By Efren N. Padilla
CALIFORNIA, United States--My recent visit to Subic Bay Freeport in December of 2010 reminded me of a verse from the Book of Matthew: "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them."
I was disappointed.
Subic didn't look like the vibrant and colorful place they showed in its official website or the place that my friend dubbed as Little America where drivers still obey the stop signs.
Instead, I saw a place wasting away--its harbor waterfront littered with rows and rows of used cars, its downtown boarded up with abandoned construction sites, its runway falling into disrepair, and its golf course overtaken by weeds.
How is it that a place that was once proudly dubbed as Little America and founded upon some of the best American planning designs has been shamelessly allowed to turn into what one Subic resident calls "a clandestine den of smugglers and profiteers" is incomprehensible to me.
What is the matter with us? Why can't we successfully develop our free ports like what other countries have done?
Why is it that we can't seem to get our act together even when opportunities are served to us on a silver platter? Why do we have a penchant for giving what is sacred to the dogs or throwing pearls to pigs?
Are our leaders inherently corrupt or are they simply too incompetent to be entrusted with the task of managing the general welfare? I must confess that I don't have an answer.
I am still looking for a clue on why we seem incapable to effect real change for the benefit of our people. However, I am entertaining the thought that my architect friend shared to me--that the impetus for real change may come from outside of our political system, not from within.
I think what he alludes to is the tendency of those whom we entrust with power to think within the box rather than outside the box. As we may have already known, thinking within the box is not only less challenging but also expedient to one's own short-term interest or political survival.
And so, if our political life seems familiar and "pa-weather-weather lang," then our citizens are warranted in their perception that indeed nothing will change for the better in our country, except for the lives of the few who are momentarily in position of power.
Is this the best we can offer our people?
Note: The author is an urban and regional planning consultant and a professor of urban sociology and urban planning at California State University, East Bay. He has written books on the American Urban Regional Experience and Perspectives on Urban Society. Email: efren.padilla@csueastbay.edu
well, maybe you can do more by donating some of your fortunes to the needy children here...Your swipe against the status of SBMA is acknowledge..However your flip comment does not serve well. You are a SELFISH and SELF CENTERED person....In short just stay there in the US of A of yours...foo......
I read you letter in the pd inquirer, I think you got it hit. I went to subic last year for the first time after the americans left. I was in total disappointment after seeing the place that i asked my wife to leave after the dolphin show. Plan was to stay overnight. you are right with Your observation, subic is totally out of shape. I'll never go back there, my heart bleeds for subic.
Thank you so much for this very interesting observation. I am a businessperson in Subic Bay. I am disgusted with what I see around me. The level of corruption is beyond my comprehension, yet, the national government seems uninterested in changing this, or, one man cannot change a nation.
Subic Bay has the perfect opportunity to be a world-class free port zone. They speak English, it is safe to live, and there are two quite large and very empty shipping terminals. Yet, businesses seem to be moving to Clark, which is proving to be a good area to operate a business.
Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to see Subic in its glory days, however, I can imagine what it was like. As I understand it, the Americans made a written agreement with the Philippines. They would hand over the territory and property, on the proviso that the area will be maintained. This is not happening.
Slowly but surely, the forest is being felled, animals are being maimed for so called medicinal purposes (it is not uncommon to see monkeys with one or 2 legs missing) the roads are falling apart, the golf course is out of action, the airport has all but closed, the beaches are littered, buildings are in disrepair, and, businesses, such as FEDEX and Winston (which employed in total 35000), are forced to leave for greener pastures. We all know what the issue is, but, nothing has been done.
On the forest, I recently had an international business guest visit me, and he call the Subic forest the "dead forest". It is hard to hear a bird call. Poachers have been let in and the wild life are all but gone. I was informed that when the Americans were here, the forest was alive with many exotic animals. I think term here is Wulla Aku Pakiulum (I don't Care). I was recently informed that a commercial airline from Korea approached the local governing body, and, walked out on the meeting and went straight to Clark.
For me personally, I cannot believe the amount of red tape we have to go through, just to export a container. There is almost a week of this department and that department getting involved. All getting some form of financial compensation. One of my goals of setting up a business here was to assist the local people. It seems the higher powers have no interest in assisting or developing the people. Whereas, I know many western businesses in Clark, who are experiencing the opposite to this. The Clark Free Port Authorities seem to have been clever enough to work out that they will make more money by enticing interrelation investment.
