REACTION PAPER: GLOBALIZATION AND NATION-BUILDING IN THE PHILIPPINES:

State Predicaments in Managing Society in the Midst of Diversity

Written by ROMMEL C. BANLAOI

According to the article, recognizing that globalization is the buzzword of the 21st century and
inevitably affects the growth and governance of many nation-states, the Philippines bravely
entered the WTO (World Trade Organization) to prepare itself for global competitiveness and
reap the benefits that globalization may bring. This chapter argues that the difficulties
encountered by the Philippines in meeting the challenges of globalization stem from the nature of
the Philippine state. The state that developed after the declaration of Philippine independence in
1945 may be described as both a "premature" and "weak" state. Globalization is not the root
cause of the tensions in Philippine society. Poverty causes these tensions, and poverty is the
result of weak institutions of governance. This weakness stems from the premature and weak
nature of the Philippine state. ‘We must create a kind of globalization that works for everyone
not just for a few’-Nestor Kirchner

As an individual living in the state of the Philippines, I am open to know and understand the
difficulties of my country and as students who is mostly not engaging in the business of politics,
I become instantly aware what is happening in the society we live in. The nature of Philippine
states describes as a weak and premature was as heartbreaking reality that may continue as our
government do nothing. Also, about globalization being the reason of the tensions in Philippine
society is something similar in the article which is not true. I was not even surprised at poverty
being the main reason for it because from the moment that I became exposed to these kinds of
topics I heard a lot of opinions like this. For me living in poverty was a curse for the ones who
are experiencing it. Some may say it was their fault for not being competent enough to become
successful, but it was not the real reason behind that. One of them was the lack of jobs for those
who cannot longer finish college. Government should be the one who address because it was
their job in the first place, they should know the situation of their citizens.
Another is having our new elected President Marcos. Many of our citizen still doubted Pres.
Marcos the effectiveness of him as a leader of our nation and many are afraid because they say
he might be also one of the corrupted official. These thoughts will not change until President
Marcos prove himself. Same here, way back to globalization and nation building in the
Philippines. he (President Marcos) was the answer. Only if he handles this before anything else,
the premature and weak state might not be the word to describe our economy. Also, we Filipino
are his people and we are here not just to watched him all do the work. He needs support from
us. We should follow his lead if it is too much then voice it.

I have written a lot of things here that may be confusing to others because this is primarily my
opinion about a certain topic. Based on my own understanding I give my all suggestions and
insights about things I know is right and helpful. Through this I can voice out what is on my
mind and giving out thse kind of information give me a sense of fulfillment because the topic
was related to my nation which is the philippines. I was able to finish this because in the end I
know this is me who is writing this and I meant every word in giving my opinions.