PHILIPPINE FOREIGN

RELATIONS AND
GLOBALIZATION
PM 250 Seminar on Government
Management
Foreign Relations
The most important provisions of the 1987 Philippine
Constitution which pertain to the framing of Philippine
foreign policy are as follows:

Article II, Section 2: "The Philippines renounces
war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the
generally accepted principles of international law
as part of the law of the land and adheres to the
policy of peace, equality, justice."
Article II, Section 7: "The State shall pursue an
independent foreign policy. In its relations with
other states the paramount consideration shall be
national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national
interest, and the right to self-determination."

Republic Act No. 7157, otherwise known as "Philippine Foreign Service Act of
1991", gives mandate to the Department of Foreign Affairs to implement the three
(3) pillars of the Philippine Foreign Policy, as follows:

1. Preservation and enhancement of national
security
2. Promotion and attainment of economic security
3. Protection of the rights and promotion of the
welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas.

These pillars overlap and cannot be considered apart from
each other. Together with the eight (8) foreign policy
realities outlined by the President, they reinforce each
other and must be addressed as one whole.

These eight foreign policy realities
are:

China, Japan and the United States and their relationship will be a
determining influence in the security situation and economic evolution
of East Asia;
Philippine foreign policy decisions have to be made in the context of
ASEAN;
The international Islamic community will continue to be important for the
Philippines;
The coming years will see the growing importance of multilateral and
inter-regional organizations to promote common interests;
As an archipelagic state, the defense of the nation's sovereignty and the
protection of its environment and natural resources can be carried out
only to the extent that it asserts its rights over the maritime territory and
gets others to respect those rights;
The country's economic policy will continue to be friendly to both
domestic and foreign direct investments;
The Philippines can benefit most quickly from international tourism
Overseas Filipinos will continue to be recognized for their critical role in
the country's economic and social stability.

ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was
established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the
signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by
the Founding Fathers of ASEAN, namely Indonesia,
Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Brunei Darussalam then joined on 7 January 1984, Viet Nam
on 28 July 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on 23 July 1997,
and Cambodia on 30 April 1999, making up what is today the
ten Member States of ASEAN.

As of 2009, the ASEAN region has a population of about
590.8M, a total area of 4.5M square kilometers, a combined
gross domestic product (GDP) of almost US$1,500B, and a
total trade of about US$1,400B.

Philippines Foreign Relations

The Philippines was a founding nation of ASEAN (the
Association of South East Asian Nations) and is active in
the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). It is also a member
the United Nations (UN), some of its specialized
agencies, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum
(APEC), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Asian
Development Bank (ADB), the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA), the World Trade Organization
(WTO), and the World Bank.
The Philippines has traditionally had very close links with
the United States, but the closure of the United States
military bases in 1991 led to an increased emphasis on
its Asian neighborhood. The link with the United States
was renewed in 2004 through a Visiting Forces
Agreement, and regular "Balikatan" (shoulder to
shoulder) exercises, which provide training to Philippine
forces.

Philippines Foreign Relations

The idea of APEC was firstly publicly broached by former
Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Bob Hawke, during a
speech in Seoul, Korea in January 1989. Later that
year, 12 Asia-Pacific economies met in Canberra,
Australia to establish APEC. The founding members
were: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada,
Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.
China, Hong Kong, China and Chinese Taipei joined in
1991. Mexico and Papua New Guinea followed in 1993.
Chile acceded in 1994. And in 1998, Peru, Russia and
Viet Nam joined, taking the full membership to 21.
Between 1989 and 1992, APEC met as an informal senior
official and Ministerial level dialogue. In 1993, former
United States President, Mr Bill Clinton, established the
practice of an annual APEC Economic Leaders'
Meeting.

Philippines relations with specific
countries and regions

East Timor
Relations began as soon as that country was
multilaterally recognized as an independent state.
The Philippines was involved in the UN security
mission there. The two countries are now engaged
in growing trade and commerce, as well as
cultural and educational exchanges. This can also
be attributed to the fact that both countries
are Catholic majority.
Pakistan
Relations with Pakistan have become quite rosy
when Pakistan's head of state, Pervez
Musharrafvisited the Philippines in April 18, 2005.
The visit was to boost trade, commerce, and
industry between the two countries.

