Optimism

An overwhelming majority of Filipinos are optimistic about the coming year, says a survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) which reported that 91 percent of adult Filipinos feel hopeful about 2007.

High hopes for the New Year cut across geography and socioeconomic class, according to the survey. From Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, and among the middle and upper class and the masa, there is an atmosphere of optimism and anticipation. On one hand, we can attribute it to our natural ability as a people to always look at the bright side in spite of dire circumstances. Even in the midst of poverty or calamity, we are able to look into the future with confidence. When we hit rock bottom, there is no other way to go but up.

Moreover, our improved economy gives us reason to be optimistic: the peso is stronger, oil prices are more stable, interest rates are dropping, as well as inflation. Our GDP has grown by 6% and OFW remittances remain high.

Globally, new industries and enterprises are developing and creating more jobs. Therefore, we should enhance our country's competitiveness in the income- and job-generating fields of science and technology, and engineering research and development. We must develop our human capital and respond to the needs of a rapidly-changing world.

If we are to translate promising economic figures into a way to reduce poverty and provide a better life for Filipinos, we must invest where it truly matters: improving education and basic social services, invigorating our agriculture sector, and strengthening our capacity for innovation by putting our money into basic science, research and development (R&D) and basic infrastructure.

We must seize the countless opportunities before us. By strengthening our capacity for growth, we work towards uplifting the living standards of Filipinos.