ADB- for developing nations

Poverty, inequality still an issue in developing nations

By Alexander Villafania

         PASAY CITY, METRO MANIL A—Despite improvements to alleviate poverty in developing nations in the Asia Pacific region, a lot of work still has to be done to achieve growth and equality.

       “The region still faces significant long-term challenges, high among these is the issue of rising inequality,” said Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda during the fourth Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors.

         Unfortunately, while the region has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty, the benefits of growth have yet to reach hundreds of millions of Asians who continue to struggle on less than $1.25 a day,” said Kuroda.

          He added that the very drivers of Asia’s economic success–new technology, globalization and market-oriented reforms–have also served to create and increase disparities within and among Asian economies.
 
           A previous report by the ADB already indicated the rising tide of poverty and inequality in the Asia Pacific region.

           Income division among Asians is widening as the richest one percent account for six percent to eight percent of a country's total income. Meanwhile, the income among the rich continues to increase over time.

            Such is the need of certain developing countries that ADB is securing $12 billion for its Asian Development Fund (ADF) to be used for social projects in recipient countries.

           Kuroda stressed that the ADB is pushing for better governance among Asia Pacific countries.
Areas in need of better government policies include education, infrastructure, and employment generating sectors. These policies will be targeted at resolving inequality by giving people an opportunity to become financially capable, and is collectively called “inclusive growth.”

            Incidentally, the ADB host country the Philippines has chosen “inclusive growth” as a theme for this meeting, reflecting on the program of President Benigno Aquino III that seeks to commit to a goal of economic growth.

           The trudge to solving poverty may be a long shot but Kuroda said that he is optimistic that countries in the Asia Pacific region are able to maintain their growth prospects in the long term.
The ongoing ADB Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors is the first such event to be held in the Philippines in 12 years.

--taken from http://ph.news.yahoo.com/poverty-inequality-still-issue-developing-nations-082615584.html

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                The Philippines is clearly one of the developing nations mentioned above. Its signs of poverty are evidently seen everywhere-from the citizens to the residences and to the infrastructures. Although the ADB has already greatly helped our country in so many ways, it is still not enough to drive poverty out. Majority of the citizens are still hungry, homeless, and hopeless. 

            This year, as the ADB Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors will be held here in the Philippines, I hope this event can change the turn of events not only for the Philippines but also for all the developing nations; so, that there won’t any developing nations in the future anymore but all newly industrialized nations. This meeting must successfully address the causes of poverty and take immediate action afterwards. As leaders of nations, they must put aside their selfish desires and work together. Regardless of race, gender, wealth, or language, each one must think for the betterment of everyone.

            Since the major problems they will be addressing is poverty and inequality, it concerns the nation’s economy. They must carefully evaluate their data so that they can make the right decisions for short-term and long-term projects. They must also take note that the poor are the ones suffering, so they must start and focus there. The rich don’t need help for they have more than enough already while the poor have less than enough. The wealth in each nation must be distributed fairly to create harmony and equality, because this has been one of the major problems faced by developing countries. 

            If we must act, act NOW. This meeting has been going on for 12 years now but still, little has changed. As the citizens of these developing countries, WE must take immediate actions and support the projects implemented because we can’t depend everything on the government and on the ones in power, WE ourselves must do the work to accomplish these goals because these projects are mainly for OUR benefit.

Disneyland in the Philippines??

Solon Invites Disneyland To Clark

By MARK ANTHONY N. MANUEL

April 18, 2012, 5:59pm

     CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – First District Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin has written Robert Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company based in Burbank, California, USA, to ask him to consider Clark for their next Walt Disney park, saying that Clark’s 4,400 hectare main zone and 27,600-hectare subzone will be the best place for a new Disneyland.

    “Aside from the huge space it provides, the Clark Freeport Zone can be an attractive destination for Disneyland theme park because of the tax-free privileges given to locators,” said Lazatin in his letter dated April 11.

     Lazatin also cited Clark International Airport, world-class airport which is expected to serve at least P1.6-million passengers this year.

