Facing the Odds in the Land Of Promise

For all the years of Colonial ruling over Philippine Archipelago until it
receive its full independence against the foreign powers we witness the
drastic change and development being imposed by each succeeding
government all over the past eras but despite of this full swing effort to coup
up the whole nations thirst for development and welfare, the government
has struggled to bring up the desired Socio Economic programs in Mindanao
unlike the rest of the predominantly Catholic nation. A beautiful island in the
southern part of the Pearl of the Orient that because of its impressive tropical
rainforests, fertile valleys and great biodiversity it is taunted by many as the
LAND OF PROMISE. But why does this fertile island of the south doesnt
seem to be equally match with the rest of the islands of the Philippines? Well,
it all started way before than we think.
Before the Europeans set their foot in this archipelago like most of the
known parts of the country Mindanao was already a thriving civilization with
Islam as their primary basis of social norms alongside with the ancient tribal
beliefs of the elders notably used by the Pagan tribes those where the times
where theyre uncontested for they have no particular difficulties in holding
the economic needs of their domain. But it doesnt have last for in the last
quarter of the 15th Century, The Spaniards formally established a colonial
government over the whole archipelago wherein it has been named as La
Islas Filipinas a Hispanic control islands that soon to be the central

government of the Spanish East Indies. Since Spain hold its pride as the
defender of the Catholic faith and the leading colonial superpower of Europe
and the whole world, this doesnt excuse the Philippines to undergo into a
period of inquisition that last until 1898 over this period many have shed
their bloods and force to abandon their Paynim beliefs over Christianity. But
others fight till death especially the Moors that they even prove theyve the
force and will to contest the enemies and fight for their faith and demesne.
Days and centuries past the main problem is still the same that Mindanao up
to these present days hardly to attain the long lasting peace due to conflicts
in terms of religion, authority and government policy.
Based on the press released that Ive read Mindanao has 11 of 20
poorest province in the country with the highest listed record of 74.3 %
poverty incidence in the Province of Lanao Del Sur as per data being
gathered by the Philippine Statistics Authority . Those provinces being listed
are commonly known as the battlefield of war between the government and
the rebel groups widely spread throughout most of the Mindanaos Area.
Commercial and Industrial establishments cant thrive fully due to lack of
human resources and the dangers brought by sudden attack made by both
parties.
Power Distribution System is also a problem over the region just this
first quarter of the year Mindanaoans experience an irritable power shortage.
Office transactions and Business transaction cant hardly thrive at nigh time

and the daily lives of the people are being affected. Bomb attacked over the
tower system of NGCP are being blamed how this crisis happened.
Upon all these leading cause, One puzzles me most how does this
event just being let to happen without having a strong solution to deter the
issues affecting the daily lives of the people and have Mindanao a long
lasting peace that leads to progress all over the region . Lets just focus on
the current government policy being promote by the next President since I
believe Bangsamoro Basic Law of the Government of the Aquinos arent fit
and effective in a long run to seized the problems in the whole Mindanaoan
region for aside from it contradicts to the directives of the constitution of the
land the main people that will just benefit on that policy are just the rebels
and the Malaysian government interest. The Incoming President of the
Republic, Rodrigo Duterte is openly endorse to the public the changing of
form of government from Unitary to Federalism this means it will comprises
by federation of states with a democratic form of government having its own
economic and governing laws this means those national issues like the
problem in Mindanao will be taken in a local grounds unless or otherwise
theres a threat of terrorism and civil related incidence in which the national
will take over take the threat against possible man made havoc.

I dont see a problem with regards to the coming main goal of the next
administration since Federal form have so many good things can be brought

to the country only that the government should focus more on ensuring the
public that the Philippines are well ready to have this change especially in
Mindanao where our next President lived. We can attain this if we work
together .We future leaders have something to do about it. But I just really
hope those people who will seat on the government for 3-6 years must focus
in changing themselves first for its about time to end the culture of
corruption and focus in government service. It just needs a True Servant
Leaders who will lead the people to achieve the goals of the government in
making Mindanao a next centre for commerce, industry and progress.

Krisha Mae R. Ragas

BS Accountancy II-A