Here in Subic, the money is stolen before it exists. I agree with you, I am not sure if this is due to a lack of intelligence, or greed. I put my money on greed. Water and electricity bills have double in 12 months, while most of the Philippines have had a reduction. This is due to the subsidiaries of the major supply companies not being paid by the local Subic authorities, and, to make up for this, the business and residential owners have to make up for the loss.
To dispose of commercial waste costs around USD2.00 for a 20 kgs. bag load. If you do not dispose of your waste, then the Subic "Beautification" department will come knocking. The rubbish is then taken to the tip and set alight. So, for three months of the years, if you are an asthmatic, you will experience breathing difficulties, due to the toxic fumes. Yet, Subic has an arrangement with Clark, whereas a certain amount of waste is sent from Clark to Subic, at a rate far cheaper than we pay. Wonder where that money has gone?
Unless immediate action is taken, Subic will fall apart, and business will be forced to leave for another area or country.
I think the writer's observation is emblematic of the Philippine condition so my advise is: "Bato bato sa langit ang tamaan huwag magagalit."
Many times I have commented to some friends living in the USA that the Philippines could be just as beautiful a place as Hawaii. I'm NOT saying that The Philippines is not a beautiful place, but there is such a vast untouched potential for beauty that is seems such a shame to allow it to be destroyed little by little. All it would take would be to have some individuals with the authority and will to end the corruption and greed that is so rampant in the country. The author here was dead on with his observations, and some of the comments have noted this also. It's not a lack of will or manpower to initiate change and beautification projects, it's the short term thinking of those in political power to line their pockets as much as they can for the short time they will be in office. Much of the world's attention and money is shifting from the West to Asia. Does the Philippines want any of it? Then it's time to act like it. Grow up. Face the fact that the major problem holding this beautiful country back is political corruption and greed from the top. Pres. Aquino appears to want this to end. I only hope he is very serious about this, to the extent he claims to be. There are hero's in Philippine history that made change without ever lifting a weapon, Rizal comes to mind. The USA is constantly assisting this country to better itself, and some will say this is for their own interests. Who cares why. Why not make the best use of what's given to us, and affect REAL changes in attitudes and actions. Make The Philippines what it really can be. Please.
You are another moron or I would say a Pinhead..what you see, is what you get..foo. What do you expect PH is a 3rd world country just above Bangladesh in standard way of living. Nobody is forcing you to visit SBMA. Maybe you and the writer can buy your own island and grow orchids and raised pink flamingos...FOND.....
well as we see he only wants changes for our country, but if that is your opinion your just accepting the wrong system we got here. another possibility your simply one them that's why you reacted that way.
someone who sees the negative image of the place only wants change. you can't apply what you see is what you get when your taxes go to nothing. well if your contented on what you see then just keep it to yourself because it only shows that your not thinking or you are not using your tiny pinhead for possible changes
I'm an American living in Binictican,SBFZ. I've been here more than a year and I can attest to everything the writer says. The premier attraction, the golf course, has since returned to the jungle. Other than the new hospital, which looks empty, everything else if falling apart. The traffic lights rarely work anymore, and the roads aren't being maintained. My electric bill here is TWICE what it would be in the US. Obviously, since I choose to live here, there are many things to love. But the lack of care does make you wonder what is important to the people. It seems like any half-decent manager could turn this place into something worth visiting, instead of something to forget.
well, you can keep the change. Why not try to go to AB Drive and see for your own eyes what PH CONDITION is.... Reality bites. you are living inside the box and looking in outside..If you really want CHANGES for a better PH..do it voluntarily and quietly... not like a stray dog barking in the street in the middle of the night..Live your Life and then FOND...
I agree with the writer's observation. I think the reactive response and/or ad hominem argument of those who have vested interests (especially in corruption) is understandable.
I don't understand why this pinoy is so upset with others desiring to see a change in the way the SBFZ is heading. Would he prefer to see things keep getting worse; trees leaving, animals leaving, and all the work and funds it took to make it into a very beautiful place being wasted?
The only reason I can see that someone would want things to keep on the same path to destruction is if they were a part of the problem, and don't want things to change, instead of a part of the solution. Why would anyone object to making the Philippines even more beautiful and prosperous?
I, for one, agree with the original author and those who would like to see the best use made of the SBFZ for the sake of the local economy. Infrastructure is expensive to build, and it costs substantially less to maintain it than it does to start from scratch again. Let's get it fixed before we have to start over.
Let's have some pride in our country instead of saying "What do you expect PH is a 3rd world country just above Bangladesh in standard way of living." It doesn't have to be that way. The Philippines is so much more than that demeaning description.
