On the Cheap

In Time Magazine’s May 9, 2005 issue, if you managed to get passed the Star Wars hype, there’s a special report on the situation of the AFP. Anthony Spaeth investigates the mystery behind Lieut. Col. Dennis Villanueva and in the process discovers the serious plight of the AFP. While it’s nothing new to us, what struck a chord was the fact that many are still fighting, many PMA cadets are still excited to fight; despite the obvious uphill battle.

You need a soldier? Hire Filipino. It’s amazing how our countrymen can maintain morale despite daunting conditions. I’ve heard stories of OCW’s sleeping on cardboard box beds in between the gaps of cupboards and ceilings; sending home palm pilots and video cameras to loved ones at home; while leaving little or nothing at all to themselves. Each day, they fall further into debt, the chance at a better life slipping from their grasp. Their families, at the very least, are reaping the fruit. The OCW’s life is one of martyrdom.

We have our own soldiers here at the skunkworks. Our artists face the same lack of equipment and recognition. Yet they do their job. They face deadlines headstrong, despite the larger chance of missing it. Even more difficult is the order to pull hat-tricks everyday with the little we have — hard work and talents included. And they say low morale is to blame. But such is the love for the magazine. We aren’t the only ones. Many private companies, industries and services are run in the exact way — a microcosm of our own country.

Critics say that the reason behind the country’s lack of development is our own lack of patriotism. I disagree. There’s lots to go around. It’s a lack of decent leadership. Barking commands and kissing foreign ass are easy. Leading by example is what we need; a very frugal, efficient and disciplined one. And perhaps more patriotism on their part wouldn’t hurt.