A year that was

THE year 2010 came out as another difficult and challenging year for the Philippines, but Filipinos pulled through. The year is days away from its end, but before everyone celebrates the coming year, every Filipino is now responsible to ponder on the 12 months that have passed. It is the time where Filipinos should understand the implications of every important event that happened in the country—learn from mistakes, formulate solutions to problems and start the new year right.
It is every Filipino’s resolve to keep his or her head on straight and feet on the ground. This year Filipinos around the world celebrated different successes and mourned for a lot of defeats. But what we should contemplate on is that fact that Filipinos became more aware of what the future may hold or what the coming year may offer socially, spiritually, morally and economically.
The local economy is booming. Even though Western nations had a difficulty accelerating their recovery from the latest global crisis, the Philippine economy stood strong by sustaining a steady growth. Meanwhile, remittances reached its economic potential by having $1.67 billion sent to the Philippines in October, the highest monthly level recorded so far. The labor markets for Filipinos are now expanding and demands for Filipinos workers are seen.
The country’s Pambansang Kamao, Manny Pacquiao didn’t disappoint his countrymen as he waved the Philippine flag twice high for all the world to see. He defeated two formidable opponents this year in the face of Joshua Clottey and Antonio Maragarito making him the first and only fighter in the world to achieve eight titles in ten different divisions.
The first ever automated polls in the Philippines where then Sen. Benigno Aquino III won the most powerful seat in the country was a success. Although negative reports still surfaced, the country and its people convinced foreign observers that Philippines is ready for such transition.
Along the victories Filipinos rejoiced were adversities that the country had to bear. The August 23 hostage-taking incident is still a lingering conflict that is yet to be resolved. Many countries including the United States and China, issued travel advisories against the Philippines. It was viewed by many as something that has “blown out of proportion” considering that the alleged threats accused on the country were not accurate. So far the country’s tourism has not suffered any adverse reactions from the international community, but it would be better if the Philippines would be known by people around the world as a place where they would want to be in rather than a place they should stay away from.
Today we are given a fresh start. We have to realize that 2010—no matter how dreadful some of the unfortunate events are—is generally a good year for the country. In 2010 Filipinos have accomplished so much—problems were addressed, questions were answered and most of all, goals were set. The work is not yet done for Filipinos. Challenges will still come and improvements must still transpire.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(NYNJ Dec 31-Jan 6, 2010 Sec A p.6)