Let Pinoy talent shine

It is a tragedy that the Philippines is now ranked 80th or in the lower half of the Global Talent Competitiveness Index, released recently.

We have always prided ourself and crowed about the depth of talent in the country, and indeed we have many outstanding talents who have made their mark in the international arena.

Particularly in the arts, our filmmakers, musicians, actors, dancers, writers, painters and sculptors have shown time and again that they are equal to the best in the world.

We shouldn’t rest on our laurels but continue to support and nurture our talents; in fact we need to do more, much more, to enable our artists to learn and grow and develop their craft, nationally and internationally.

Our natural talents in the arts should be matched with talents in the sciences, in math and technology, the latter to be able to not just survive but thrive in today’s challenging and competitive world.

That we need to improve our education system goes without saying. Basic education – the foundation of a person’s productive and meaningful life – is crucial in equipping our youth to become citizens who can contribute to national development.

Together with education, we must provide an enabling environment for our artists and scientists, provide them with the tools and facilities they need to develop their talents. Scientists, for example, should not have to beg for, or do without, the equipment they need for their research and experiments.

That is the only way we can keep our talents at home so that the fruits of their talents will benefit the Filipino people, and the rest of humankind. – Carlos Anthony Tan, Makati City