Very well said. And it's very sad. But there's always hope.
Welcome to the land of thieves and prostitutes... Anyone who is offended by this is welcome to express their anger to their locally elected officials... :)
i agree, the sbma was a lot better then than now.
when he was appointed chairman, gordon had a more constructive and productive vision for the facility. he was vocally strict and quick tempered but he ran the place with an army of dedicated volunteers who practiced a culture that was disciplined and organized.
the person who replaced him started a new breed of management that hungered for personal gains by abusing and corrupting the locals and the environment.
the writer after staying too long in U.S. of A and have vacation here in SBMA, he did not expect what he want to see and get disappointed... well said and done. As one of the volunteer when Mt Pinatubo erupted and the Americans left the base we toiled to preserved what was left at Subic. Its a hard work and SELF-VOLUNTEERED job...We never get paid by a penny but accomplished the goal, but things did not turn out as it used to be when Senator Gordon left. Hope all you guys commenting changes and WTF (Waiting The Future) can do some free voluntary work here for the good of this place..we dont need your nonsense comment and HYPOCRISY for the better future of country including SBMA....FOND.....By the way I do not work at SBMA I'm just an ordinary citizen who voluntary work for DSWD here at Olongapo...toiling my life in the field of dreams..FOND
Thank you for stating your position, and your experience at SBMA. It helps to know that you DO care what happens there.
Prior to your last response it appeared you didn't really care if things went from bad to worse, but this last post shows that you have worked to try and save what was in place already. For that I say thank you, and I'm sure you would agree that it took and takes a lot of work and sweat to keep what is there kept up.
Perhaps you are correct and if more individuals would either volunteer or even work there paid to bring back what was there, it could once again be a place all filipino's could be proud of.
So, don't give up, just try to keep being a part of the solution, and just as a side note: Not everyone making comments is a hypocrite. If we want to see change, it's just that we care also. Thanks for your comments and opinion... and volunteer work.
One more thing, just to help your opinion be worth something still, please don't tell people to F off N Die. It makes you appear illiterate, or small. It's ok to have an opinion, and to express it, but it will go farther if it's done respectfully. Ingat.
The Philippines is NOT a country of thieves and prostitutes. Anyone who says so is ignorant and uneducated. Yes, I am offended, because I have a college degree from a very reputable university, and holds a good job, travelled the world and an upstanding private citizen of this country. I haven't stolen or sold my body to get ahead.
You will find that a majority of our population are educated, upstanding citizens who earn an honest living.
To generalize our people based on just a few handful of individuals is biased and unfair.
I am from the province where SBMA is geographically situated. I was also a former employee of one of the Japanese company inside the SBMA. During my time, which was only few years back, I still could see how beautiful SBMA was, its potential to be a world class tourist destination, its promising geography most suitable for investors, and so on... I was ashamed that after a few years that i left SBMA, everything is different now.. I thank you for your observation, and anyone who refuses to accept what i think is just a constructive criticism only fails to accept reality.
SBMA, in reality, is not as beautiful as it was. This is not a fallacy but a fact! few years back, you will often hear about SBMA and what it can offer you, but now, i only hear SBMA when a barker of passenger jeepneys are shouting for rides. how come that SBMA leadership failed to continue the legacy that once started?
Its not yet the end of SBMA. We can still do it! we ask the National Government to step in and we can assure you that the people of Zambales, Bataan and nearby Provinces are at one pace behind you always ready for support needed.
Stop Curruption! this is the root of all the bad things happening!
Long live the Philippines!
Here's another problem that affects SBMA, nonexistant mail delivery. I've lived here two years and both years have only received 1 out of 6 letters that I should receive anually from SS in the US. Nothing from the IRS. Kind of makes you wonder where all that mail is getting lost?
The old saying.."The squeaky wheel gets the oil" may apply here. There can be lots of conversation about the situation at SBMA, but unless it gets to the correct ears, those in power with the authority to do something about it, it's just going to stay 'conversation'. We can't simply tell the politicians to fix this once, either. We have to keep this on their plate and in front of their eyes, being persistent, until they take the appropriate action. There has already been too much invested here to allow it to go to waste, or be devoured by individual greed. Keep writing your representatives, and get Subic back to what it was, and even better than before. Let's not go back to the stone age, ok?
May I add the job hiring in SBMA is now faith-based. You can be hired immediately if you belong to this religious group. Talk about moral decay? Indeed it is a sorry sight nowadays. The hardship of the volunteers have been wasted by these scum bags in office.
