Like many of the people who create, systematize, manage, and work damned hard at something, I'm happy that PESO is coming of age -- even if it is among uncertain political times. In fact, I think that it's incredibly appropriate.
According to Peter Wallace's report on the Philippines, our GDP growth and population growth for the last 25-30 years has averaged about 3%. It doesn't take an economist to see that means little or no national development. To my mind, entrepreneurship is the only realistic solution. The only way our country can prosper is if we create jobs at a greater rate than our population is growing, and the only thing that can do that is technology and innovation based entrepreneurship. This is because an entire support system must be in place to create a technology industry, such as the one outlined in Rice Bowl and Chips. This industry will hire chemists, marketers, engineers, accountants, illustrators, programmers, public administrators, and people with many more careers.
Secondly, I think that the award categories of PESO are areas where Filipinos can truly add value instead of manufacturing services and products that are easily duplicated by other countries. Areas such as:
- Information Technology and Communication
- Agriculture and Aquaculture
- Life and Biosciences
- Services
- Process Technology and Engineering
No matter what system we have or who runs this country, the Philippine's financial statement will be as dismal as ever if we don't do something to staunch the flow of cash and talent (recent PCIJ estimates we ship out 2,700 people per day from NAIA).
I'm a big believer in "being the change you want to see in the world". That's the reason I joined the PESO team a year ago. Since then PESO has been popping up on the public consciousness via articles at ABS-CBN, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business World, Computer World, and Enterprise Magazine, we've held many free seminars on technopreneurship, and we've solidified an extensive multi-sectoral network that will support our initiatives.
And next wednesday, at long last, PESO will have it's official launch on Wednesday, July 20, from 1pm - 5:45pm at the SM Megatrade Hall. This is timed to coincide with the government's Small and Medium Enterprise Expo.
Hope to see you there!
Download the PESO launch schedule (PDF) here
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Maoi Arroyo | PESO Philippines
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