The changing
demographics of Asian countries should provide the Philippines with enough
clues on how to chart its course as a country in the next two or more decades,
and therefore increase its potential for growth for its huge population.
It has been noted by many global economists as well as sociologists
that Asia’s economic powerhouses, i.e., Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore,
Hong Kong and Macau, are all bothered by fertility rates that are significantly
below those needed to maintain or grow their population levels.
For example, in Singapore, the government is drawing up a program that
would cost billions of dollars to attract young Chinese students to study in
Singaporean schools on scholarships provided they stay to work in the island
state for three years after graduation.
Singaporean policy makers hope that these Chinese students will
eventually decide to permanently reside in their country and ease what is
foreseen as extreme shortages in the work force in the coming years. Singapore
has one of the lowest growth rates in the region, at 1.09 percent.
There’s a lot of lively debate going on in Singapore about this policy
move, often centering on why Chinese youths should be given preferential
treatment over the state’s youngsters. But the more serious side that is being
argued is the state of China’s population, one that is also facing potential
problems.
China after all – much like Thailand, Burma and Vietnam although to a
lesser extent – is due for some rude awakening since its population growth rate
is now also below replacement statistic, and even compounded by longer years of
its senior citizens.
Asia’s ageing and
greying population
It’s no wonder that many of our more affluent neighbors are also
preparing for radically higher social spending to care for their ageing
populations: increased pension allocations not just because of the longer life
years but also to keep up more expensive health delivery costs.
Yes, Japan, South Korea and Singapore are earnestly planning about
building more hospitals, acquiring more sick beds, and getting better health
equipment. With this comes attracting more doctors, nurses and health workers.
A more astute political leadership in the Philippines should see the
immense opportunities that come in the way for this nation of 92-and
counting-million people. And we’re not even talking about the decimated
populations in the West.
For starters, the local medical industry should be encouraged to
prepare to for these coming changes by having more hospitals equipped with the
latest state-of-the-art treatment facilities. With this, we should see more of
our doctors and nurses choosing to stay in the country, especially if salaries
and fees are increased.
Universities and schools for the medical profession should be
encouraged to go into specialized training, including geriatric care, that
would put to ease any doubts in the minds of these Japanese, Koreans or
Singaporeans as to the quality of health care delivery and service that they
can get.
Couple health
treatments with tourism
Going further, the idea of strengthening a medical tourism concept
should not be taken lightly. Korea has been capitalizing on this recently but
promoting not only its medical facilities but also its tourist attractions. I
think we can do much better, and even at a much lower cost.
But again, this will require a purposeful government hand, one that
will create a roadmap to pick priority destination areas where world-class
hospitals can be built and at the same time serve as rest and recreation sites
for those recuperating.
Of course, this means that this government must make a decided stand on
its travel facilities starting with the international airports, moving on to
roads, and last but not least, to the chosen vacation areas where the
recovering tourist can enjoy clean air, good food, comfortable lodging, and our
famed hospitality – all at very competitive rates.
Let’s go beyond sloganeering. It can be more fun in the Philippines if
visitors who come in after 5 p.m. will be serviced by Immigration officials who
are working on a “voluntary” basis because of this still unresolved overtime
pay issue.
It can be pretty upsetting for a foreigner coming in for sick treatment
to be asked to stand in line and wait his turn for at least 30 minutes because
there are only two Immigration officers manning the shift.
Resolve the
Terminal 3 issue
And of course, the issue of opening NAIA Terminal 3 must be resolved if
this country will want to bring up its tourist arrival figures from the current
four million to 10 million in the next four years. As it now stands, NAIA
Terminal 1 has already reached its maximum throughput.
Why spend money on sprucing up the old international airport when what
is really needed it a bigger terminal that can accommodate more visitors as
well as the growing number of overseas Filipino workers who return for their
vacation breaks.
As I’ve mentioned in previous columns, whatever the reasons that have
developed, it is never impossible to find a solution that will be acceptable to
all parties concerned. What is needed is for this government to set its mind to
resolving the issue.
It seems that our bureaucrats involved in this case are going into some
form of mental paralysis, fearing to get involved in further controversy just
in case they are perceived to be straying from P-Noy’s “Matuwid na Daan”
course.
It’s laudable for our government officials to keep to the straight and
honest road, but to stop in its track and not do anything would be ruinous, if
not totally treasonous. Don’t tell me nothing’s going to happen in the next
four years until this current administration term’s ends?
Now, that’s going to be fatal for our country and for Filipinos.
Rey Gamboa
The Philippine Star
Business & Investment Opportunities
YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Consulting, Investment and Management, focusing three main economic sectors: International PR; Healthcare & Wellness;and Tourism & Hospitality. We also propose Higher Education, as a bridge between educational structures and industries, by supporting international programs. Sign up with twitter to get news updates with @SaigonBusinessC. Thanks.
No comments:
Post a Comment