May I ask what you mean by "faith based"? What faith, and who makes that decision? This is something to be brought to the legislature's attention.
What a shame to read of this.
As an American who admires the Philippines and the Philippine people, I can only say that it was not necessary for the landlord to kick out the tenant, 20 years ago. It was a slap in the face to the American taxpayers and the loss of 15,000 Filipino jobs.
As is self evident, your country had its autonomy all along.
It was a failure of both your government and our government to allow it to happen.
Criticism is important but what good does it do if you aren't doing something about the problem.
Why don't you put your resources where your mouth is?
Listen, my family and I spend almost 50K USD every year on SBMA. What other resources do you suggest we put up? What else would you suggest,
and while you're at it, please tell all of us just what you are doing to help.
The situation facing by SBMA right now is very common in our country. Remember the case of Pantranco, Philippine Airlines and PNOC in the late 80's. Mismanagement..... lahat palugi. Millions of Filipino excell in doing their job outside their county but for the good of our country we end up as part of that "bulok" system embedded in our sociey.
Take note, after World War 2. Two thirds of the world's aid for Philippine recontructions found its way in the black market. Then the scandal of naturalization of Chinese Immigrants during 50's. And the worsts of all, the 2Billion USdollar bill of Bataan Nuclear power plant. So you see.....weather weather talaga. Kahit anong decades pa yan. basta corruption.
Remember this " EVIL PREVAILS WHEN GOOD PEOPLE DO NOTHING."
If the leadership are good there are always positive result.....look at Cebu and Laguna right now. (Tourism, cultural, industrial & commercially successful.) Kung nagawa ng mga leader nila. Kaya din ng iba.
Remember, fretting won't get you anywhere. It's the doing that does.
And If you really wanted to help. Even once a year, Aba mamasyal kayo sa Subic...instead of going to other country. Support our local tourism. At dun sa nagmamanage ng SBMA....do something different-out of the box ....gimmick, promos, activities to attract local tourist (think like Dubai). You are lucky SBMA team! You've got everything in Subic in terms of infrastructure & facilities compare to Cebu.
are you disappointed because you we're not able to see the "Little America"? It's like that everywhere here in the Philippines, no matter how many times we change our leaders it is still the same corruption is everywhere...so sad but true.Filipinos living in the US sounds like they are not Filipinos at all, before you left the country its already like this, garbage here and there, criminals everywhere etc, so ano'ng nakakagulat??? Just like the old line says "Ganito kami noon - ganito pa din kami ngayon". I'm thinking maybe it would be better if we do not elect our leaders at all - mga wala naman silbi kundi magnakaw! Pagkatapos magnakaw pag makukulong na magpapakamatay.. simple lang di ba?
"Are our leaders inherently corrupt or are they simply too incompetent to be entrusted with the task of managing the general welfare?"
The ANSWER is BOTH!
Not like the early days of SBMA, even the SBMA Police are now "KOTONG" experts.
Pinoys will be pinoys here or enywhere
I agree with ALL of your comments. I'd rather appreciate what the writer pointed out than try to push her down by non-sense comments. It's SIMPLY a WAKE UP call to all citizen. Resident and non-resident of Subic. I'm no Subic or Olongapo resident. However, I can feel what the writer is trying to point out. Not for SBMA alone. It's for the Philippines as a whole as Country. Open your EYES look around. It's not too late. We can still SAVE our HOME!
I hope the article is not made in an attemp to oust Arreza. Coz there are at least four political personalities targeting his seat. These types of write ups always hits the papers everytime a change in SBMA leadership is within range.
While I agree that the scenery in NavSta or CBD is not ideal, I still believe that SBMA can still make up for the loss. Arreza may not be as strong personality as Dick Gordon but given enough time, can accomplish equally outstanding feats.
His vision for SBMA presented during the SOFA have my full support... And I'm willing to volunteer again if needed. Remember: Shared Vision, Shared Struggles, Shared Triumph.
Mabuhay ang volunteers!
This is troubling. How can someone like the writer of this essay express an observation without the insinuation of a conspiracy?
SBMA cannot move forward when high-strung volunteers personalize an issue which is social in nature.
Perhaps, this volunteer is not really a volunteer but actually someone involved in the conspiracy to maintain the existing horrible order in SBMA.
Shared Vision, Shared Struggles, Shared Triumph indeed!
i worked in subic in an oil storage & distribution company inside the freeport for more than 5 years. Subic has all the facilities and resources to become a world class freeport but what happened to that vision? What had happened to Subic? Difinitely, there is something wrong, right???? Dapat siguro ibalik sa sbma si richard gordon or yung lider na totoong may malasakit sa subic hindi yung pa-weather-weather lang...ang sa akin ay opinyon lang...hindi pa huli ang lahat.
