Analytical Paper - A Question of Heroes: Understanding their Roles and

Contributions to the Development of Phillippine Nationalistic Thoughts

The Philippines, often referred to as "the sick man of Asia," has faced enduring

challenges of underdevelopment. This characterization stems from its prolonged

difficulties in achieving the same levels of economic and social progress as its

Southeast Asian counterparts, despite being endowed with rich natural resources and a

geographically strategic position that could have been leveraged for greater

developmental success. Historically, the nation has been blessed with an abundance of

natural resources, including vast agricultural lands, minerals, and a vibrant biodiversity.

These resources, in conjunction with its position at the crossroads of major sea routes

in the Asia-Pacific, evidently position the Philippines for economic prosperity. However,

the reality has been starkly different. Hence, this paper seeks to examine the root

causes of this lack of progress by examining the related matters of land reform,

constitutional amendments and programs, and taxation. By delving into these topics, we

can acquire a deeper understanding of the fundamental obstacles that have impeded

the country's progress and pinpoint possible paths to long-term development.

The colonial past of the Philippines has significantly influenced its

socio-economic fabric, primarily through the feudal land tenure system introduced

during Spanish rule. This system centralized land ownership in the hands of a select

few elites, crafting a legacy of unequal land distribution that not only persisted

throughout American colonization but also continued well beyond the nation's

attainment of independence. As a result of this entrenched agrarian structure, economic

growth faced formidable barriers, while rural poverty and social unrest became deeply
rooted issues. Against this backdrop, agrarian reform emerged as a vital, yet highly

contentious topic within the Philippines. Aiming to address and rectify the longstanding

injustices stemming from concentrated land ownership, the main objective of agrarian

reform has been the redistribution of land back to farmers. Nevertheless, the path to

implementing these reforms has been anything but smooth.

Launched in 1988, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP)

represented a bold initiative aimed at rectifying the historical injustices in land

distribution. The aim of CARP was not only ambitious but also noble, as it sought to

dismantle the barriers to equitable land access that had long contributed to rural

poverty. By redistributing lands to landless farmers, the program aspired to lay the

foundations for a more just and productive rural sector. However, despite its

praiseworthy objectives, CARP's implementation was filled with difficulties: Adequate

funding, essential for the acquisition and distribution of lands, was always insufficient.

This financial shortfall directly impacted the program's capability to fulfill its assignment,

leaving many potential beneficiaries in a state of limbo; Concurrently, bureaucratic

inefficiencies and red tape added layers of complexity, delaying processes that should

have been straightforward. These administrative hurdles not only slowed the pace of

redistribution but also eroded the trust of the farmers it aimed to serve. Moreover,

resistance from influential landowners further compounded these troubles. With

significant resources at their disposal, these landowners were able to exploit loopholes

within the reform's legal framework, effectively neutering attempts to distribute land

more equitably. Through various legal and extralegal tactics, they managed to retain
control over vast tracts of land, thereby undermining the spirit and objectives of the

reform program.

The consequences of these challenges were extensive. The pace of land

redistribution was significantly slower than planned, which in turn allowed the old power

structures to remain largely in place. This status quo perpetuated the cycle of rural

poverty, as the majority of small farmers remained either landless or stuck in exploitative

tenant-farmer relationships. Without ownership or secure tenure, these farmers found

themselves without the leverage or means to invest in better farming techniques,

access credit, or tap into lucrative markets. This lack of investment and opportunity

contributed not only to stagnating agricultural productivity but also to a cycle of rural

underdevelopment. The dominance of a few in land ownership discouraged investment

in rural communities and infrastructures, further worsening the divide between rural and

urban areas. Instead of becoming centers of growth and innovation, rural communities

remained marginalized, lacking in basic services and opportunities for advancement.

The Constitution of the Philippines, crafted to advance democratic rule and

societal fairness, has experienced multiple changes and efforts targeted at confronting

the developmental hurdles of the nation. Established after the fall of the Marcos

dictatorship, sought to promote social justice and human rights. It included provisions

for agrarian reform, social justice, and economic equity. However, the effectiveness of

these provisions has been limited by political and economic factors (Fallows, 1987).