South Korea
The Philippines fought together with South
Korea during the Korean War. South Korea is
also one of the largest trading partners of the
Philippines.
Israel
The Philippines is the only Asian country in the
United Nations that voted for the creation of a
Jewish state in 1947. Formal diplomatic
relations with Israel began in 1957.

Spain
As the lone Spanish colony in Asia for almost three and a half centuries,
the Philippines is the Spaniards' closest ally in the Far East, primarily
due to a shared culture and religion. Philippine Presiden tGloria
Arroyo concluded her second state visit in Spain in July 2006, bringing
along millions of dollars of Spanish investments, particularly
in Tourism and Information Technology. The Spanish king, Juan
Carlos, also reiterated in Mrs. Arroyo's visit, his desire for the
Philippines to re-establish Spanish as the official language of the
country. He and his wife, Queen Sofia attended the 1998 centennial
celebrations in Manila, commemorating 100 years of independence
from Spain
United States of America
The United States is one of the closest economic and political allies of the
Philippines. Primarily, the two countries are partners in
counterterrorism, as they both share intelligence. Also, the two
countries conduct military exercises in Mindanao, and are both heavily
involved in trade and commerce.

International disputes

Sabah Dispute
Sabah, the largest region which the Philippines claim, is now an
integral part of Malaysia. On January 23, 1878, Sulu Sultan
Jamalul Alam leased his territory in Borneo, in which is now
Sabah, to Austrian Gustavus von Overbeck. The Sultan was
paid 5,000 Ringgit every year for the lease. In 1920, despite
calls made by Washington to London regarding Sabah, the
latter was still made a crown colony of the United Kingdom.
On September 16, 1963, the United Kingdom formally ceded
Sabah to Malaysia. Philippine Presidents Diosdado
Macapagal and Ferdinand Marcos openly claimed Sabah. The
latter even ordered Sabah to be put into the Philippine map.
Despite challenges of the Philippine government to bring the
matter of the dispute to the ICJ, or International Court of Justice,
Malaysia still rejects those calls. During 2003, violent mass
deportations of illegal Filipinos residing in Sabah resulted in
more clamor for the Sabah claim. Up to this day, Malaysia still
pays the annual rent of 5,000 Malaysian Ringgit to the Sultan's
heirs.


Sulawesi Sea Islands
The case of Sipadan and Ligitan, which are in
dispute between Malaysia and Indonesia, was
taken into the ICJ, in which the former won.
Sipadan and Ligitan are technically part of
Sabah state, and should therefore, also, be of
the Sulu Sultanate's heir, the Philippines.

Spratly Islands
The Spratly Islands are a group of islands, reefs, and rocks
located about 300 kilometers left of Aborlan, Palawan. The
Philippines, along with China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam,
and Brunei expressed claims. The Philippines officially staked
a claim to the islands during the United Nations convention,
although it was first expressed in 1956, when Tomas Cloma,
a Philippine mariner, officially declared the islands as a
protectorate of the Philippines. Based on proximity and on the
United Nations Archipelagic Doctrine, the Philippines can
claim the Spratlys as an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),
and thus its' own. Whether these argument (or any other
used by the Philippines) would hold up in court is debatable
but possibly moot, as the PRC and Vietnam seem unwilling to
legally substantiate their claims and have rejected Philippine
challenges to take the dispute to the World Maritime Tribunal
in Hamburg.

Scarborough Shoals
The Sacrborough Shoals, located approximately 200 kilometers
west of Palauig town of Zambales province of the Philippines,
are claimed by both the Philippines and PRC.

During the Spanish Colonial Era, the Philippines' area
includes several nearby territories such as Northern Marianas
Islands, Guam, Palau, Caroline Islands, and parts
of Micronesia. All of these areas were separated by the
United States from the Philippines during the former's
occupation of the latter. The Philippines also has jurisdiction
over the Spanish possessions
in Taiwan, Borneo,Halmahera, Pulau Ternate, and Pulau
Tidore.

Illicit drugs
The country, an archipelago, serves as breeding
ground for locally
produced marijuana and hashish and is
possible that it is illegally shipped to East Asia,
the United States, and other Western markets;
serves as a transit point for heroin and crystal
methamphetamine.