Well, I agree with the writer.. huh! pero parang hindi ka pinoy kung sumulat ka para naman pinahiya mo ang Filipinas hindi lang sa mga kapitbahay mo kundi pati na sa buong mundo! Kung may malasakit ka man din, then do it! at mag invest ka! ayusin mo yan. Wag kang parang asong kahol nga kahol dyan para ma pansin, eh amoy basura patay na hayop ka man din.
My comment lang sa mga Pinoy na nasa states na at naka pag dual citizen na "Puera sa hindi mayabang" nakakadiri kayo. Last February 4, 2011 katabi ko pa eroplano. Mukha namang engot, di namn marunong mag english, accent nya bulok, walang naman mukha, ang yabang! He is too loud! you Mister who are at nagbigay ka pa ng business card na sulat kamay. Ano sabi mo, I am American. its fine! pero nung sinabi na Napaka kurakot nga departamento na pinuntahan mo para sa case mo.. hey! di ka pa nga na hingan ng kahit insang sentimo, nang husga kana! DI na ganyan ka sama ang Pilipinas ngayon. Ang gusto mo lang e prioritize ka kasi americano ka na. ehy! San ka ba nag mula.
Kayong mga pinoy na nag dual citizen na kung puro paninira lang sa Filipinas ang alam nyo at mag pa VIP sa pinas, hey! hwag na kayo umuwi sa Filipinas. Hindi kayo welcome. Embis na tulungan nyo, sinisiraan nyo pa! at di pa local langauge pa nglish english pa kayo, too loud para marinig ng iba. ganon ba ang tama? You claimed to me to ba a Medical Doctor, a Scientist, at etc.. di professional sa tingin ko Basura ka Mr.!
Paano nyo lunukin ulit ang laway na dinura nyo kung dadating ang panahon na kelangan nyo ng umuwi sa pinas kung puro paninira lang alam nyo. Send your request to the authority at wag nyo e blog! kayo naman taga media we respect na fair ang laban pero pag mga blogs na talagang hindi maganda, edit nyo naman kunti.
pareho lang din kayo nito
http://betterphils.blogspot.com/
It's obvious from your comments that you have a great love for The Philippines, and you do not want to see our beloved country embarrassed on the world's stage by her countrymen. However, hindi naman ito sinulat para ipahiya ang Pilipinas sa boung mundo, sinulat ito para malaman ng marami kung anu ang nangyayari sa ibang bahagi ng bansa, bakit kung maganda ba ang pamamalakad ng mga taong na-assign sa SBMA palagay mo ba my susulat ng ganto? Siguro naman wala at kung meron man, siguro yun yung mga papuri kung gaano ito inaalagaan. Nagsasabi lang naman ang writer kung gaano na ka-corrupt sa Pilipinas, anu ba ang nasa balita ngayon? Hindi ba tungkol sa extreme corruption at the highest level of the military? pero hindi naman binibigyan ng karapatan yung mga dual citizen na magbigay ng masasamang comment tungkol sa Pilipinas. We all want the best for The Philippines and Subic. I know I do and I can tell from your comments that you do too. Thanks and Ingat lagi.
It's obvious from your comments that you have a great love for The Philippines, and you do not want to see our beloved country embarrassed on the world's stage by her countrymen. However, hindi naman ito sinulat para ipahiya ang Pilipinas sa boung mundo, sinulat ito para malaman ng marami kung anu ang nangyayari sa ibang bahagi ng bansa, bakit kung maganda ba ang pamamalakad ng mga taong na-assign sa SBMA palagay mo ba my susulat ng ganto? Siguro naman wala at kung meron man, siguro yun yung mga papuri kung gaano ito inaalagaan. Nagsasabi lang naman ang writer kung gaano na ka-corrupt sa Pilipinas, anu ba ang nasa balita ngayon? Hindi ba tungkol sa extreme corruption at the highest level of the military? pero hindi naman binibigyan ng karapatan yung mga dual citizen na magbigay ng masasamang comment tungkol sa Pilipinas. We all want the best for The Philippines and Subic. I know I do and I can tell from your comments that you do too. Thanks and Ingat lagi.
