Group behaviour and economic salvation

Media

Part of The Manila Guardian

Title: Group behaviour and economic salvation
Creator: Puyat, Gil J.
Language: English
Year: 1951
Subject: Philippines -- Economic conditions
Rights
Abstract: [In this article, the author thoroughly discusses the economic status of the Philippines and how the behavior of Filipinos differs from other nationality in the business industry.]
Fulltext: PAGE 6 THE MANILA GUARDIAN JULY, 1951 GROUP BEHAVIOUR , AND ECONOMIC SALVATIOtt By GIL J. PUYAT A ~~~N~llb:tre;~!n;0 h~0~~s:o:: ~~ip!:;a·~a:n~::~r;~irl~:u~;e:~~i~; ;t:~c~~1ss~~l:, bu~::s:~::=~n~~;t:~ :::~ ~sx::~~:e:~:r~ t:;~~i7!y i~at~~;!: the historical annals that since the appreciablti and notable progress in a lot more than calculated risks. In and ot'her Filipino busine.s~men's cadays of our founding · fathers, the the moving picture industry. , The such an economic ambient the futui:e reers, people who without busjness commerce of this country ·has always transportation field which was the ex- of such industries becomes dubious, training achieved their measure of resided in alien hands. Since the elusive domBiij of foreigners before unpredictable. and actually risky. success in business. To which I anturn of the century, with the advent the war is indicating a growing and We must therefore seek the rea- swered that these gentlemen were of the Commonwealth, and then last- widenning Pl!rticipation on the part· sons why we have been in the mi- successful not because of their lack ly with the establishment of the of Filipino operators: nOrity in our commerce all these and inadequate tr.li.ining in business, Philippine Republic, Filipino leaders I am one of those . who experience years and then proffer the remedies but, inspite of these handicaps. Tj;l.B both in pub'lic and private life have up.bounded satisfacti~ when I see which will make the Filipino domi- recent"growth of local Universities 1i. sought means to Place that control new local industries sprout a,s a re- nant in the domestic business lifr· encouraging. More . encouraging to. in the hands of the Filipinos. More suit of th~ operation of our systems The economic development of· our us businessmen because the emphasi9' recently, the Import Control Act was of controls. T1'e manufacture of ci- country is intimately interwin~ with has been on business cour.se.s. But l approved by Congress ~ith the evi- garettes made of Virginia tobacco-, our .struggles for political emancipa- a~ afraid that unless the're be il tddent and bold objectives of placing the nail, cosmetic and garment in- tion. While we were a 1ubject peo- orientation in the curricula of tiles~ that commerce in the hands- of Fi- dustries are some of the resultant pie, our leaders. ypung and old, chan- different universities tiffie will Come lipino busine.ssmen within the span industries which can be attributed neled their intelligence and their re- when bookkeepers land CPA;s will be of a few yean. Inspite of all these to the operation of our controls. But sourCes into' the '(arious avenues that as cheap as the m1:1c;h maligned obidesires, obj~ctiVes and legislation, the when · you consider that controls ar~ would obtain for us politic"al state- quitous lawyer. facts indicate that the local pattern not intended to be a permanent and hood. It was no wonder, therefore, But the 1 Filipino graduate in busiof· business remains unalterab!y chang- ate ai be.st temporarY solutions to that most of · our brilliant and pro- ness must not be content and .satised. Further, many people have com· contemporary economic ills and ma!- mising youngman were attracted into fied by becoming a mere employee if mented and not without foundation, adjustments, I shudder at the thought government service, into Politics, or he aims to translate his business that if the participation of the Fili- of how many of these industries may the professions. As early a.s 1925, training into increasing Filipino parpinos in the commerce of this country have to collapse if the protection when I took up commerce in ~he State tic;ipation in the commerce of his was small before th~ enactment of and the backing provided for by the University, many of my frien'd5, in co:mtry. He must set out and strike. the Import Control Law, their share controlS are withdrawn. In such an the utipost sincerity and candor, told for himself. His initial attempts m~ in that comme5.Ce after this law has environment, long-range planning is me that I was wasting my time. The prove fatal. There will be many been in oP;ra:tion for almo.st t.wo , setbacks Our hope is that their years is substantially less today. ~}::+::~::;~::+::~~X.C~:.