"The Way I See It"
by Capt Adelino L. Masigla, MM
While sipping coffee alone in the park one Friday afternoon, I was interviewed by a group of young (12-14 yrs age) kids working on
assignment for their social studies class. I am not an economist nor a social engineer but was caught unaware nevertheless I have to act
and pretend like an authority. After brief explanation as to the background of the current national issues they wanted me to give my own
honest views, the following were my answers “the way I see it”; to the questions. Absurd and crazy as it may seem but few weeks later I
learned, their team got the highest distinction among the class about the subject:
What’s going on in this country for people to be worthy of the current national crisis?
One way to understand the difficulties we are all encountering nowadays, is to look upon our country as one solid well
organized human body with all parts and systems fully functional and responding in precise order to the general
needs of the body. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and socially, someone somewhere inside there should
have been able to provide every basic need to keep the body at its best condition with steady development, with
growth and progress as an endless achievement. Unfortunately however the body now lies in bed.
What if one of the parts does not work correctly?
Then an appropriate signal is sent to the brain and remedy takes place automatically. Should there be no chance for
self-repair then that part is said to be in pain and depending on the extent, the body gets sick. You know what may
comes next when you gets sick.
How about the people?
The human cells of every fiber and frames are generally the citizens grouped into functional systems that mutually
work in complimentary with each other. At its normal condition, the body is said to be blissful represented by a happy
face. As you will later learn, in a normal body, the cells multiplies faster than it decays until the body reaches maximum
adulthood size then it equalizes. Deterioration follows next.
What about the gap between the rich and the poor?
Normally there should be no gap between the two. The blood should be distributed equally for all cells to enjoy
regardless on what part or system we are in but since arteries and veins are susceptible to clogging, the gap between
rich and poor starts. If the brain, which is the central processing unit, cannot correct the problem then that cell group
becomes a needy and with so many needy cell groups around, the whole body suffers in due time.
What about the government departments and branches?
Try to figure out the human anatomy and you will be surprise to find that every government department, branch and
instrumentality has an exact location in the body, say, executive, legislative, judiciary, education, social welfare,
defense, transportation, communication, disaster coordinating, health & sanitation, garbage disposal, you name it and
its in there. Each system must function efficiently with ability for incremental adjustment to safeguards for any
deficiency that should satisfy the “what if, then what” requisites.
Then what seems to be the big problem?
The big problem is this imaginary body does not have a bureau of subconscious that should function as random-
access-memory. The standard memory is always short lived. Eyesight is so poor that cannot see beyond the horizon.
Ears are so deaf to listen. Taste and nose buds are so burned to operate. Even the read-only-memory does not
function, much of the major system thinks and works for itself only and seldom considers that they are part of the
whole body. The grandmother of all of these problems is the total disregard of the rules. Due to these, it cannot be
denied that we are one body of violators. We violate anything every time we had an opportunity and this make things
absolutely worst.
Can you give some examples?
Flood has been a regular annual affair in much of our communities yet we forget about the calamity each time the
water subsides. Since decades ago, we know that some communities are below sea water level but nothing has been
done so far. While other countries are creating man-made canal to control floods, we, on the other hand, are blocking
our natural estuaries. Comparatively, more than two-fifths of the Holland was once covered by the sea, or by lakes or
swamps. The lowest of which is 6.7 meters below sea level. The Dutch "created" this land by pumping out the water. In
these drained areas, called polders, are the richest farmlands and largest cities of the Netherlands. Amsterdam, the
capital and largest city, is on a polder. See!
We don’t have a law on how a policy must be set. I think that is beyond the comprehension of the seasoned
legislators. For the same reason, we change heading every time we change helmsman. Where can we ever arrive?
Do we know where we are going?
At times we tend to be anemic yet with squeezed veins, this widens the gap between the rich and the poor. Too many
white corpuscles consume the vital reds before it reaches the community. This is being unfair to other parts of the
body thus creates hatching areas for more social problems.
