Pinoy Big Brother: Protecting our people’s wealth

In a nation brimming with potential, it is time we recognize the true wealth of the Philippines – the innate talent and boundless creativity of the Filipino people. Amidst the chaos of politics and the ever-changing landscape of our world, one constant remains: the indomitable spirit of the Filipino. As we chart the course of our nation’s future, it is vital that we prioritize nationalistic endeavors, choosing to invest in Filipino entrepreneurs and innovators over mere reliance on foreign technology.

In recent years, our country has emerged as an outsourcing hotspot, with businesses tapping into the rich vein of talent that runs through it. However, it is not enough to simply act as a conduit for global corporations. We must channel this talent toward building a nation that stands tall, fueled by its people’s innovation and determination.

Economic prowess is frequently used to measure a country’s growth and progress. This is reflected in our GDP, export figures and foreign investment. However, the informal power that drives our society – the people’s creativity, hard work and adaptability – remains a treasure trove waiting to be unlocked. The true wealth of our nation lies not in the depths of our natural resources, but in the hearts and minds of our people.

It is critical to embrace nationalistic ideals in the pursuit of progress. We must prioritize the development of Filipino entrepreneurs and innovators, leveraging our people’s creative potential and constructing a technology industry that not only serves our nation’s needs but also shines on the global stage. To accomplish this, a degree of local player protectionism is required, with government support and policies that favor domestic growth empowering Filipino technology developers and innovators.

Looking at successful examples from around the world, we can see that it is possible to strike a balance between protecting local players in the tech industry while allowing healthy competition from foreign entrants. South Korea, China, India and Israel have successfully developed vibrant and dynamic tech industries by enacting policies that protect domestic players while allowing for healthy competition from foreign entrants.

Through various government policies, they have all actively supported and protected their tech companies and startups. South Korea has provided tax breaks, subsidies and R&D funding; China has implemented regulations on foreign technology companies, R&D support and preferential treatment for domestic firms in government contracts; India has provided tax breaks, infrastructure support and the promotion of IT parks; and Israel has provided funding, grants and R&D support. Companies like Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Baidu, Alibaba, Tencent, Infosys, Wipro, TCS, Waze, Mobileye and Check Point Software Technologies have thrived as a result of these measures.

But even as they gave preference to domestic firms, these countries allowed foreign tech firms like Apple, Google, Microsoft, IBM and Intel, among others, to invest and operate in their countries, resulting in healthy competition that has resulted in both successful domestic and global businesses.

So, how can we apply these lessons to turn the Philippines’ wealth of talent into tangible progress for our country while nurturing our nationalistic spirit?

First and foremost, we must invest in education. Education is the cornerstone of a thriving society, the bedrock upon which the edifice of a nation’s future is built. By equipping our people with the skills and knowledge they need to excel, we empower them to contribute to the betterment of our nation. This includes fostering an environment in which our youth can develop a passion for technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Investing in programs that teach coding, robotics and other tech-related disciplines, we lay the foundation for a generation of Filipinos who can compete on the world stage.

Second, we must provide an environment that fosters innovation. By cultivating a culture of creativity and enterprise, we open the door to groundbreaking ideas that can revolutionize industries and create lasting change. We must nurture the entrepreneurial spirit that lies within the hearts of our fellow Filipinos, encouraging them to take risks, embrace challenges and drive progress. Part of this approach involves supporting Filipino tech startups and entrepreneurs with the resources and opportunities they need to grow and make a lasting impact on both the domestic and international markets.

Third, we must enact policies that protect and support local players in the technology industry. This protectionism can come in the form of tax breaks, subsidies or preferential treatment in government contracts for Filipino-owned technology companies. By creating an environment that favors local businesses, we encourage innovation and investment in our homegrown technology industry, ensuring that the Philippines can become a global player in the tech landscape. This, though, should strike a balance, so as not to hinder healthy competition and stifle innovation in the long run.

Hope, it is said, is not a strategy, but I consider it a powerful motivator. When combined with strategic action, we can change the trajectory of our country and truly become the nation of innovators and entrepreneurs that we envision. We can ensure that Filipino tech innovators have the opportunity to grow, create jobs and contribute to the overall prosperity of our country by providing the necessary support for local players.

As we embark on this journey to create a nationalistic tech industry, keep in mind that the essence of Filipino ingenuity is found not only in our ability to adapt to foreign technologies but also in our ability to create our own. We can develop a technology industry that not only meets the needs of our country but also stands proudly on the global stage by nurturing our homegrown talent and supporting our local entrepreneurs.

We can all work together to create a future in which the Filipino spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship shines brightly, inspiring future generations.