·:::-~::CC~::+x:x+x;~::+x:~~::+::~::;~::+~;,x+:::-;::~::+x:~::+x:;~::+XX+X~~~~;,x+;;~ continued trials and hardships will The Filipino produces the rice that (~ · ~ harden and tou11:hten him and prewe eat. The consumers are the ~ I I M pare him for the cruel test of lom18,000,000 Filipinos. The control of ~ - f!i. ..... W W W W ~ ru ~:~ petitive businessmen, the business of this particular cereal ~ M M M M M M M ~ Let us go back to the rice indusresides in alien hands. py law only j i try. The producer of rice is the FiFilipinos and Americans can become ;:1 ~~ lipino. But between the production timber concessioners in this country. M . w A N A M ~ and the use of that rice: by the conBut the lumber ind,ustry is' controlled .,• f) sumer, is the alien financier ~he. by aliens. Daily you read in the ~ M offers the necessary financial as.sistpaper the licenses approved by the '~ ~:~ ant to ·tide over the producer bef?re PRISCO and the ICA and no doubt ?, ~• ·.·.:,:,,' .. ··• p A N ( 1 J E 1 R . I A & H 0 J E l ~ he is able to convert his commodity you will have noticed that for every W. ~·~ into cash. The same pattern exjsts one Filipino Jicense there are 10 ~ in the copra industry. In lm~e1 alien names that you read. When 'j j while the Filipino is the concessi9._m • I was a small boy the carinderia was t·; ~i and doe; the logging, the alien fih5 a Filipino mor.opoly. The carinde- ~ ;.. i cier tides him over before he is ria has disappeared and it has been ~) --oOot,~ to co'?vert his proce.ssed prciduct;.,.7;-;;replaced by the pansiteria. There ~ ' cash either in the local or foreign are however some business which the ;,~ g markets. In most of these cases, we Filipino busine.ssmen control with a ~-~ ~ can almost pinpoint the reasons why strong grip. They are the sole and ~ ~ the Filipino pr?ducer has to seek the only oPerators of cockpits throughout ~·} Plaza Sta. Cruz 440 Evangelista, Quiapo f~ aid. of the alien financier. Under ',·=eth<eo"," 0'0'~,·, -Y T,h,,• ,tw 0.not•o,.ll'e;dngbyduFb•'~ ~ ~ capitalization or inadequate operating '-~ 948 Ongpin 'St. Tel. 3.39.94 f) cap\tal. If we really want to change 'ipino businessmen. I am inten* ~ the Filipino position in these actitio~ally and pointedly being a carii.~ .• ·.·, '.'.,: Tel. 3-39-51 741 R. HidaJ~o, Quiapo $.? vities where he is now in the minoricaturist in the choice of my exam- · I I ~ ty, our government must take posiples because I want You to see the ~ .,. .. ·.· . ~ ~·~ tive and bold and courageous .steps. contemporary -picture of the business . . ~ If the Filipi.no suffers- from inar\. 1 1';"f·.,;.n our country in its ugliest out,~ ..• :',;.· - m ~ ~ w ru ~ m ~ $ quate finanl'$ing, then, the gov.A .. ™ M ™ M M M M "" () '1""' mu.t h• prnpmd w;t1,;n tno But I know that the picture need ~ . . . ~ limits of normal and· foreseeab!E:not remain that Way forever, nor for ~ ~1 -spfeguards, t~ help him out precisely a rfiuch longer period of time. The t:~+::~:~i::+::K}'»;~::X+:::<:~::+::KX+X-1~~::~Ui::+::~::Y!:+:::<:;,.xc~t~~::+;~s, ~+::~t~::~;:.·~~;K~~::+:z:,;~!CS'~ (Continued on pa4e 8) PAGES THE MANILA GUARDIAN GROUP BEHAVIOUR • • • of rivising the provisions of the Bell (Continued' from paA,e 6)" Trade Act to which this chamber was TASK FOR ALL FREE MEN during these period when financial strongly opposed when the Bill was. aid is most necessary. When a man presented to the Filipino people for M.?;:;~0~;~~~dh~~11~;:;:7'~h~"?',i;h1~~~ cial. security bear witness to the addoes not feel well he goes to his doc- discussion. At that time, this chem- nivers.11ry o American Independence. vances we have mad~. tor to seek medical advice. When ber took the stand that there are maQNE hundred and seventy-five We ~elieve that all men,, every- .. a busine.ssman is in financial diffi- ny provisions in the Act that operate years ago today the Continental where in the world, are entitled . to culties he should seek the counsel of only one way, and while the advan~ Congress declared