Wishes for a better 2015

Here’s hoping that this year will be a better year for all of us, Filipinos and world citizens alike. Consequently, here are my top 10 wishes, not necessarily in order of importance:

1. Peaceful resolution of conflicts

War and aggression are just not counter-productive for humankind. They are also degrading and destroy the dignity of human beings. It is time that governments declare a firm resolve to settle disputes and never to allow weapons of destruction to be used in trying to solve problems.

Even within our family and community, it is better to talk about finding a solution rather than firing a gun or wielding a knife to resolve an issue. The world will be a better place if we all act as human beings should – with self-respect.

2. A more sustainable world ecology

Whether or not it is true that the world’s ozone layer is collapsing, humans should act with more concern about the future of other forthcoming generations who will need to live in this world.

The signs of diminishing resources are slowly becoming apparent especially with regards food production. As the world’s trade barriers are being lifted, many countries are putting up supply controls to limit food exportation to meet their own needs.

On the other hand, society has become more wasteful in this highly consumer world. People today lust for new gadgets even when their existing ones are still serviceable. Bottled water is the norm even water from the tap is acceptable.

Each one of us must wage a war to promote more sustainability in this world.

3. Better health for every human being

We need a health care system that does not just cure ailments, but more so prevents the onset of diseases and sicknesses. The emphasis should be healthier lifestyles that give less reason for “acquired” medical conditions like diabetes, poor heart condition, even cancer.

You and I, with the help of an enlightened medical profession, must stress the need for exercise, proper food and nutrition, and a good balance between work and rest.

4.  A more professionally-run government

Especially in the Philippines, a career in government is still more about protecting one’s interest than serving the public. We need servant leaders who will put the welfare of the country and its 100 million Filipinos above their own.

Our current government is also overstaffed, and a true streamlining of jobs is overdue. We need career officers in government who are professionals in what they do, and who will serve their boss – the people – with genuine respect.

5. Quality education for every Filipino

Three important elements – schools, qualified teachers, and support for the poorest of the poor – have been introduced over the last couple of years to bring learning opportunities to more Filipino children who have been saddled by poverty.

This has to be sustained as more children enter school age and many more progress to higher levels of learning. Until they are able to take a firm place in society as productive individuals, the state must put emphasis in making sure that there will be quality education to every one who needs to learn.

6. Better disaster preparedness

In these strange times when the world, including our islands, witnessed and experienced severe weather conditions that had rarely been seen in the not too distant past, the next best recourse is to prepare our people to cope with such occurrences.

Our goal is still zero loss in lives and damage to property. Let’s continue to be vigilant in putting up the necessary hazard controls and preparedness procedures that will ensure these.

7. Meaningful jobs for every Filipino

Too many of our countrymen still do not have adequate jobs, more so meaningful ones that will be able to bring enough and proper food to the family table.

The country still has a large labor force that is poorly skilled to demand for proper compensation. And this is largely as a result of inadequate training facilities that government should primarily ensure so that individuals who want to upgrade their trade capabilities may do so.

8. Lower country birth rate

The Philippines is at that point where the rate of its population growth is more a liability rather than a strength. We need to manage our birth rates in tune with economic growth to ensure that every Filipino citizen will be able to become productive citizens.

9. A more morally upright government

Less corruption is still the priority of governance. Our government should be resolute in its fight against dishonesty among the ranks of public servants, and vigilant in ferreting out fraudulent transactions that involve the money that taxpayers contribute to the running of the state machinery.

The government has just passed a P2.6-trillion budget for this year, and every centavo that is appropriated should judiciously be spent for the Filipino people.

10. Improved competitiveness for the Philippines

In this age when world economic trade continues to be an important element for country growth, our businesses – big and small – must be adequately prepared to compete against those from other countries.

It has become more urgent to solve issues that impinge on our private sector’s ability to compete, such as high power rates, inadequate infrastructure support, and uncompetitive tax incentives.

We must remember that the health of our industries and local businesses bring jobs and wealth to the economy, and thus must receive the proper nurturing and support.

The year 2014 has come to a close, leaving us with a good-enough scorecard. This new year should bring more challenges as the rest of the world wakes up from the financial difficulties of the past. We have to be resolute and focused if the ship is to keep to its course.

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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.