Q&A on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation
Agreement

1. What is the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)?
The EDCA is an agreement between the Philippines and the United States which is envisioned to advance
the implementation of the Philippine-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).
2. What purpose does the EDCA serve?
The EDCA is designed to promote the following between the Philippines and its defense treaty ally the
United States:
Interoperability
Capacity building towards AFP modernization
Strengthening AFP for external defense
Maritime security
Maritime domain awareness
Humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR)
3. How will these objectives be achieved?
We are currently holding joint training exercises, such as the Balikatan, and undertaking humanitarian
assistance and disaster relief cooperation activities, i.e., during the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda
(Haiyan).
To improve on the above, we intend to undertake additional cooperation by way of (1) Construction of
facilities and infrastructure upgrades; and (2) Storage and prepositioning of defense and HADR
equipment, supplies and material.
4. Where will the construction and prepositioning take place?
These will take place in designated areas within a few AFP bases to be agreed upon by both Parties.

5. What principles were adhered to in ensuring that the national interests are protected and
advanced?
Upon the instructions of the President, we observed the following principles:
Strict compliance with the Philippine Constitution, laws and jurisprudence;
Utmost respect for Philippine sovereignty;
Requirement for Philippine consent for all activities;
No permanent presence or base by US troops in the Philippines;
Full Philippine control over facilities to be used;
Mutuality of benefits;
Non-exclusivity of use of the designated areas for US armed forces;
Enhancement of AFP capabilities through joint training exercises;
Prohibition of nuclear weapons; and,
US commitment for long-term AFP capability build-up.

6. What are the main features of EDCA?
Consistent with the Presidents guidelines, the agreement has the following main features:
Clear provision that the US would not establish a permanent military presence or base in the Philippines;
US access to and use of designated areas in AFP owned and controlled facilities (Agreed Locations) will be
at the invitation of the Philippine Government;
Prior consent of the Philippines, through the Mutual Defense Board (MDB) and Security Engagement Board
(SEB), with regard to US access and use of Agreed Locations which may be listed in an annex and
further described in implementing arrangements;
Philippines retention of primary responsibility for security of the Agreed Locations;
Access of the AFP base commander to the entire area of the Agreed Locations;
Philippine ownership of buildings and infrastructure once constructed by US military;
Sharing and joint use of facilities in the Agreed Locations, including those built by the US military;
Value of prepositioned materiel in the enhancement of AFP defense capabilities and possible transfer or
purchase of materiel determined to be excess;
Prohibition of entry to the Philippines of nuclear weapons, and reference to respective obligations of both
Parties under the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention;
Strong commitment by both Parties in protecting the environment, human health and safety;
Preference for Philippine suppliers of goods, products and service in US military procurement; and,
Regular consultation on the implementation of the agreement.

7. How does the Philippine Government envision defense cooperation with the US?
The Philippines will strengthen its capabilities for external and territorial defense by
continuing to work with its treaty ally in a mutually beneficial way in line with what is
allowed by the Philippine Constitution.
8. What other benefits will the Philippines derive from EDCA?
In addition to interoperability, maritime security, maritime domain awareness, capacity
building and more expeditious HADR, the Agreement will further benefit the Philippines
economically through the provision of jobs and other economic opportunities in the
construction activities in the Agreed Locations and procurement of local goods and
supplies by the US military and personnel.
9. What is the reason behind the change in the title of the agreement from Increased
Rotational Presence Framework Agreement to Enhanced Defense Cooperation
Agreement?
The change in the title reflects the desire of the Philippines and the US for a more
comprehensive agreement that covers the full range of enhanced defense cooperation,
including developing maritime security, maritime domain awareness and humanitarian
assistance and disaster relief capabilities. Increased rotational presence is just one
modality of enhanced defense cooperation.

10. Is EDCA constitutional?
Yes. EDCA provides that the access and use of AFP facilities by the US military will be at the invitation of the
Philippines and with full respect for the Philippine Constitution and Philippine laws.
The constitutional provision which prohibits the establishment of foreign military bases or facilities in the
country except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate does not apply to EDCA.
The defining features of foreign military bases extraterritoriality, exclusivity in use and foreign ownership will
not be applicable in the Agreed Locations.
On the other hand, the entry of US military troops for military exercises and other approved activities is already
allowed under the PH-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) which is a treaty concurred in by the Senate and
upheld by the Supreme Court.
The provisions of EDCA, an executive agreement, are consistent with the Philippine Constitution, laws, and
jurisprudence.
11. Does EDCA mean the return of US bases in the Philippines?
The Agreement is very clear on this matter and specifies in the Preamble the Parties understanding for the US
not to establish a permanent military presence or base in the territory of the Philippines.
EDCA does not authorize the establishment of US bases. It allows the US military access to Agreed Locations.
12. Does EDCA give the US military blanket authority to build facilities in AFP military bases? Will the
Philippines have access to these facilities? Who will own them?
Under EDCA, before constructions and other activities can be undertaken, prior consent of the Philippines will
have to be secured through the Mutual Defense Board (MDB) and Security Engagement Board (SEB) which
were established under the MDT and the VFA. The AFP base commander will have access to the entire area
of the facilities shared with the US military. The Philippines will also own any building and similar
infrastructure that will be built by the US military.
13. Will EDCA also provide a blanket authority for all activities of the US troops in the future?
No. Activities to be undertaken under EDCA will have to be approved by the Philippines through the MDB and
SEB.