the United States these same rights. In some. parts of his" banker. But this i.s something tages offered to the American busi- of America to be a free and indepen- the world, men are handicapped by that does not happen in our country nesses were unlimited, we on the dent nation. conditions of wa nt, insecurity, and because the businessman who consults other hand, were subjected to allo- •The new, nation-in the words of fear. In others, the enjoyment of inhis bab.ker about his difficulties will cations and quotas. But the most one of its greatest Presidents _ was dividual rights is menaced by new mo.st likely receive not counsel, but important point whi~h we pointed - "conceived in liberty and dedicated and terrible forms of tryranny. we I 8 demand for payment. out was that a continuance of the to the proposition that all men are f~el a warm sense of comradeship for I therefore make these suggestiOns: fre~ -trade relationship with the created equal." men, wherever they may be, who are It would be a constructive piece l!n1ted States without any quali{ica- 'Tod~Y1 Americans rededicate them- strugglirig against obstacles to fr~ of service to our economy if both the tions would retard the industrialize- selves, to the ideals upon which our dom. We pledge ourselves to wor.i.., government a nd commercial and said ti on of the country. While realizing nation was founded. We rededicate with them _ for a world free of misery "/' Q,pdies, such as this chamber, would that we are still in the agricultural ourselves to our faith in the God and oppression. undertake a comprehensive study of stage of economic development, this given rights of men. We do not seek t6 impose our ways the different industries that are now is no hindrance of obstacle to ou·r These ri ghts have been proclaimed upon others. Neither do we seek controlled by- the aliens and examine executing or implementing a plan of rriany times, in different tongues and to add to our material wealth at the the facts that have led to this con- industrialization, a state of/ develop- in different ways. For us, they were eXpense of others. trol. Kn9wing these facts, it would ment which sooner or later must_ have proclaimed ;n 1776, in the Declare- We have pledged ourselves to then behoove the Filipino business- to come llis the population of this tion of Independence: work with other free and indepenmen to provide the solution, if they country increa,ses and the depend- "We hold these truths to be self- dent nations to establish and maindesire to Participate more dominant- enc~ of the people on agriculture evident, that all men are crea~d tain world peace, under law, through l~ ln these now alierl-controlled in- declines. A study of the economic equal, that they are endowed by their cooperative int'ernational action. We dustries. The National E conomic development of the most progressive creator with certain unalienable are confident that the combined efCouncil could play a leading role. 1 cou~tries of the world t oday indicates rights, that among these are life, Ii- fwoo',"Jdotfooplloaf:e,'. nations can' lead the am reminded of the studies conduct- that while the agriculture of these berty, and the pur.9uit of happiness." ... ed by the late Gregorio Anonas, that countries takes care of the bread bas- Throughout our history as a na- We shall re.sist all the assaults on respefted and esteemed m anager of ket. ~~ the nation, their industrial tion we have been striving for a fut- freedom today, as we have resiste<t,.the National Development Co. of the acti~ities p~ovides the additional pro- ler enjoyment of these rightll by•all tyranny in the past. .:.. shoe ind'.lstry in Marikina and how ::~::;eawh1ch ~nabl~s the~e count~es our citizens. We- have made· and This is a task for all free men this industrx has been controlled . by se their national mcome, tm· are making great progress. The in- ever:'{where in the world. alien retailers in Gandara and in that prove the standard of livi ng of their creasing well-being of our citizens, (SGb.) HARRY S. TRUMAN neighborho'od. T he re.suits of these population, broaden the occupational and their growing economic and so- PrHident of lhe Uniled studies were revealing. Studies, such b_~e and stabilize their currency po- States of America as these, will be eye-openers and wi ll sitions. The