It's obvious from your comments that you have a great love for The Philippines, and you do not want to see our beloved country embarrassed on the world's stage by her countrymen. However, hindi naman ito sinulat para ipahiya ang Pilipinas sa boung mundo, sinulat ito para malaman ng marami kung anu ang nangyayari sa ibang bahagi ng bansa, bakit kung maganda ba ang pamamalakad ng mga taong na-assign sa SBMA palagay mo ba my susulat ng ganto? Siguro naman wala at kung meron man, siguro yun yung mga papuri kung gaano ito inaalagaan. Nagsasabi lang naman ang writer kung gaano na ka-corrupt sa Pilipinas, anu ba ang nasa balita ngayon? Hindi ba tungkol sa extreme corruption at the highest level of the military? pero hindi naman binibigyan ng karapatan yung mga dual citizen na magbigay ng masasamang comment tungkol sa Pilipinas. We all want the best for The Philippines and Subic. I know I do and I can tell from your comments that you do too. Thanks and Ingat lagi.
It's obvious from your comments that you have a great love for The Philippines, and you do not want to see our beloved country embarrassed on the world's stage by her countrymen. However, hindi naman ito sinulat para ipahiya ang Pilipinas sa boung mundo, sinulat ito para malaman ng marami kung anu ang nangyayari sa ibang bahagi ng bansa, bakit kung maganda ba ang pamamalakad ng mga taong na-assign sa SBMA palagay mo ba my susulat ng ganto? Siguro naman wala at kung meron man, siguro yun yung mga papuri kung gaano ito inaalagaan. Nagsasabi lang naman ang writer kung gaano na ka-corrupt sa Pilipinas, anu ba ang nasa balita ngayon? Hindi ba tungkol sa extreme corruption at the highest level of the military? pero hindi naman binibigyan ng karapatan yung mga dual citizen na magbigay ng masasamang comment tungkol sa Pilipinas. We all want the best for The Philippines and Subic. I know I do and I can tell from your comments that you do too. Thanks and Ingat lagi.
FIRST OF ALL MR. EFREN N. PADILLA, WHO ARE YOU TO CRITICIZE SBMA. IT SEEMS LIKE AN ORDINARY PERSON LIKE YOURSELF IS REACHING A BIT TOO HIGH FOR ATTENTION. I KNOW YOUR TYPE. RAISED IN THE STATES AND YOU THINK YOU ARE THE MAN. PROBABLY FORGOT TO TALK TAGALOG THE MINUTE YOU ARRIVED IN THE STATES. PROBABLY GREEN CARD HOLDER TOO. AND YOU CALL YOURSELF AN EDUCATED MAN. USE IT PROPERLY! YOU ARE IMPRESSING ONLY YOURSELF. I LIVE HERE AND LEFT THE STATES BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU! EVERYTHING YOU HAVE THERE, I CAN GET HERE! WAKE UP AND DON'T FORGET WHERE YOU CAME FROM. FOR EVERYONE ELSE WHO THINKS HIS REMARKS ARE POSITIVE IN EFFECT, IT IS NOT! HE IS NO DIFFERENT FROM THE KKK AND THE BLACK PANTHERS IN THE STATES. ALL WHO ARE EXTREMELY PREJUDICE AND BIGOTS. SOMEONE NEEDS TO SLAP SOME SENSE INTO THIS GUY! I WOULD DO IT PERSONALLY BUT I'M TO FAR AWAY!
First of all, sir, Mr Padilla is spot on, and if you can't see that, then perhaps you are a part of the problem. You attempt to denigrate his heritage and love for his country. You resort to name calling and comparison's that are so far from truth they wouldn't even qualify as hyperbole. If Mr. Padilla did not love The Philippines, then why would he attempt to bring attention to the conditions at SBMA. His reference to the corruption at very high levels is reinforced by what seems to be the biggest story in the news from The Philippines these days; massive theft by those in high places in the military. If you want to close your eyes to that, then SBMA will continue to deteriorate. When the Americans left, they left behind a great infrastructure. All that needed to be done was to maintain it. Instead, as anyone can see it is going from bad to worse. What the author is asking is this; When is it going to stop and begin to be restored? Mr. Padilla posted his credentials at the base of his story. Where are yours? You resort to name calling and slurring someone else, but fail to realize that this simply makes your argument lack rational thought. Be respectful, and disagree if you like, but, be a part of the solution instead of carrying on with a rant that does nothing positive.
