The Philippines: A Nation Divided

Posted by JoeAm on July 12, 2013 · 71 Comments 

The Philippines is without a doubt a nation divided. It has always been that way. The notion that it is one land is a recent ideal and it has not spread to everyone. The natural histories of the land are diverse. Native tribes were, and to some extent still are, scattered everywhere, speaking 114 different … Continue reading →

Category Economy, Philippine Government

Agribusiness Wrap-Up

Posted by JoeAm on July 8, 2013 · 24 Comments 

This is the third and final article in a series about Philippine agriculture. The first article provided an overview of agriculture and government institutions and practices. It characterized agribusiness as “dead in the water” because of the inefficiency of small farms and the general ineffectiveness of cooperatives. It also recognized that government funding of agribusiness is … Continue reading →

Category Economy, Philippine Government

The Mindanao Protocol

Posted by JoeAm on June 24, 2013 · 35 Comments 

I’ve read just about every mystery and spy author known to English-speaking mankind, and even some translations. I can snoop and connive with Hercule Poirot, Mrs. Marple, Sherlock Holmes, Jack Ryan, Harry Bosch, and Jason Bourne, to name a few.. They all work on cases. “The Case of the Scarlet Murder” or “The Yamashita Legacy” … Continue reading →

Category Economy, Philippine Government

Philippine Agriculture: A Failing Industry

Posted by JoeAm on June 19, 2013 · 37 Comments 

I occasionally spout the opinion that the Philippine penchant for small farms is hurting the nation by constraining its ag productivity.  This comes from  having seen California’s huge farms, knowing of the agricultural knowledge and skill that spouts from the ag universities there, and knowing that California supplies a huge part of the American food … Continue reading →

Category Economy, Philippine Government

Free the Philippines with Hard, Cold Brains

Posted by JoeAm on June 12, 2013 · 30 Comments 

I play an android game on my Samsung Note. It is called World at Arms. The game is a combination of a “building” game and a war game. You busy yourself gathering income to buy buildings or weaponry, collect oil, pursue quests and battle the enemy players. Gradually, you increase your ability to earn money … Continue reading →

Category Culture and Arts, Economy, Philippine Government