You can’t drink crude oil

The current “food shortage” being experienced by people in Qatar is a real life lesson on why every nation, every government and everybody must develop a mindset toward “Food Security.” When Israel came to the realization that the “Arabs” could starve them to death, they undertook serious steps toward food sufficiency and production efficiency. As a consequence of that mindset, they developed techniques and technology borne out of their arid environment as well as “team spirit” among farming communities.

There is something about being in a constant state of alert or war that clearly heightens our senses and orders our priorities. And always, concerns for “Food Security” are usually at the top of the list. Just like Israel, the island nation Taiwan for instance has emerged as a leader in research and technology also in the field of agriculture while being within the shooting range of mainland China.

In the case of Qatar, the important lessons to learn are: 1. You can’t eat crude oil 2. You should never entrust your food security or supplies on the goodwill of your neighbors, and lastly 3. A shared religion is not guarantee for a shared future.

The leaders of Qatar ought to read up on the life and times and legacy of Lee Kuan Yew especially about their initial dependency on Malaysia for many things, but more importantly for water and the likes. Here in the Philippines, I remember a bunch of economists who had to eat their words when they said it was cheaper and more practical to buy and import rice than to support local farmers to produce rice. They lost their “yabang” when a couple of Asean nations politely informed them there was no “unli” rice for sale because they had to prioritize their own needs and their food security.

It took less than 72 hours for the people of Qatar to realize and come to terms with the most serious threat to them: a nationwide food shortage. Had the situation gone out of control, riots and lootings and then civil unrest could have followed. But you don’t have to be in Qatar to feel threatened. The siege of Marawi recently taught us how one catastrophe, terrorist attacks or a siege can disrupt life and supply chains and the worst thing that could happen is if vital supplies or basic food have to be trucked in from other regions or provinces where supplies will probably be limited and also in short supply.

If Metro Manila turned into a mega disaster area due to a super typhoon, the big earthquake or any other catastrophe, what would the scenario be in terms of food supplies once people start moving out? Officials focus on earthquake drills but not food to grill. How long can the outlying towns and cities support the evacuees before they too run out or run low? Paranoid I am? You might say. Try joining the lines in Qatar – Iligan or interviewing survivors of Yolanda. If you have relatives who survived World War 2 and suffered during martial law, check their pantry or bodega. Chances are they keep stock (some even under their beds) of canned goods, rice etc. It’s not paranoia, it is being prepared or increasing our chances of survival. Remember these two words: Food Security.

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A few weeks ago, I wrote about how some people have decided to keep some cash in a safe at home as a result of the declaration of martial law. This week’s electronic glitch at BPI gave some depositors a bit of a scare while others understandably where frightened and angry that unauthorized withdrawals were reflected in their transactions.

Under such conditions the two words that matter the most would be “trust” and “wisdom.” Although I raised an eyebrow and listened intently on the news about the BPI electronic glitch, I knew enough about the bank and it’s many people to know that they can be “trusted” with our life savings. They are not the country’s oldest – long lasting Bank in the Philippines for nothing. In terms of wisdom each and every bank depositor also has the responsibility to know about banking policies particularly “deposit insurance” and the basics of how the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas monitors and regulates our banking system. Knowing all that will greatly contribute to your peace of mind as well as empowering you on how you manage and protect your finances.

Finally there is a verse in the Book of Ecclesiastes 11:2 that counsels us:

“Give a portion to seven or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.” Whether it’s business or investments or banking, it is well worth the effort “not to put all your eggs in one basket.”

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Just like I wrote about a month ago, the Land Transportation Office particularly in the NCR has quietly been doing the rounds, checking out vehicles for registration, condition of motor vehicles as well as traffic or moving violations. Unlike past operations, the NCR LTO Law Enforcement units have not enlisted reporters or news teams, they simply move around almost on a daily basis to catch violators. They also shuffle their locations daily so violators can’t guess where the next checkpoint will be. The objective is for violators and law-abiding citizens alike to realize that the LTO is serious about law enforcement. Once lawbreakers learn to fear the law, they will respect the law.

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The campaign against noisy vehicles or use of loud modified mufflers has caught on even in Lipa City. I recently came across a tarpaulin announcement stating: “BAWAL NA ANG MAINGAY NA TAMBUTSO” under General Ordinance No. 1 sponsored by City Council member Patmon Monfero and ABC president Paulino Querubin. This is a very welcomed action that we support. I hope councilor Monfero and his associates can also look into tricycles who reign over the Laurel highway, over speeding motorcyclists wearing no helmets, and loud Karaoke parties that go beyond 9 p.m.

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