14. How long will EDCA be in effect?
EDCA will have an initial term of 10 years. There will be regular bilateral
consultations on the implementation of the Agreement.
15. How many US personnel will be allowed into the Philippines under
this Agreement?
The number of visiting US personnel will depend on the scale and the
frequency of the activities to be approved by both Parties.
There will be no stationing of US personnel under EDCA. US personnel will
come on temporary and rotational basis in relation to activities that will be
held in AFP facilities.
16. Will the entry of nuclear weapons, chemical weapons and biological
weapons be allowed under the EDCA?
EDCA clearly provides that the materials the US military may bring into the
country shall not include nuclear weapons, in compliance with the
Philippine Constitution. EDCA also reaffirms the two countries respective
obligations under the Convention on Chemical Weapons and Convention
on Biological Weapons.

17. Which AFP bases will be shared with and used by the US under EDCA?
The designated areas in a limited number of AFP bases that will be shared and jointly used with the US
will be specified in an annex and agreed implementing arrangements. Given the mutuality of benefits
to be derived from the Agreement (such as making available defense and HADR equipment, supplies
and materiel for the benefit of the Philippines), the areas will be made available to US forces without
rental. In addition, the buildings and other infrastructure to be constructed by the US military will be
owned by the Philippines.
18. How will the Philippines benefit from the prepositioning of US military equipment?
EDCA recognizes the value of prepositioning and storing equipment, supplies and materiel to the
enhancement of the AFPs defense capabilities.
Moreover, prepositioned materiel will allow for timely responses in the event of disasters natural or
otherwise. This is well recognized by the Philippines and the United States. As stated in Article IV para
2, The Parties share a recognition of the benefits that such prepositioning could have for
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
19. How will EDCA improve humanitarian assistance and disaster relief?
As shown in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, the need for timely delivery of relief assistance is critical.
Under EDCA, activities aimed at increasing and strengthening the Parties individual and collective HADR
capabilities will be facilitated and strengthened through prepositioned materiel and closer cooperation
with the US.
20. Does EDCA address concerns on environmental protection and human health and safety?
Yes. This is a landmark and defining feature of EDCA.
This agreement has robust provisions on environmental protection, human health and safety, including the
adoption of a preventative approach to environmental protection, the application of environmental
compliance standards that reflect the more protective of Philippines, US or applicable international
agreement standards, immediate action to contain and address environmental contamination
resulting from spills, and other measures.

21. How does EDCA relate to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT)?
The MDT obligated the Philippines and the United States to maintain and develop their
individual and collective defense capabilities.
EDCA is therefore within the ambit and in furtherance of the MDT.
22. How does EDCA relate to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)?
The VFA lays out the terms and conditions on the entry and visit of US military personnel for
military exercises. These provisions shall likewise apply to the entry and temporary stay
of US personnel under EDCA.
23. If the above activities are within the ambit of the MDT and VFA, why is there a
need for a new agreement on enhanced defense cooperation?
In advancing the benefits that could be derived from our defense alliance with the United
States, we needed to articulate the parameters, modalities and mechanisms to a greater
degree.
24. Does EDCA address the matter on criminal jurisdiction and custody of indicted
servicemen?
With the finalization of EDCA, we can now fast track the bilateral consultations on the
implementing arrangements of the VFA.
25. Will EDCA affect bilateral relations with neighboring countries?
EDCA reaffirms the desire of both the Philippines and the United States to strengthen
international and regional security and stability, a common and shared interest of
countries in the region.