Nevertheless, these changes have frequently been inadequate due to the sway of
established political leaders and the continuation of patronage-based politics. One

significant issue is the persistence of political dynasties and elite control over the

political and economic spheres. These dynasties often prioritize their interests over

national development, leading to policies that do not address the needs of the broader

population. The concentration of political power in the hands of a few undermines

democratic governance and perpetuates socio-economic inequalities (Tayao, 2021).

Efforts to amend the constitution to address these issues have faced significant

resistance. Proposals for constitutional reform, such as transitioning to a federal system

to promote regional development, have been controversial and have not garnered

enough political support. The lack of political will and the vested interests of powerful

elites have hindered meaningful constitutional reforms.

Moreover, the taxation system in the Philippines is another critical factor

influencing its development trajectory. A fair and efficient tax system is essential for

generating revenue to fund public services and infrastructure. However, the Philippine

tax system has historically been characterized by inefficiencies and inequities (Buendia,

1993). The tax base in the Philippines is narrow, with a significant portion of the

economy operating in the informal sector, which is difficult to tax. Additionally, tax

evasion and avoidance are prevalent, leading to significant revenue losses. The

government’s ability to collect taxes effectively is hampered by weak enforcement

mechanisms and corruption within the tax administration. The limited tax revenue

constrains the government’s capacity to invest in essential public services and

infrastructure. Inadequate infrastructure, such as poor transportation networks and

underfunded public services, including education and healthcare, contribute to

persistent social inequalities and limit human capital development.

Addressing the underlying issues of underdevelopment in the Philippines

demands a far-reaching and multifaceted approach that goes beyond superficial

remedies. It requires delving deep into the entrenched structural inequalities present in

the nation's agricultural, political, and economic fabric. The key to unlocking the door to

progress involves a holistic strategy, one that considers the nuances and complexities

of the issues at hand.

Central to such an approach is the implementation of genuine agrarian reform.

This reform should not only focus on the equitable redistribution of land but must also

provide comprehensive support mechanisms for farmers. Such support includes access

to credit, agricultural training, and modern technologies that can improve productivity

and sustainability in farming practices. Empowering farmers, who are often at the

bottom of the economic ladder, lays the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous

society.

Furthermore, the need for constitutional changes cannot be overstated. The

country's political landscape, currently marred by the dominance of political dynasties,

requires transformative reforms that dismantle these entrenched powers. By

encouraging increased political participation and ensuring greater accountability among

shift towards a more inclusive and participatory democratic process is essential for

addressing the myriad social and economic challenges facing the nation.

Equally important is the reform of the taxation system. A fair, effective, and

efficient taxation policy is critical for generating the necessary revenue to fund public

services and development projects. By implementing a more progressive tax system,

the government can ensure that the burden of taxation is distributed more equitably,

with those who have the most contributing proportionately to the nation's growth and

development.

However, the realization of these reforms is no small feat. It necessitates a broad

coalition of actors committed to challenging and dismantling the vested interests that

have long maintained the status quo. Civil society, the private sector, and the

international community must come together in a concerted effort to push forward these

transformative changes. Through collaboration and unity in purpose, these diverse

stakeholders can create the momentum needed to drive sustainable development.

The journey towards addressing the deep-seated issues of underdevelopment in

the Philippines is a challenging one, fraught with obstacles and resistance from those

who benefit from maintaining the current state of affairs. It demands persistence,

resilience, and a steadfast commitment to justice and equity. By adopting a

comprehensive, inclusive, and strategic approach, the Philippines can break the cycle of
poverty and underdevelopment. It can pave the way toward a future defined by

sustainable growth, social justice, and economic prosperity for all its citizens. To achieve

this future, every facet of society must engage in a concerted effort to transform the

socio-economic landscape of the country, tearing down barriers to progress and building

foundations for an equitable and flourishing nation.

1564 Words
References:

Buendia, R. (1993). Colonialism and Elitism in Philippine Political Development:

Assessing the Roots of Underdevelopment. Philippine Journal of

PublicAdministration, XXXVII(2), 0.

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Fallows, J. (1987, November 1). From 1987: “A Damaged Culture” in the Philippines.

The Atlantic.

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Tayao, E. (2021, November 2). Regressing Philippine democracy. ABS-CBN News;

ABS-CBN News.

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