|
|
The ultimate goal
Michael Alan Hamlin
Just when you thought it was as bad as it gets...
Despite the ongoing struggle to address the devastating impact of Typhoons Ondoy (international designation: Ketsana) and Pepeng-and debate over government’s ability to stay relevant to that struggle-the Philippines was not without its feel-good moments last week. The contrast between individuals struggling to survive and others celebrating business success may seem callous, but it’s not. As I argued two weeks ago, the ultimate goal is not to survive, but to move on and build better lives.
For that to happen, the private sector must continue to maintain and create jobs. While life might have seemed to stand still as streets, homes, and villages disappeared under flood waters and mud, it did not. But for the private sector to continue to do its work, it needs the support of government, especially when the hurdles to successfully doing business have been raised. Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng also made the private sector’s work more difficult.
Continue
reading >>>
|
Posted
10/28/2009 4:15:27 PM |
|
|
|
Managing perception
Michael Alan Hamlin
The Philippines needs to start emulating its neighbors
The December 2004 tsunami was Thailand’s worst natural disaster. It killed approximately 8,000 people from 37 countries according to a United Nations report. It affected 59,000 individuals and orphaned almost 1,500 children. Thirty thousand livelihoods were lost in fisheries, and 120,000 jobs in tourism. Damage, not including housing, was estimated at $353 million, and the Thai government had extended $1.06 billion in assistance to victims by September the following year.
Yet Thailand’s gross national product (GNP) grew at over six percent in 2005 (although the country’s GNP has yet to return to 2004’s 6.7%, for a variety of reasons, including protracted political instability). Foreign direct investment (FDI) rose dramatically that year from $6 billion to $9 billion. Tourism dropped almost imperceptibly, from 11.65 million to 11.52 million. Despite a string of negative news stories coming out of Thailand in ensuing years, FDI and tourism have remained strong compared to the Philippines.
Continue
reading >>>
|
Posted
10/22/2009 6:54:53 PM |
|
|
|
International Outsourcing Summit
Michael Alan Hamlin
Typhoon Pepeng-which made landfall three times in northern Luzon with devastating results in the aftermath of the already deadly onslaught that was Typhoon Ondoy-is gone. The skies are clear and the sun is shining, but hundreds of lives have been lost. Crops, buildings, and personal possessions have been destroyed. Although the economy is expected to grow in the coming year, significant reinvestment will be required for many entrepreneurial, small and medium businesses to regain lost ground.
Despite the often horrific impact of the calamity, many ordinary Filipinos determinedly overcame adversity to both help others and to help themselves, as I and others wrote last week. Visually, the site of street vendors plying their trade in ankle and sometimes knee-deep waters was, frankly, inspiring. While much relief effort was necessary and critical for many victims, these individuals and those they served were determined not be victims, and to hold their own despite harsh circumstances.
Continue
reading >>>
|
Posted
10/14/2009 12:51:15 PM |
|
|
|
Excellence in execution
Michael Alan Hamlin
Periodic surveys conducted by The Conference Board reveal that excellence in executing strategy is the chief concern of executives worldwide. They have good reason to be concerned. According to Dr. David Norton, less than 10% of effectively formulated strategies are effectively implemented. Yet strategy and its execution are at the core of organizational success. Seventy percent of organizations that have a formal strategy execution process in place outperform their peers.
Dr. Norton was in town recently to speak before business and government leaders at a conference organized by the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA). ISA works with local government units (LGUs), national government agencies, and professional associations to help them implement a performance governance system (PGS) based on the Balanced Scorecard (BSC). BSC is a formal system that supports effective formulation and execution of strategic plans. It was developed by Dr. Norton and retired Harvard Business School professor Dr. Robert Kaplan.
Continue
reading >>>
|
Posted
10/7/2009 4:11:11 PM |
|
|
|
Ondoy and empowerment
Michael Alan Hamlin
A little more than a year ago, the world watched in admiration as flood-drenched Indians-resigned to the ineptitude of their government-rallied to save themselves after record monsoonal rains. Last weekend, history repeated itself. This time in the Philippines. There were many stories of heroism and tragedy in the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy. Here is one family’s story, recounted by Monique Gabriel.
“11:00 am. Renato “Rey” Gabriel received a phone call from his brother Gerry that water was fast rising in their two-storey home on Saint Therese Street in Provident Village, Marikina City. (Also in the house: Gerry’s wife Syndie, 16-year-old Kurt, nine-year-old Joshua, older sister Angie, 82-year-old father Manuel, household helpers and a maid’s five-year-old son). Gerry had just parked the family’s cars on A. Bonifacio Street, thinking they would be safe on high ground.
Continue
reading >>>
|
Posted
10/1/2009 10:55:44 AM |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
