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

Worsening poverty

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

Vulnerability to extreme disasters due to climate change

Unprecedented Sustained Growth

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

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

Annual Real Growth in GDP (in %)

Source: National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB)

No significant poverty reduction

Poverty Incidence

No. of Poor Families0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

20062009

2012

21.0%20.5%

19.7%

3.8M 4.0M 4.2M

Source: National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB)

Vulnerability to Climate Disasters

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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.

That high growth can address inequalities

In fact, it is the other way around: inequalities need to be addressed so that growth can benefit the poor

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