We cannot solve the problems that we face in the Philippines in a mere six years. There are still many things that we as a nation need in order for our children’s generation to prosper. For 2022 and beyond, as we expect to put this pandemic behind us, we, the next generation of Filipino-Chinese leaders hope that the succeeding leaders of the country will first and foremost continue the positive economic programs and policies of the previous administrations, while relentlessly working towards solving the myriad problems that plague our nation.

Our leaders must provide economic continuity.

Through our friends overseas, we observe that the leaders of our successful ASEAN and East Asian neighbors, whomever manages to come into power, always commit to make a consistent and fair business and economic environment for investors, both local and foreign.

As most of us are in the business sector, we look forward to a continuation of the prudent fiscal management of the Arroyo and Aquino years, and completion and further expansion of the infrastructure projects of the Duterte administration. 2022 must not be about vindictiveness or pettiness, but about moving forward as one nation.

Our leaders must be innovative and proactive.

Our leaders should be like a sponge, absorbing knowledge from all the best countries in the world. Our foreign relations should be like bamboo, sturdy yet flexible—standing firm in our principles, yet flexible in our approach to solving even the difficult problems. Above all, we must be a friend to all, and an enemy to none—at peace with everyone.

To further our nation’s economic development, our leaders must stridently take new paths to develop new sources of income. It is sad that most of our country’s wealth comes from exporting our own people—be it as overseas workers, or as night-shift workers in the outsourcing sector. Shouldn’t we find ways to resurrect our moribund agricultural and manufacturing sectors, or reform outdated economic laws and policies so that we can attract foreign investors? Why don’t we give incentives for homegrown companies in the technology sector, or those aspiring to become exporters or multinationals in other countries?

Our leaders must learn from the best practices of different countries.

Many of our agencies, laws, and regulations were still formulated in conditions that no longer apply to today’s fast-paced, globalized world. But we need not reinvent the wheel. When Japan was industrializing during the Meiji Restoration, its leaders sent their best students to Germany, Britain, France, and the US, to study the various strengths and systems of each country and apply what worked into the local landscape. Succeeding Asian nations like South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, China, Malaysia, and Thailand followed the same model, learning from both East and West.

'The Philippine government must think long term, creating programs that will allow our best students and technocrats to learn from the best the world has to offer.'

Our leaders should be like a sponge, absorbing knowledge from all the best countries in the world. Our foreign relations should be like bamboo, sturdy yet flexible—standing firm in our principles, yet flexible in our approach to solving even the difficult problems. Above all, we must be a friend to all, and an enemy to none—at peace with everyone.

Our leaders must be able to attract and utilize our brightest talents to serve the nation.

The Philippine government must think long term, creating programs that will allow our best students and technocrats to learn from the best the world has to offer, but then come back and serve the country and transform the nation.

Hubert Chua (fourth from left) at the Anvil Business Club Exchange Forum with Golden Arches Development Corp. George Yang (third from left) in February 2020.

China in the past decade embarked on the “Thousand Talents Plan” to attract their educated diaspora to come home and help the country reach another level in innovation and technology. Our overseas Filipino workers and balikbayans have proven themselves to be world-class everywhere they go. If we can utilize their talents, can one imagine how far we can reach?

Our leaders must inspire the youth and allow them to flourish.

Our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, once said that the youth is the hope of the nation. During the gloom of the pandemic, wasn’t it young leaders like Mayor Isko Moreno, Mayor Vico Sotto, Mayor Rex Gatchalian and Mayor Francis Zamora who were able put smiles on our faces—as we saw the tangible impact of their youthful energy in solving the issues of their cities?

Similarly, we hope that more of our young talents, especially among the Filipino-Chinese, can follow the examples of NEDA Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Finance Assistant Secretary Mark Joven, and the late incorruptible DILG Secretary and Mayor of Naga City Jesse Robredo (whose father’s actual Chinese surname is Lim).

They are excellent individuals with integrity who sacrificed promising careers in the business/private/NGO sectors to serve the country. Many young people who love the country want to serve—why don’t we allow them to flourish and lead?

Above all, our leaders must have an unwavering desire to improve the lives of our countrymen.

Our leaders must go beyond narrow self-interest and political ambition. Each government official, elected or appointed, should have only one question in mind—how can I best uplift the lives of the Filipino people? And so long as this guides all of us, even those who are in business, corporate, or in all fields and walks of life—perhaps, we can see a better Philippines for our children and grandchildren to come.

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