Sadly, the issue of providing higher (or at least decent or ‘living’) wages for our hardworking countrymen remains a problem in our beautiful archipelago of delicious coconuts and smiling carabaos since we can remember.
I mean, sure, one can be considered to be gainfully employed but is his or her salary enough to keep body and soul together let alone that of loved ones should he or she be the sole breadwinner? There’s the rub.
However, while we sincerely empathize with those seeking higher wages, this near-sighted Ibaloy writer finds merit to the statement of Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion III quoted in a national broadsheet report which goes: “We all want to improve the lives of our employees, but what is important is for the economy to continue to grow.”
He said as the economy grows, more jobs will be generated, and with the increased demand will come higher wages for more people.
In the news, Concepcion said upskilling and reskilling workers are other long-term solutions to raising wages adding that a highly skilled workforce that can attract foreign direct investments will boost economic growth, which in turn can spur more jobs and increase wages on a more sustainable basis than boosting spending power of the scale and speed proposed by legislators.
Truly, something to seriously ponder on. Hopefully our economy will continue to grow and benefit the entire Filipino people and not only those in the top echelons of society.
Here’s praying that our national and local leaders, who play a big role in guiding our economy’s growth and progress, are up to the task. If they are not, then these ‘honorables’ don’t deserve our precious votes in next year’s elections no matter how good looking or talented in singing, dancing, or acting they are. Just saying.
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.
April 29, 2024