26. What will be our neighbors reaction to this Agreement?
We would hope that this Agreement will also be viewed by our neighbors as a positive contribution towards
peace and stability in the region.
27. Is it true that the negotiation was rushed in order to coincide with US President Barack Obamas
visit to the Philippines?
The pace of negotiations for EDCA was dictated by the need for full understanding and consensus by both
negotiating panels on all provisions of the Agreement. It was more important for both parties to come up
with an Agreement that would be fully and mutually acceptable to both sides consistent with their
respective laws.
28. How long did the negotiations take?
The eight rounds of negotiations and preceded by preparatory discussions took almost two years to
complete.
29. Was the Philippine Congress briefed on this Agreement?
During the course of the negotiations, the leadership of both Houses of Congress was informed of the
progress of the negotiations. We will be scheduling a full briefing for interested members of Congress.
30. Do we have the support of the Filipino people for EDCA?
A recent Social Weather Station survey showed at least 7 out of 10 Filipinos support measures to strengthen
the countrys defense capabilities and that the Philippines may ask its partners in achieving this objective.
Through EDCA, the Philippines will cooperate with its defense treaty ally in further strengthening their
respective individual and collective defense capabilities.

Source: http://www.gov.ph/2014/04/28/qna-on-the-enhanced-defense-cooperation-agreement/

Globalization
Defining Globalization

The topic of globalizing is not a new one. Upon viewing
the term globalization what first comes to mind is the
obvious word global. Globalization has a broad
definition.
However, globalization tends to generally be defined as
a process of interaction and integration among the
people, companies, and governments of different
nations, a process driven by international trade and
investment and aided by information technology
(Globalization 101).
The practice of trade across national boundaries has
been in effect down through history. Only in the 21st
century has the practice of globalization taken on an
all inclusive approach.

The History of Globalization

The history of the process of globalization is a long one. Some
researchers and authors on the subject only attest to the year
1492 as the first appearance of the globalism process.
Trade between countries such as Europe and the new world
caused relations and a period of empires founded upon the sea
along Europe. However, globalization can be seen in operation
as far back as 325 B.C when the Chandragupta
Mauryacombined a world religion, trade economy, and imperial
armies for the first time (A Quick Guide).
Maurya then came together with Alexander the Great and in 325.
The two made a link along routes between the Mediterranean,
Persia, India, and Central Asia signifying a international trade (A
Quick Guide).
The Silk Road that stretched across the center of Asia is another
examine of globalization in history. There are even some
researchers who believe that globalization was first set into
motion when mankind spread across the globe.

Globalization in the Philippines

Globalization has offered considerable controversial impact. It has been
viewed as a process that is major factor that is a key to the
development of the world economy and also it is inevitable and
irreversible. Some regard it with hostility, fear that increases inequality
between nations, threatens employment and living standards and
social progress. These brief facts is an overview of some aspects of
globalization and aims to identity ways in which countries can tap the
gains of this process while remaining realistic about its possible abilities
and its dangers.
In fact, globalization offers essential opportunities for global developments
but it is not progressing in an evenly pace. Some countries have
adapted to globalization and it is participating into the global
economy faster than other countries are. This is because countries with
globalization some countries have been able to integrate and are
growing faster and reducing poverty. However, the effectiveness of
globalization in developing countries is widely active because
globalization helps give opportunities in such countries in order to
establish stability especially in the economy, trade, politics, society,
labor, technology and to reduce poverty level.

Developing country like the Philippines , is one of the countries in Asia
where the country has been effected by globalization. The country is
taking part in the process of globalization ever since the country
signed agreements with WTO (World Trade Organization) in 1995.
Since then, the nation had hope for WTO to bring developments within
the nations poor economy and also to have a role within the
global economy and trade. Now, globalization is very effective in the
Philippines, it has allowed major changes in the nation like more labor,
and more Filipino and foreign companies has emerged in the nation in
order to help the countrys developing economy. Generally, the
Philippines is one of the developing countries that is rapidly dealing
with globalization ever since the influence of the US during the World
War II.
The country had high levels of education and English literacy due to the
influence of Uncle Sam, decent savings rates, and an export-
oriented agricultural sector that generated more than sufficient foreign
exchange. The industrial sector was growing rapidly and the country
had one of the highest per capita incomes in Southeast Asia.

