Gold in the Philippines

The formal inauguration of the Malampaya natural gas project of Shell is cause for national rejoicing. For the first time in history, the Philippines is now an energy producer. And it will produce not only a small amount of natural gas but a huge one, saving the Philippines hundreds of millions of dollars a year in oil imports.

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It is strange but amusing, how some segments of Philippine society reacted to the formal inauguration of Shell’s Malampaya project. One major daily put the energy gas project below the front-page fold, opting instead to use the banner headline – "La Salle Shoots Down Ateneo" – as the major story. Mababaw talaga ang kaligayahan ng Pinoy. Translated literally, how shallow is the Filipino’s well of joy.

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The Philippines abounds with natural resources. Yes, there is gold in its mountains, hills, seas, rivers, valleys, everywhere. Unfortunately, bigtime investors from both here and abroad have refused or failed to pump in their money to develop these natural resources. And the major reason for their refusal to come in as investors are man-made: graft, bureaucratic red tape, peace and order, absence of infrastructure, and unstable rules in the playing field.

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Even a simple Temporary Restraining Order from a lower court can stop a huge project from being implemented. And in the sidelines, there are characters and wise guys always on the lookout on how to make grease money from the project. Apparently, it is lack of patriotism and love of self that have stymied the setting up of productive projects such as Shell’s Malampaya natural gas venture.

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I am heartened to know that there remain concerned Filipinos who yearn to see the sun rise in the Philippine horizon. They are so unlike some of our countrymen who indulge in nothing else but activities that tend to destroy our country. Let me cite, for instance, Mila A. Abad, who took time to say that my column last Monday, October 15, entitled "The sun also shines," was inspiring, "exactly what we need, a shot in the arms." Mila added: "Heaven knows, we have enough dark clouds. We fail to see the cup half-full." She suggested that I continue writing similar optimistic developments happening in our country.

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What is disheartening is that some people in our society take pleasure in rumor-mongering, smearing other people’s reputation, making mountains out of mole hills, sowing intrigues and hatred, dividing instead of uniting our nation. If we can only make these people reform their attitudes and mindset in dramatic fashion, our nation can begin to move forward once again. May the tribe of Mila Abad grow a thousandfold!

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Ramon Sanchez, writing from Hong Kong, sounded a similar call like Mila Abad. He appealed to our people, especially mediamen, to become "constructivists". He praised President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for her determination to deliver our nation out of crisis. "Let us focus on nation-building. Let us dig ourselves out of crisis. Let us be less of a critic, for criticism’s sake or for readership’s sake," Sanchez said.

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It seems such a long time ago when Marissa Almario-Coe, using the pen name "The Flame", who runs a business organization involved in motivating people, wrote a beautiful letter which I featured in Jaywalker. Since that time, which was many years ago, I had not heard from her.

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Several days ago, Marissa wrote a note, with this plea: "Please help me find my voice." Her voice was directed to "our dear Elected Officials." And here is what Marissa said:

Tomorrow may never be. For today is. And yesterday was.
Which way then is to the paradise of the poor?
The promise land of the youth?
Forgive me. By your actions, I have judged you.
Where you are, I do not want to be. Yet envious.
Of your being in the ultimate place of selfless giving.
A favored gift for only the elected few.
By chance. Or by choice.
Logic understands basic facts. Senses perceive probably truth.
But it is only the soul, in all purity, that validates intentions. Here lies my greatest fear.
The fear of the unknown.
There is much talk. On air. In print. There is great war. Between friends. Among foes.
No victors. Only victims – innocent and beloved, our children!
Amidst much noise, you probably can hear.
But only in the safe silence of your heart can you truly listen.
To a naked body needing to be clothed.
An empty stomach needing to be fed.
A restless mind needing to be calmed.
Even listen to hopes and dreams. For peace. Security. Equal opportunities.
Of those trying simply to survive. Of those earnestly waiting for a future.
Remember them? You held their empty hands.
You visited their miserable homes. Kissed and hugged them tight.
With solid promises.
The cameras clicked.
And you won!
Be quiet now.
And if you must, speak the language of love. That you may transcend self.
Be still.
And if you must, act by the spirit within. That you may inspire others.
Only then can you claim the right to lead. Ours is the privilege to follow.
Tomorrow can be. If we live today. And forgive the past.

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Thoughts for Today:

When you find a dream
inside your heart,
don’t ever let go.
For dreams are the tiny seeds
from which tomorrows grow.

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Life always gives you back what you give out.
It’s a mirror of your actions.
Your life’s not a coincidence,
but an echo of your own doings.

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My e-mail address: <[email protected]>.