As in any country, we have all sets of intricate governing rules that are interrelated, yet from top to bottom we are all
perennial violators. How can we explain a government official violating the roads’ traffic rules; a congress in session
without a quorum; parliamentary exploitation; VIPs who cheats on income tax; highly polluted thoroughfares and
waterways; traffic violations; citizen littering public places; streets covered with dusts and dirt; indiscriminate dumping
of garbage; drug abuse; prostitution; schools operating with lucrative profit; abusive religious leaders; kidnap for
ransom; illegal gambling; over crowded jails; graft & corruption; election fraud; unguided freedom of “you name it”, etc,
etc. Dozens died near the pooling areas yet COMELEC declares that the election is generally peaceful. People casts
vote blindfolded by the same promises, sweet smiles, political entertainment and 3-Gs. Year in Year out is all the
same. We never learned, we will never learn. Within our system is an arena of violators so vast that it is accepted as
an standard daily affair and these drives nationalism away from within. We are people without a country, a country
without a people.
Can you give a sort of indicator?
As an indicator, sometime during the middle of the 20th century this country used to enjoy an abundant harvest of
rice. So plenty to the extent of exporting the surplus to other countries. We likewise export sugar in great quantity. But
not anymore this time. It is the complete opposite. We are now a major importer of rice and sugar. The governing
bodies thought otherwise that converting the agricultural lands to something else is better for the economy. I think
that as the biggest blunder committed by the previous generations to the detriment of the future.
What about pollution?
There are many categories or types of pollution. Among which are: water, air, noise, or even moral pollution, etc., you
name it, but the most common that you will notice is water pollution. It hurts me to see the current generation deprived
to experience the waters of Laguna Lake, Pasig River and Manila Bay as clean and as clear as a well maintained
aquarium abundant with all sorts marine life. That was before the so called start of industrialization. I am very much
sorry for all of you. The truth is-- I was lucky to witness the unpolluted conditions of both three bodies of water not
knowing that they were paradise compared to the present. Believe it or not but thats the truth. Yes, it's paradise.
What are the chances that the country will improve? If so how soon can we feel the changes?
A country should have an infinite life span, meaning that its cells shall forever multiply faster than it decays. In the
process, young cells like you while learning how to walk must be made to understand the extreme relevance of why
rules exist and being developed and why it must be obeyed. All children as they age must be rule conscious and
reformed into a law abiding citizens and responsible family members living in a decent community of man. You have to
remember that wherever and whatever we do, we are governed by a series of rules, laws, policies, regulations, ethics
and norms. Children must be taught at school and at home nothing but specific rules for specific task and how it
should be obeyed and put into practice. Remember we have so many rules even in mathematics, grammar, social
studies, economics, sports, school, education, taxation, commerce, family, morality, transportation, environment,
ethics, meteorology, physics, all other sciences, name it we have it. Even fire, water and earth follow its own sets of
rules. Let us call this “balanced transformation”. Let us all respect it without exception then if that happens it will take
at the least one generation before you can see light at the end of the tunnel.
Any short cuts?
We cannot take short cuts unless otherwise the concerned rule provides so. There is of course a way based on the
experience of other highly industrialized countries but this one is too improper for me to discuss with you and would
need a clearance from your school principal, however, should you really insist let me ask you to review the history of
several highly industrialized nations and you may find what they all have in common.
Can you give us some sort of conclusion?
The difficulties that we are currently experiencing were not entirely made by us but collective result of the series of
decisions caused by several generations ahead of us (please refer to the Rules of Causation). Life is so simple, say,
20 generations ago, there were no slums nor exclusive residential areas and people lived equally in abundance.
