Reflection

BEFORE we charge 2015 to history, we are again reminded to look back and reflect on all the important events that have happened in the past 12 months. This year we celebrated triumphs and suffered defeats. Which way does the Philippines go? Will Filipinos learn from mistakes and lead themselves to better lives, or will we constitute a false dawn?
In a nutshell, 2015 will go down as one of the most eventful years, for it has shaped and changed the world by leaps and bounds.
The Philippine economy is booming — it stands strong by sustaining a steady growth. Remittances sent by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are forecast to reach $29.7 billion this year, making the Philippines the world’s third largest recipient of remittances, just behind India ($72.2 billion) and China ($63.9 billion). The labor markets for Filipinos are now expanding and demands for Filipinos workers are seen.
With sound government spending, the economic potential of the country is now confident to go head-to-head with its aggressive neighbors. The current administration has also led development to agriculture, education, health and social welfare.
2015 started on a high note when Pope Francis visited the country in January. In November, Filipinos welcomed global leaders for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) Summit in Manila. The leaders from the 21-member association discussed some of the region’s most pressing issues including economic integration, trade liberalization, sustainable growth and energy security.
On Dec. 20, 26-year-old Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach won the Miss Universe crown, the third crown for the Philippines. Besting 80 beauties from around the globe, Wurtzbach won the hearts of the judges by displaying her intellect, cultural values, sense of poise and of being. She did not only epitomize what the world considers beautiful, but she also represented what a Filipina has to offer.
Along the victories Filipinos rejoiced were adversities that the country had to bear. The ongoing Spratlys dispute between China and the Philippines remains unresolved. Travel advisories were issued against the Philippines for purported terrorism. Many Filipinos were affected by the series of typhoons that hit the country. Some lost power for days, others had their homes flooded and a number lost their homes altogether, while damages amounted to billions.
During the latter part of the year, difficulties have posed threats on the integrity of the country’s political system. Political vendettas and government procrastination have cast doubts on the Filipinos’ practice of democracy. To say that Philippine politics has never been more controversial this year is an understatement.
While 2015 proved to be a challenging year, it also fortified our courage, vigilance, resilience and hope as a people, in the face of adversity. No matter how dreadful some of the unfortunate events are, Filipinos have still managed to score achievements, solve problems and most of all, set goals. The work is not yet done for Filipinos. Challenges will still come and improvements must still transpire.  (AJPress)