More expensive than London
That the Philippines is still a Third World country cannot be denied. About half the population is still classified as poor. They do not earn enough to live decently, with “decent” being defined as always having enough to eat and clothes to wear, as well as having a roof over their heads that protects them from the elements at all times. It also means earning enough to send the kids to school with everything they need—bags, books, shoes, uniforms and pocket money.
At the heart of the Philippines is the National Capital Region, which is considered the political, economic and social center of the country. Most foreigners therefore equate Manila with the Philippines. Not necessarily the City of Manila, but more of the 13 cities that comprise Metro Manila.
As part of the developing world, we are sometimes shocked to learn that the cost of living in Metro Manila is higher than the capitals of many developed countries.
PH was paradise
Not too long ago, expats considered the Philippines a veritable paradise. Our country was a favored destination for executives working for multinational corporations because the cost of living was so low. What they earned went a long, long way. They could live in mansions in the exclusive villages of Makati, with maids and drivers to boot.
That was then, but today the situation is different. Not only has the cost of living gone up in the metropolis, it has matched and even exceeded many capitals.
The cost of labor has also gone up, and continues to rise with each passing year. A couple of weeks ago, there was yet another increase in the daily minimum wage of our workers.
This is not to say that our workers do not deserve higher pay. For the most part, they do. But losing the competitive edge that came with lower labor costs has translated to jobs lost. The global manufacturing sector, for one, is no longer as eager to set up shop in the Philippines because they can find qualified workers willing to receive less in such countries as Vietnam and China.
Without the investments, providing jobs for all has become even harder. It is a huge challenge for any administration to invite investors to come to the Philippines, when they have to pay more to Filipino workers. Their expats also have to settle for less in terms of benefits than their counterparts in other countries. All because the cost of living and the cost of labor in the country have risen to such an extent that the only edge we have left is the fact that English is still widely spoken here.
Beyond reach to most
Consider, too, that the “perks” of living in Metro Manila are fading. Dining out has become an expensive proposition nowadays. Where previously middle class families could afford to dine out in the best restaurants and spend vacations in the best resorts, now they have to settle for much less.
Add to this the fact that traffic in the NCR remains a nightmare, and that every rainy season guarantees that large parts of Metro Manila can get flooded with every downpour, and we realize that we are a Third World country where First World rates are the norm.
If blame has to be determined, it can be said that both the government and the private sector are to blame. The government did not act decisively enough to make sure that the country’s competitive edge was maintained. The private sector raised the cost of owning property, products and services to unrealistic heights.
What then can be done to correct the imbalance?
For one, the national government can come up with a strategic plan to recover the advantages the Philippines used to have over other countries. In doing so, foreign investors will be forced to take a second look.
For its part, the private sector can likewise get together and prepare a long term plan of development, wherein the working class can attain their dreams of a better life.
Filipino Dream
The US has what they call the American Dream, where any person or family can become wealthy through sheer hard work and determination. Why not have our own Filipino Dream? This dream should be one that is attainable to any Filipino man or woman who is willing to work hard. Luck or connections should not play a role in attaining that dream.
A decent standard of living should be attainable in Metro Manila for the ordinary worker. No one should ever have to look at what others own and have with envy. No one should ever have to accept the fact that he or she can never attain an impossible standard of living.
Other countries which were once poorer than the Philippines have been able to move forward as one. They created a powerful middle class which is the bedrock of economic stability for all countries. If they could do it, is there any reason why we can’t?
Source:-
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php...ve-than-london
Originally Posted by grahamw48
