Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines.
Do you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I
do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of
love for the Philippines.
Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans
had to start from scratch because entire country was destroyed after
the Korean War, and we had no natural resources. Koreans used to talk
about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envy
Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many
Koreans died of famine. My father & brother also died because of
famine. Korean government was very corrupt and is still very corrupt
beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically
because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their
heart burning with patriotism.
Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.
40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea.
He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible
to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economic
situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories.
So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through horrible experience.
In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundred of
Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there
as they saw the President Park. They asked to him, “President, when can
we be well off?” That was the only question everyone asked to him.
President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be
well off if everyone works hard for Korea, and the President of Germany
got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea. So,
President Park was able to build many factories in Korea. He always
asked Koreans to love their country from their heart. Many Korean
scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help
developing country because they wanted their country to be well off.
Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea.
They always hoped that their children would live in well off country.
My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically
handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and
help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army.
The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love
our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood. Have you cried for
the Philippines? I have cried for my country several times. I also
cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been
to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the
prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass
and work for Church. They pray everyday. However, they do not love the
Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security
compound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines.
