Lucid - The Philippines Is Running Out of Time

The Philippines Is Running Out of Time: Corruption, Reform, and the Fight for Progress

The Philippines is a country rich in resources but crippled by corruption. Every administration promises change—agrarian reform, industrial growth, poverty alleviation—but decades later, we’re still waiting. Why? Because the system itself is rotten. Government officials who should be uplifting farmers and industries are instead filling their pockets. Land meant for distribution gets stuck in bureaucratic red tape, swallowed by greedy landlords, or used as political currency. Meanwhile, industrialization remains a pipe dream because foreign corporations hold more power than our own government. The result? A country stuck in a vicious cycle, where progress is always just out of reach.

The truth is, the Philippines doesn't lack potential—it lacks real governance. Our constitution holds the power to reshape our future, but instead, it has been weaponized by those who benefit from the status quo. Land reform laws are riddled with loopholes that allow the rich to maintain control. Industrial policies favor foreign investors over local businesses, making it nearly impossible for us to build a strong national economy. But if done right, constitutional reforms could be the key to breaking free. Imagine a system where land truly belongs to the farmers who work it, where industries thrive under strong local policies, and where corruption is met with real consequences. That’s the kind of change we need—but we won’t get there unless we demand it.

As a student pursuing a career in interior design, this issue might seem distant at first glance—but it’s not. The country’s failure to industrialize directly affects industries like construction, real estate, and design. Corruption in land ownership and development makes it harder for local architects and designers to thrive, while reliance on imported materials due to weak industrial policies drives up costs. If we had a strong local manufacturing sector, we wouldn’t have to depend on overpriced foreign products, making interior design more accessible and sustainable. The way our economy is structured determines the opportunities available to us as future professionals. If the system remains broken, so do our chances of truly building something great.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about agrarian reform or industrialization—it’s about fixing the system that keeps us from moving forward. We need leaders who serve the people, not their wallets. We need policies that protect Filipino businesses, not foreign monopolies. Most importantly, we need a constitution that works for the people, not the powerful few. If we don’t push for real reform now, we’ll keep running in circles while the rest of the world leaves us behind. The future is ours to shape—if we dare to fight for it.

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