There was much to look forward to on the economic and business front. The
Philippines is a country of ups and downs of conspicuous consumption of
devastating poverty, hunger and suffering. The economy is basically
agricultural, with rice, corn, and kamote (sweet potatoes) the staple food crops.
Key cash crops include coconuts, fruits and vegetables, sugar, tobacco, and
abaca (the famous "Manila hemp" used for rope making). In aggregate, about
two-thirds of Filipinos continue to depend on the agricultural sector. The
Philippines is rich in natural resources, as reflected in the fact that foreign
exchange earnings have derived largely from export of primary commodities.
The export of fruits and vegetables, especially pineapple products and
bananas, plays a key economic role every year.
Among the minerals that the Philippines produces are copper, gold, nickel,
chromium, iron, and manganese. Mining will continue to be important in the
future, particularly copper, nickel, chromite, and iron. It is estimated that 90% of
the country's mineral resources are unsurveyed and undeveloped. However,
the costs are high according to the international standards and many gold
mines and other operations are not economically at its best. The Philippines
global economy remains in transition and the nation has been living through a
period of increasing volatility. Globalization, whether individuals favor it or not,
is taking place at a rapid pace, integrating more and more of the nations and
world economy. Philippines have four regions that globalization has targeted
and these four are: liberalization, mobility of capital, technology, and
management of organization through private and public sectors.

Those Filipinos working overseas send about $10.7 billion back to their families or
relatives in the Philippines in 2005. In contrast, the question that the Filipino
society asks themselves is: Can the Philippines handle globalization? Many
Filipinos believe that globalization has done nothing for their country. And this is
due to the poverty that has been becoming worse each year. The Philippines is
still corrupt and still faces economic and political problems, therefore, the
nation and its people does not trust the process of globalization. The majority of
Filipinos believe that globalization has brought about problems and conflict
rather than changes. The people of the Philippines mostly rely on its leaders
because its the leaders whom the society believes and trust for the people
know that the leaders are the ones that can make the whole Philippine society
better and much more developed or well-organized. So, globalization has to
take place within the country in order to make such changes happen. Due to
the process of globalization in the Philippines , poverty level has been
increasing.
There are over 80 million people living in the whole of Philippines about 60 percent
of the population lives in poverty. This is why the Philippines is corrupt because
they cannot solve nor reduce the poverty rate. However, poverty has been a
major struggle within the nation and most the society is the ones that are
suffering especially those who suffer are the ones who do not have any jobs,
money, and homes. That is why the people protest to the leaders and the
government to ask them for better lives. For example, the world economic
globalization affects nearly every person, but the process of globalization is a
challenge to indigenous peoples. I

In most countries, native peoples have little voice within the government, and their
owned lands are taken away by corporations. Indigenous farmers typically farm
small plots and sell their crops locally; their farms do not scale up to the size and
technology necessary for export. Like the indigenous peoples of the Cordilleras,
in the southern part of the Philippines , have lived in the mountains for
generations. In the past century, Cordilleras farmers began planting cash crops,
including vegetables, coffee and beans. Increasingly the people are moving to
towns and cities because they government are taking over their lands and
allowing companies to built their industrial plants there due to the major threats
that the indigenous people face. The farmers in the Philippines are suffering and
this is due their competitiveness in selling crops to the market is being eroded by
foreign imports. In fact, vegetable prices in the Philippines are high. Consumers
in non-producing areas pay 50-100% more than what farmers usually receive.
Farmers receive 28% more than wholesale prices in surrounding countries. These
results are why vegetables are smuggled in the nation for vegetables have
become a form of contraband. These are the problems with developing countries
is that they are very corrupt politically and economically but its not the fault of
globalization but its the whole nation is at fault.Overall, the Philippines is a
developing country that is bound to develop due to globalization. I believe that
globalization will make its impact in the Philippines because the whole society
relies on westernization due to globalization.

Globalization can make the Philippines into a better
nation if the Philippine leaders to make their economy
more advance through global trading and allowing
more foreign investors to the help boost the economy.
And by accomplishing those goals, the Philippines
should be able to reduce the poverty level as well as
increase labor force for job opportunities for those that
are in need for a living. However, sine the poverty
level is still increasing, most Filipinos has managed to
find work overseas and they have managed to seek
better living than in the Philippines. The most effective
factor in the Philippines is education. The societys
mentality is to be educated and its with education that
people in the nation see their opportunity for a better
life in the future.

Marvin Cabantac
Thank you!