by Maitet Diokno Misereor Partners Congress, Roxas, Capiz, 30 January 2014

Outline
Critique of current development paradigm
What can work for us given current context Building blocks towards an alternative paradigm

PHL in Global Economy

Human Development Index: rank in 2012 of 114 out of

187 countries (behind China, ahead of Vietnam & Indonesia) Improvement in index, 2000-2012:
Philippines 0.07 points China 0.20 points Vietnam 0.175 points

HDI adjusted for inequality, 2012: 0.551 (from index

value of 0.654; ahead of China, Vietnam and Indonesia)

PHL in the World

Per capita carbon emissions (in tons; source is UNDP) Philippines 0.8 Vietnam 1.0 Indonesia 1.5 China 4.9 Germany 9.9 United States 18.5 Trinidad & Tobago 26.1 Qatar 58.5 Philippines vulnerability to climate change: 3rd most

vulnerable in the world

Distinct Features
The Philippines today is characterized by three

distinct features:
High economic growth

Highest in Asia, better than during Arroyo administration Joblessness In 2013, only 6 of 10 Filipinos aged 15 years & above had work Of every 6 employed Filipinos, 1 is looking for more work Despite programs such as 4Ps/CCT

Worsening poverty

Vulnerability to extreme disasters due to climate change

Unprecedented Sustained Growth

Annual Real Growth in GDP (in %)
10 9 8 7 6

5
4 3 2 1 0
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013

Source: National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB)

No significant poverty reduction

5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0

3.8M

4.0M

4.2M

1.0
0.0

21.0%
2006

20.5%
2009

19.7%
2012

No. of Poor Families

Poverty Incidence

Source: National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB)

Vulnerability to Climate Disasters

Source: Manila Observatory

Reality far from Rhetoric

Official economic slogan is inclusive growth
Reality is growth continues to benefit only a few PNoy and his economic managers seem to be in denial About glaring inequalities

In wealth, income, education, health, political power, etc. In fact, it is the other way around: inequalities need to be addressed so that growth can benefit the poor

That high growth can address inequalities

Also about the seriousness of global warming, climate

change and their impact on the poor

Cabinet Secretary Almendras to the Business Community

Cabinet Secretary Rene D. Almendras at the 65th inaugural meeting of the Management Association of the Philippines:
The government cannot solve all the problems. Were not good at sustainability. We need you, the private sector, to adapt an inclusive business [model]. The only solution to poverty and the only way we can face up to the challenge of inclusive growth is if you, the private sector, participate. Growth will be more sustainable and truly effective if the private sector joins and builds business where they are most needed.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, 28 January 2014. http://business.inquirer.net/162507/inclusive-growth-needs-private-sector

What can we do
Begin with what we already have Resources: land, money, knowledge, networks

Even those less schooled among us have knowledge & skills Usually we dont correctly value what we have; we know more what we dont enjoy but we tend to devalue what is within our grasp and control We may not have much but what we have is a start Even waste can be a resource

Then look at what we could have Usually this requires some action and work on our part

Research, advocacy, organizational strengthening, consensus building, citizen action, consumer/producer action, etc.

What must we do
Despite weak and flawed policy environment, find ways to

make it work for you

Look for spaces and opportunities, through laws and funds

that are either not being implemented or consciously developed by the government

Even a flawed law like EPIRA has some spaces we can use Peoples Survival Fund, when funded, is a good resource

Build alliances to strengthen advocacy positions Do your homework, be well informed

Be clear about your goals and how you can reach them Be clear about what you, your group, and your community

value

Building blocks: Major premises

People at the center of development initiatives and

programs Aspiring for a simple life and sustainable livelihood Protected from extreme disasters due to climate change and global warming In a socio-economic context of just and fair relations that enable and empower each one to live with dignity
Solidarity instead of competition as guiding principle

Healthy interactions between and among all individuals

and groups in all spheres of life Accountable government institutions and officials at all levels (this means checks and balances are in place) Active responsible citizenry

Building blocks: Information

Indigenous skills and knowledge Often this is the only thing that works in a local area Farmers and rural folk often do not realize the importance of the knowledge they have Knowledge on renewable energy, on organic

agriculture, on social enterprise building are readily available not only through the web but through a wide range of organizations and experts in the Philippines
PMPI members best examples of this

Building blocks: Organization

This is very important, especially for people who are

not powerful politically and economically

Basis of unity and group dynamics very important Vision and future direction also a unifying and

motivating principle

Also needed for sustainable livelihood and social

enterprise

Building blocks: Social Enterprise

Business with the poor as primary stakeholders Three bottom lines: social equity

(people), environmental sustainability (planet), financial viability (profit) Know your product (be creative and innovative) Know your market and your allies Watch your costs Make a business plan Keep records Dont hesitate to seek help for any or all of these

Solidarity not Competition

Mutual self help and exchange
Sharing of resources Aggregating / combining demand and/or supply to

meet the market with greater leverage Hence, solidarity instead of competition Also a way for the poor to protect themselves against vested interests

Protection to reduce vulnerability

Not just as a response to disaster, but more to lower

vulnerability of the poor to disasters Will require a wholesale effort at the local level
Zoning and land use

Rebuild, relocate to areas that are safe to live, with structures

that can better cope with disasters Protect the coastal areas and slopes Renewable energy installations in such a way that poor local communities can afford

Such a wholesale effort could give local economies a boost

and provide employment particularly to victims of disaster

Thank you very much