The local governmental units and the national and provincial governments in the Philippines need to do more for the people.

     I don't know about you, but I see a pattern where the private sector is being looked at to fill in a larger and larger hole-- while the public sector's efforts appear to shy away.  Throwing the ball to individuals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) all the time does not cut it as a long-term solution to the many problems in the Philippines.  Bayanihan is good, altruism is great, but at what point do you open your mouth and say, 'hey, isn't this YOUR responsibility?' 

'Shouldn't we be working on this together?  Mr and Ms Private Citizen cannot keep plugging holes for you.

     I think there is so much wastage in the Philippines, primarily from obscene corruption and inefficiencies in government.  It is not fair, not right, for this to be ignored in the midst of the imbalance back there.  Since when have individuals in public service had the right to live off of resources that do not belong to them?  Since when has it been okay to ignore poverty?  I think since Juan de la Cruz got used to being squeezed tight, and then grin at the same time.

     I want to help, but I am not an enabler.  Corruption in the Philippines turns my stomach.  It is wrong, it is unnatural and it disrespects the Filipino people.  And it pisses me off. But wait, arent' Filipinos as much to blame for this?  I think so.  Filipinos are enablers!  By excusing corruption as a fact of life (who knew?) and accepting it as though it were as normal as pan de sal for breakfast, the Filipino society perpetuates an environment of abuse and lack of accountability and responsibility.

     If you want the private sector's robust participation in progress and community building, you, the public sector, and you, the people, should shed off your pricks and get ready to give your robust efforts as well.  Fair and square.

     A see-saw does not work with one person on one end, and an empty spot across.  So you say you want to do more for Oas?  Like fix the river (or, more aptly, fix the way it was fixed by your leadership)?  So get hoppin' on the other end of the bar.  Once we get it on an even keel, then we could all have a kickin' good time building good things... together.  No excuses or absences allowed.  But don't expect others to coddle the whims, fancies and inadequacies of your leaders.  That, my friends, should not be part of the bargain.  Your politicians did not win a lottery when they ran for office and won; what they got was a JOB.  So they ought to go to work every day doing the right things, and doing them well.  For you.