Some 100 years ago we were the best in Asia in terms of economic development with our one peso equivalent to one
American dollar. However our past leaders consistently failed to keep a higher perspective and look farther over the
horizon to preserve such status. While deciding for major policies, they failed to accurately assess the long-term
effects beyond their lifetime yet those who followed still never learned and we never learn too, or are we now? My only
regret is that I was not made to understand this matter at an early stage of my life. I feel so sorry for the next
generations. I am so sad and my tears fell every time I think of you.
by Capt Adelino L. Masigla, MM
While sipping coffee alone in the park one Friday afternoon, I was interviewed by a group of young (12-14 yrs age) kids working on
assignment for their social studies class. I am not an economist nor a social engineer but was caught unaware nevertheless I have to act
and pretend like an authority. After brief explanation as to the background of the current national issues they wanted me to give my own
honest views, the following were my answers “the way I see it”; to the questions. Absurd and crazy as it may seem but few weeks later I
learned, their team got the highest distinction among the class about the subject:
What’s going on in this country for people to be worthy of the current national crisis?
One way to understand the difficulties we are all encountering nowadays, is to look upon our country as one solid well
organized human body with all parts and systems fully functional and responding in precise order to the general
needs of the body. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and socially, someone somewhere inside there should
have been able to provide every basic need to keep the body at its best condition with steady development, with
growth and progress as an endless achievement. Unfortunately however the body now lies in bed.
What if one of the parts does not work correctly?
Then an appropriate signal is sent to the brain and remedy takes place automatically. Should there be no chance for
self-repair then that part is said to be in pain and depending on the extent, the body gets sick. You know what may
comes next when you gets sick.
How about the people?
The human cells of every fiber and frames are generally the citizens grouped into functional systems that mutually
work in complimentary with each other. At its normal condition, the body is said to be blissful represented by a happy
face. As you will later learn, in a normal body, the cells multiplies faster than it decays until the body reaches maximum
adulthood size then it equalizes. Deterioration follows next.
What about the gap between the rich and the poor?
Normally there should be no gap between the two. The blood should be distributed equally for all cells to enjoy
regardless on what part or system we are in but since arteries and veins are susceptible to clogging, the gap between
rich and poor starts. If the brain, which is the central processing unit, cannot correct the problem then that cell group
becomes a needy and with so many needy cell groups around, the whole body suffers in due time.
What about the government departments and branches?
Try to figure out the human anatomy and you will be surprise to find that every government department, branch and
instrumentality has an exact location in the body, say, executive, legislative, judiciary, education, social welfare,
defense, transportation, communication, disaster coordinating, health & sanitation, garbage disposal, you name it and
its in there. Each system must function efficiently with ability for incremental adjustment to safeguards for any
deficiency that should satisfy the “what if, then what” requisites.
Then what seems to be the big problem?
The big problem is this imaginary body does not have a bureau of subconscious that should function as random-
access-memory. The standard memory is always short lived. Eyesight is so poor that cannot see beyond the horizon.
Ears are so deaf to listen. Taste and nose buds are so burned to operate. Even the read-only-memory does not
function, much of the major system thinks and works for itself only and seldom considers that they are part of the
whole body. The grandmother of all of these problems is the total disregard of the rules. Due to these, it cannot be
denied that we are one body of violators. We violate anything every time we had an opportunity and this make things
absolutely worst.
Can you give some examples?
Flood has been a regular annual affair in much of our communities yet we forget about the calamity each time the
water subsides. Since decades ago, we know that some communities are below sea water level but nothing has been
done so far. While other countries are creating man-made canal to control floods, we, on the other hand, are blocking
our natural estuaries. Comparatively, more than two-fifths of the Holland was once covered by the sea, or by lakes or
swamps. The lowest of which is 6.7 meters below sea level. The Dutch "created" this land by pumping out the water. In
these drained areas, called polders, are the richest farmlands and largest cities of the Netherlands. Amsterdam, the
capital and largest city, is on a polder. See!
We don’t have a law on how a policy must be set. I think that is beyond the comprehension of the seasoned
legislators. For the same reason, we change heading every time we change helmsman. Where can we ever arrive?
Do we know where we are going?
At times we tend to be anemic yet with squeezed veins, this widens the gap between the rich and the poor. Too many
white corpuscles consume the vital reds before it reaches the community. This is being unfair to other parts of the
body thus creates hatching areas for more social problems.