NO, NO, NO, NO !!! HE HAS NO INTENTIONS OF GIVING A POSITIVE PUSH FOR THE NATIVITIES HE WROTE ABOUT. IF YOU TRULY WANT CHANGE DON'T MOCK OR CRITICIZE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME FAR AWAY IN LEISURE LAND. COME AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT PHYSICALLY. THERE IS NO BEATING AROUND THE BUSH ON THIS ONE. HE CLEARLY STATED HIS BAD OPINIONS IN A PLACE HE OBVIOUSLY WENT TO VISIT. HELL HE IS FROM THE PHILIPPINES. WHY IS THAT THESE KIND OF PEOPLE SUDDENLY HAVE THE AUDACITY TO BERATE THE PHILIPPINES. AND OF ALL PLACES SBMA! SBMA DOES THINGS RIGHT COMPARED TO OTHER PLACES I'VE SEEN. IT IS DEFINITELY NOT THE STATES AND SHOULD NEVER BE UP FOR COMPARISON. I'VE LIVED IN MANY PLACES IN THE US BECAUSE OF MY JOB AND BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY THAT THERE ARE ALOT OF PLACES IN THE US THAT DON'T EVEN COME CLOSE TO SBMA. BUT I HAVE THE COMMON SENSE TO NOT COMPARE AND BELITTLE! SHAME ON THIS GUY FOR BEING A BAD EXAMPLE OF A FILIPINO!!!
NO, NO, NO, NO !!! HE HAS NO INTENTIONS OF GIVING A POSITIVE PUSH FOR THE NATIVITIES HE WROTE ABOUT. IF YOU TRULY WANT CHANGE DON'T MOCK OR CRITICIZE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME FAR AWAY IN LEISURE LAND. COME AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT PHYSICALLY. THERE IS NO BEATING AROUND THE BUSH ON THIS ONE. HE CLEARLY STATED HIS BAD OPINIONS IN A PLACE HE OBVIOUSLY WENT TO VISIT. HELL HE IS FROM THE PHILIPPINES. WHY IS THAT THESE KIND OF PEOPLE SUDDENLY HAVE THE AUDACITY TO BERATE THE PHILIPPINES. AND OF ALL PLACES SBMA! SBMA DOES THINGS RIGHT COMPARED TO OTHER PLACES I'VE SEEN. IT IS DEFINITELY NOT THE STATES AND SHOULD NEVER BE UP FOR COMPARISON. I'VE LIVED IN MANY PLACES IN THE US BECAUSE OF MY JOB AND BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY THAT THERE ARE ALOT OF PLACES IN THE US THAT DON'T EVEN COME CLOSE TO SBMA. BUT I HAVE THE COMMON SENSE TO NOT COMPARE AND BELITTLE! SHAME ON THIS GUY FOR BEING A BAD EXAMPLE OF A FILIPINO!!!
SEE THAT'S WHERE WE ARE DIFFERENT. YOU SAY THAT I NEED TO BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION AND NOT THE PROBLEM. WELL I AM THE SOLUTION. WE HAVE A SAYING WHERE I COME FROM, IT GOES LIKE THIS, "DON'T COME TO ME WITH PROBLEMS BUT INSTEAD, SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS".I AM A MEMBER OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF OLONGAPO AND WE TAKE CARE OF SBMA ALSO. WE JUST PLANTED TREES AND CLEANED UP THE SEA SIDE AND DO CHARITABLE EVENTS IN THE NAMESAKE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE. THAT'S WHY PEOPLE LIKE MR. PADILLA AGGRAVATES ME ALOT. I AM A PROUD FILIPINO AND A EVEN PROUDER OLONGAPEANO. WE TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN HERE. AND TO BE STRAIGHT I DO KNOW HOW TO DECIPHER A MESSAGE. AND THAT MESSAGE WAS CLEAR, LOUD AND NEGATIVE. IF I OFFEND YOU, WELL MAYBE YOU NEED TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND ASK YOURSELF, WHAT HAVE I DONE LATELY FOR THE PHILIPPINES?
Now, I can understand why you are yelling with the caps locks on, while my eyes are going deaf. :) You have a real interest in Olongapo and Subic.
If I offended you by mentioning that you might be a part of the problem, I apologize. If you are a member of the Rotary Club, and are attempting to affect changes for the better there, for the people, you have my gratitude and support.
I would ask you one thing though regarding Mr. Padilla's observations. Was he wrong? How does the golf course look now? Is it still as beautiful as it was? How is the runway? Is it being maintained well? Are there many buildings boarded up in town? And with regard to the waterfront. How does it look? Is it being maintained as it was before? Your comment mentions that you and others have worked on cleaning up the seaside, and planting trees, which is commendable work. On behalf of myself and others who will benefit from your efforts, I thank you and your organization.
