EDITORIAL - Independence
In the shadow of a new conquering army, 112 years ago today, the founders of the Philippine Republic declared independence. The struggle for independence would continue for another half-century, fueled by the spirit behind the declaration. That spirit united the nation in peacetime and in war, when Filipinos gave up their lives for their country.
After World War II, independence movements ended colonial rule across Asia. The Philippines sprinted ahead of the pack in the race toward prosperity. Until about four decades ago the Philippines was seen as a top performer in Asia in most human development indicators, coming second only to Japan in terms of economic progress.
In the next decades the Philippines slid progressively down the Asian totem pole. Several explanations have been offered for the slide, among them bad political leadership, public complacency, and the loss of the spirit that fueled the independence movement: a love of country that transcended personal interests. In the past two decades, certain prominent individuals have lamented this loss, and the emergence of a kanya-kanya attitude – to each his own – that has allowed corruption and patronage politics to flourish.
Today a parade will be held to highlight what an outgoing administration considers as its achievements over nearly a decade. A number of the achievements cannot be disputed, but the period from January 2001 to the present also saw the country fall behind Thailand and, in certain development indicators, Vietnam and now Indonesia. This was after the Philippines was left behind by the so-called Asian tigers. Today the country remains dependent on foreign aid for many of its needs while other Asian countries have become members of the international donor community.
In less than three weeks a new administration will come in. This always raises hopes for significant change, and the nation is expecting a new president to lead the way. With leadership by example, the love of country that fueled the Philippine independence movement over a century ago might be rekindled.
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