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THE ROAD TO GLOBALISM—NOT AN EASY ONE
Kathlyn Q. Barrozo
Class of 1991, University of Santo Tomas
B.S. Medical Technology
Many of our countrymen who have succeeded at accomplishing spectacular feats have uttered time and again:
This puts our country on the map. Sometimes, in a spirit of jest, I often ask them, “Why, where was our country
located before? You mean it wasn’t on the map before?” (One-sided conversation, I know.)
Becoming a global Filipino is a huge challenge, but many of my countrymen have succeeded at making that a
little possible. We have one of the world’s greatest boxers of all time, artists who have risen to fame with
international labels, and people who have carved their own niche in international organizations. Citizens
from my country have been known to be hardworking and industrious, quick to learn and easy to teach. Yes,
we have managed to stand alongside others in the worldwide arena. But have we become true global citizens?
I am clueless as to what we can possibly do to attain lofty status in the world economy. Neither an economist
nor a political scientist, I do not understand complex financial and political issues. When globalism was
introduced to me back in high school, the terms were simpler and in my language. It was, to my young mind, a
concept that one nation’s progress and development are ultimately beneficial when they are in accordance to
existing worldwide policies. My country has had leaders who advocated patriotism and Filipino First policies.
Well and good, because all their efforts brought about significant changes. However, the present day has
shown little, if any, proof that staying strictly nationalistic can bring about total development and progress.
Currently, our country’s leadership has made great efforts to breathe life into an otherwise ailing economy.
Analysts have been of mixed opinions. Some say the efforts are genuinely helpful while others have said that
the changes are too small to be measured, much less noticed. But hope springs eternal. We have to admit that
the process is not that easy, considering what an odd mixture of leaders we have already had. But one thing is
certain: as long as our country’s citizens continue to stay positive, to always have a fresh perspective on life at
large, we may yet attain the enviable status that our more developed neighbors have succeeded at earning.
Becoming a global citizen is a slow, challenging process. It is the will to become one that must be kept alive. We
might have teeny-tiny successes along the way, but what counts is how hard we work and how far we try to
reach, through legally-accepted means, of course. And besides, being able to hold our ground alongside our
more developed neighbors is already a feat in itself. Globalism may not be too far behind.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1.
Define globalism. Differentiate it from globalization.
2.
What is statism?
3.
Is becoming a global citizen possible? How?
4.
What sets globalist economies apart?
5.
Does globalism benefit many? Why or why not?