Making the right choices to help others improve the quality of their lives

The article “Church leaders urge Filipinos to uphold Edsa Revolution spirit” (Inquirer.net, 2/25/25) reminds us to embrace a sustained commitment to social transformation or societal positive change. Social transformation, which is necessary for development, can be attained if we enhance the practice of how we think (cognitive) and behave and act (affective) as discussed in related articles (Inquirer.net, Jan. 19, 2022; Aug. 9, 2024; Jan. 2, 2025; and Feb. 4, 2025).

An important, favorable, and timely view in the article “Megatrends and the Philippine economy” (Value Added, 2/27/25) will complement initiatives for social transformation with an economic component as an important factor for development. One of the economic ideas is for us to extend and/or expand possible new global markets for highly in-demand local products and/or services, as experienced by Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other developed Asian countries.

We highly appreciate the idea of establishing development fundamentals and analyzing the lessons learned from our country’s historical development and other neighboring countries as mentioned in the article. However, the development and culture of early civilizations should be analyzed by providing other valuable development-related insights. Data from the analysis should be used to help identify specific and unique products and services that will enable us to compete (absolute advantage) and/or create favorable work arrangements, collaborations, or partnerships with other global markets. This should help prepare a 20- to 25-year development plan to laser-focus our country’s direction or simply to progress and “flourish” economically.

A proactive approach will prepare direct and indirect support services to meet international standards, such as government assistance, banks for financial transactions, telecommunications, technology, logistics, all modes of transportation and ports, food, accommodations, hospital and health services, and other basic support services. This will help create a fluid way of conducting business or “ease of doing business” (reliability) and repeatedly (consistency) to attract global markets.

The application of management ideas and provision of support services should be part of our daily life to socially transform and ultimately develop. However, we must accept the reality that initial and future benefits will most likely be experienced only by the Millennials, Gen Zs, and the next generations of Filipinos.

The most powerful common pattern we learned after analyzing the growth path of developed Asian countries is their exceptional dedication to how they think, behave, and act differently. Beyond being seen as rich countries, they have the morals and values to consistently strive, live a simple life, focus on productivity or results, and do what is right so others may live a better quality of life.