     “The airport will be making it easier for tourists to enjoy the amenities and entertainment Disneyland is famous for without the hassles of long travels,” he said.

     Lazatin also told Iger that hotel accommodations will not be a problem as Clark has the best hotels in its roster where visitors can enjoy the hospitality Filipinos are known for.

     The lawmaker said the Philippines is a favorite tourist destination in Southeast Asia, with an average arrival of four million foreign visitors a year and for 2012, the government is eyeing to hit the 5-million mark.

“Together with our population of more than 90 million Filipinos, a Disneyland theme park in the Philippines could be a major income generating site for your company,” he said.

Disneyland theme parks are the highest-earning theme parks in the world.

In 2009, the company's theme parks hosted approximately 119.1 million guests, making Disney Parks the world's most visited theme park company, ahead of the second most visited, British rival Merlin Entertainments.

In Asia, Disneyland theme parks are located in Hong Kong, Tokyo (Japan), and Shanghai (China).

---taken from the Manila Bulletin Newspaper
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            Disneyland. The only place in the whole wide world where you can actually feel like a kid again. Why? Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Pluto- all these ever so loved Disney characters and more are present in this famous theme park. You could meet and greet all the Disney Princesses, all the Disney Movies cast, and all the Disney cartoon characters. Not only that, you could also be in one of your favorite Disney movie/ series scenes, play wonderful interactive games, ride thrilling amusement rides, and watch Disney musicals from your favorite shows right in front of your eyes!

           Now, imagine all this, right here in the Philippines! At first, you might not think that's possible but, from reading the news article above, you're gonna think otherwise. Why not? Philippines, as most people know, may be a little underdeveloped, but what's the connection? It has the land, the labor, and the capital-all factors needed to construct this project. All it needs is the okay sign from Mr. Robert Iger since Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin has already taken the initiative. Thanks to her by the way.

           I know this is a big step for the country and especially for Mr. Robert Iger but when I assessed the costs and benefits of this action, both parties can actually take more benefits from it. First of all, through the implementation of this project, thousands of Filipinos will land jobs, thus decrease the unemployment rate of the country. Second, income will increase not just for them but also for the suppliers. Third, tourism in the country will sky rocket! Asians, most especially, will prefer going to Philippines' Disneyland than Hong Kong's, Tokyo's or Shanghai's because the value of money here is less; thus they can buy more goods here compared to the other Asian countries. Plus, the people here are very hospitable and friendly. Locals will be very much pleased to accommodate the tourists. However, foreigners will not be the only ones coming to Clark but also locals from all over the country. Instead of going abroad for their vacation, they can come to Clark and experience the same magic. In this way, they can save more by having cheaper airline tickets since it's a domestic and not an international flight. Fourth, other firms indirectly related to this project can prosper. Airline Companies will have more passengers. Pasalubong stores in Clark will flourish as tourists come and go constantly. Resorts, restaurants, and hotels will be packed! Lastly, Mr. Iger will not worry of the theme park having no customers because it will be filled just by the number of Filipino guests only. Culturally, Filipinos are fun-loving, curious and adventurous people. As a Filipino, I myself would like to go visit this one of a kind theme park if conditions permit me. If this was here in the

Philippines, I will surely go because a passport and visa is not needed so hassle document papers won't be in the way. Also, I can understand the language spoken by locals there so, communication won't pose a problem in case I get lost. Moreover, I can have more fun here where I am more comfortable compared to when I go abroad.

           Of course, every decision has its costs. A huge size of land must be given up. Great amounts of utilities like water and electricity will be used. Pollution, specifically in noise, may occur. Large expenditure may be seen in households as they purchase the expensive products found in the park. The park manager cannot even be assured that all products and services can be in the best shape and quality as in the main park. Still, the benefits outweigh these costs. Problems always arise but in every problem, there is always at least one solution. So we must not be afraid of them. Time is on our side.Through this project, our country, the Philippines, may once again have the chance to be taken note of the world.