists. 

“According to LTC Marquez, the success of this mission proves the courage, interoperability, and readiness capabilities of a reserve unit to work with regular ‘organic’ AFP units, even in forward areas with imminent danger.

“The brigade wearing its distinctive “maroon beret,” an international symbol of a Civil Affairs/Information Support Operations soldier (usually Airborne) is headed by their commanding general, Commodore Enrico Talon AFP (Res).

 â€œThe AFP reserve force’s humanitarian mission is hopeful to blaze a trail, paving the way for many more towards a war-free Mindanao.”

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Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at [email protected]. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net.