I believe what Mr. Padilla was trying to point out is that SBMA was once a pearl, handed to us on a silver platter, and now it's not as beautiful as it once was, and he's wondering why it simply couldn't be maintained, since the infrastructure was already in place.
I noticed you didn't comment on the issue of corruption. If you don't believe it exists, then we don't have anything else to discuss. It does, and only the blind or illiterate would fail to see it.
With regard to your disgust for Mr. Padilla's story, written from, to quote you, "the comfort of your home far away in leisure land". I would remind you that many people have affected changes without being present, or without picking up a shovel or gun. Jose Rizal always comes to mind, since he did his most important work, and brought about the most change for The Philippines and her people by WRITING. He never picked up a gun. But because of what he wrote, many did, and overthrew the corruption of the time.
So, I ask you, Is there corruption that is stifling the positive works you and your organization are attempting to bring about? If so, how will you bring attention to it and rid yourself of it so that your efforts are not being used in vain, or simply lining the pockets of a few in control.
It's not an easy task to bring negative attention to someone or something you love for it's own good. You know the results you desire, but you also know that you can't change what you see happening alone. Thus the story from Mr. Padilla. I don't know the man personally, but I can see from what he has written that he has a great love for The Philippines, AND her people. The reason for his writing is to stimulate changes, from within or outside, that will benefit the common people, and not those in power who only take, but misuse the trust placed in them. Simply put, he loves the country, but not those who love themselves and their riches more.
The fact simply is... Subic was once a promising city, and politicians have let it degrade.
Rather than be 'fathers' with a vision for their children(the civilians) and their home, they are instead more interested in money or entertaining them.
I have to make it clear - I am proud of the Filipinos who have gone the distance and become icons in sports, entertainment, medicine, services, etc.
But what is very disappointing, and embarrassing is that for all the Filipino Can....
There's so much the Filipino Can't...
For all the friendliness and hospitality we show foreigners, why can't we be the same to each other?
Subic is like a beautiful house left behind to the Filipino family by a great Uncle...Uncle Sam (USA). But years after, it's been left to disuse.
But when the Filipino is abroad, we're all good.
We need an Edsa Revolution that changes what we expect of the politicians, and hold them to it.
An abusive father should be stopped by the mother and the children. But why is it that we don't?
First of all I would like to congratulate the author of this article for speculating on the real situation of our country, your opinion indeed reveals factual sense and real image of the Philippines. To those bloggers who says the writer is a moroon I guess you are calling yourself like it. I am a Filipino and I would like to say Filipinos are arrogant, conceited and hypocrites. They tend not to accept the fact and negative opinions about our country. Did you happen to come out of your nest and see the world beyond you? Go out of your shell and listen to what other people say about us. You don't have the right to be proud of our country because other nationalities dread of us as people being corrupt and cunning. Dread of our homeland as dirty and mountain of garbage. The land of helpers and thieves. The home of the hypocrites and arrogants. I am living in a country where my head stoop down whenever I hear bad news about my fellow Filipinos or bad events occuring backhome. Last thing I'd like to tell everyone stop being stupid look around and do valuable things for the good of the country.
Thank you Sir/Madame for pre-empting me with my opinion about everyone and all what is written here.
It is obvious that we all long for a better Philippines (and Subic)no matter how we put our contribution of opinions. But, still, there are those that seem to simply want to engage in an acrimonious, nonsensical discussion. I can't help noticing that some deviate from the topic of Subic and instead insolently demean the character of Mr. Padilla and his purpose of opening the subject matter about the deterioration of SBMA. Isn't it obvious that he is simply exposing the muck for it to be cleaned? Shouldn't we be grateful for that instead of assassinating his charachter for presenting us the naked truth? Nagagalit tayo at naiinsulto sa katotohanan?
And for those who say Mr. Padilla should walk his talk, well, for me he's already walking his talk by way of his write-up. Tama yung sabi ng isang kabayan--Dr.Jose Rizal was never physical; he wielded his pen and became our hero, and that is exactly what Mr. Padilla is doing now with his contribution of this essay.
i totally agree with Mr.Padilla's observation.my heart sank ,so dissappointed of what i saw.The real solution is for those people who have bus. in the area to clean up the place.They will be the direct beneficiary anyway.If they care enough to bring bus. in to the area.
Philippines is so beautiful,so many places to see and yet the goverment fail to help develop those areas.El Nido is a popular tourist area and yet the roads and transportation sre so bad!