As in any country, we have all sets of intricate governing rules that are interrelated, yet from top to bottom we are all
perennial violators. How can we explain a government official violating the roads’ traffic rules; a congress in session
without a quorum; parliamentary exploitation; VIPs who cheats on income tax; highly polluted thoroughfares and
waterways; traffic violations; citizen littering public places; streets covered with dusts and dirt; indiscriminate dumping
of garbage; drug abuse; prostitution; schools operating with lucrative profit; abusive religious leaders; kidnap for
ransom; illegal gambling; over crowded jails; graft & corruption; election fraud; unguided freedom of “you name it”, etc,
etc. Dozens died near the pooling areas yet COMELEC declares that the election is generally peaceful. People casts
vote blindfolded by the same promises, sweet smiles, political entertainment and 3-Gs. Year in Year out is all the
same. We never learned, we will never learn. Within our system is an arena of violators so vast that it is accepted as
an standard daily affair and these drives nationalism away from within. We are people without a country, a country
without a people.
Can you give a sort of indicator?
As an indicator, sometime during the middle of the 20th century this country used to enjoy an abundant harvest of
rice. So plenty to the extent of exporting the surplus to other countries. We likewise export sugar in great quantity. But
not anymore this time. It is the complete opposite. We are now a major importer of rice and sugar. The governing
bodies thought otherwise that converting the agricultural lands to something else is better for the economy. I think
that as the biggest blunder committed by the previous generations to the detriment of the future.
What about pollution?
There are many categories or types of pollution. Among which are: water, air, noise, or even moral pollution, etc., you
name it, but the most common that you will notice is water pollution. It hurts me to see the current generation deprived
to experience the waters of Laguna Lake, Pasig River and Manila Bay as clean and as clear as a well maintained
aquarium abundant with all sorts marine life. That was before the so called start of industrialization. I am very much
sorry for all of you. The truth is-- I was lucky to witness the unpolluted conditions of both three bodies of water not
knowing that they were paradise compared to the present. Believe it or not but thats the truth. Yes, it's paradise.
What are the chances that the country will improve? If so how soon can we feel the changes?
A country should have an infinite life span, meaning that its cells shall forever multiply faster than it decays. In the
process, young cells like you while learning how to walk must be made to understand the extreme relevance of why
rules exist and being developed and why it must be obeyed. All children as they age must be rule conscious and
reformed into a law abiding citizens and responsible family members living in a decent community of man. You have to
remember that wherever and whatever we do, we are governed by a series of rules, laws, policies, regulations, ethics
and norms. Children must be taught at school and at home nothing but specific rules for specific task and how it
should be obeyed and put into practice. Remember we have so many rules even in mathematics, grammar, social
studies, economics, sports, school, education, taxation, commerce, family, morality, transportation, environment,
ethics, meteorology, physics, all other sciences, name it we have it. Even fire, water and earth follow its own sets of
rules. Let us call this “balanced transformation”. Let us all respect it without exception then if that happens it will take
at the least one generation before you can see light at the end of the tunnel.
Any short cuts?
We cannot take short cuts unless otherwise the concerned rule provides so. There is of course a way based on the
experience of other highly industrialized countries but this one is too improper for me to discuss with you and would
need a clearance from your school principal, however, should you really insist let me ask you to review the history of
several highly industrialized nations and you may find what they all have in common.
Can you give us some sort of conclusion?
The difficulties that we are currently experiencing were not entirely made by us but collective result of the series of
decisions caused by several generations ahead of us (please refer to the Rules of Causation). Life is so simple, say,
20 generations ago, there were no slums nor exclusive residential areas and people lived equally in abundance.
Some 100 years ago we were the best in Asia in terms of economic development with our one peso equivalent to one
American dollar. However our past leaders consistently failed to keep a higher perspective and look farther over the
horizon to preserve such status. While deciding for major policies, they failed to accurately assess the long-term
effects beyond their lifetime yet those who followed still never learned and we never learn too, or are we now? My only
regret is that I was not made to understand this matter at an early stage of my life. I feel so sorry for the next
generations. I am so sad and my tears fell every time I think of you.
masigla.com
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