Filipinos should not and man suffers from lack of initiative, those who go to the Americas and be .. great aid in improving our po- can not miss the lesson that is taught from over-con.servation, from a dis- Europe to broaden 'their experience sition i~ the dorhestic trade. by the economic development of inclination to assume new risks or and their knowledge_ in industry, ·I ,,,. As a supplementary study, I sug- these progressive countries, I am to pione& r. I am glad to notice that have always advocated that from a gest that both gover.Pme•t and pri- glad. t~~t .the government has taken we are gradually evolving"& new type practical standpoint and for purpo.ses_ vate businessmen go over our Cus- t pho',,,'"bJ', "',",vv'., .. ,' 0 °n 1 0 ° 1 ' ",'h,•tP u'd 0 ;'v', .,,.0 0 n"'th 0 e 1 of. Filip.ino buiJin. enmen. But along of immediacy it would be better ~ ) toms records on imports and deter- with thn evolut f find out wh~t your neighbors are'mine what other new i~dustries could the Bel~ Trade Act.. We ~oul.d be· ality, the gove~:e~t ~~;w g~e~s;:~ doing and how they are achieving be established J1ere. A study like p~rformmg con~tructlve service if we in hand with businessQlen· and must success. Because after all, it is with this will reveal that several other aided . the government in expressing provide the ir.centive and the im- these neighb~ring countries ,with industries could be established with· our views on this possible revision petus 50 that private capital and pri- whom you have to compete. \..:. more than a reasonable degree of so that we may place the economy of vate enterprises may more readily go Why is the Chinese so outstandil s~ccess, because we have transporta- ~:rr ~:~a~;~do~aasi:ore should and bet- into commerce and uncharted enter- ly successful in the operatton ·oJ t10n costs, lower taxes and lower \a· . · prise.s. It is encouraging to the bu- sari-sari, the grocery, and .. th....bor costs on our side. The garment In this possible revision, careful sinessmen of this country to note goods .stores. If the Chin ~ industry is one such example. Shirts t hought must be given to selective the recent decision of the government and men's underwear are now being fre~ trade and to a revision of the to withdraw from several fields of Jl,lade here. Why can't this be ex- ration of the peso to the dollar, to business and leave these entirely in tended on a b;gger scale with regard place us on more competitive basis the hands of private enterprise. That ness, then try to be more economical. t o women's requirements? This is -With our neighbors with regard to is as it should be _ the Govern- If t he Chinese are successful because one industry where the opportunities foreign trade. 11\ent should pioneer and open up they pull their resource.s t ogether -, .seem to be Wide and varied. Ind- After discussing the background, new frontiers of activitie.s. But onCe which enable them. to purchase their • dentally the garment industry is one busin,ess practices, problems and le- private capital tias demonstrated that goods at better pnces and at more of the biggest in the United States gislation, it is still my humble and it has the capacity and ability to favorable terms, then I counsel our ~ and is a leading industry' in the: City considered opinion that the one par- exploit and to operate in these fields PF::::n; 0 :::,;"•'n'd'm,• 10 n,ttlo ••',' na o·n "g :• 0 ; 0 n;j of New York. ty that can evolve a change in our of activities, the government should 1:>· .,... A short while ago ( I made refer- local economy is the Filipino bu.si- have that sense of timing to deter- behavior and group conduct. ,...-fr ence to the problems to whkh newly nessman himself. I grant that he mine when to withdraw. short, we shou 1 ld match industrY wit}..._ established industries · are exposed is plagued with defects, but he can more intense effort, patience with in;..., which depend solely on the controls undress himself of these fault's and I am happy to note that more of finite patience, economy' with stricter " for protection and support. evolve a new personality. It has our businessmen are making trips to economy, intelligence with greater re-1 I will now re_,!.!r to the necessity been Hid tha't the Filipino bueinen · Japan, While I have no quarrel with 1ourcefulneu. ii
pages: 6, 8