ELTON JHUNE B.
MARTINEZ 12-LIKEABLE
"The Impact of Globalization on the Philippines"
Globalization is a term that describes how different parts of the world become more
connected through trade, culture, and communication. This means that the increasing
interconnections of places in economic, political and cultural terms, and also globalization in
the Philippines is to benefit. This paper will discuss both angles in order to establish if
globalization is beneficial or not for the Philippines. In the Philippine context, globalization
brings both benefits and challenges. This paper will discuss both sides to understand whether
globalization is good or bad for the Philippines.
For one, globalization has created opportunities for many Filipinos. You know, we can meet
people around the world now because of the internet and social media …exchange ideas…
history is full of examples where borders were irrelevant to entrepreneurs. According to a
local official in the Middle East, tens if not hundreds of thousands 'newly come' Filipinos
benefit from working abroad and sending remittances back home. In that way, such
remittances add to an increase in the standard of living for the families at home, enabling
them construct a house or invest in education. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for
example not only support families back home but likewise play a crucial role in the
Philippine economy. OFW remittances surged to nearly $30 billion in 2022, underscoring
their crucial role.
The improved ranking of the Philippines in the Globalization Index highlights the country's
increasing global interconnectedness and potential for economic growth, especially in sectors
like technology and industrialization. This is supported by the country's efforts to attract
foreign investments and join international trade agreements like the Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP)(Business World Online)(Makati Business Club). According to
(Grades Fixer), small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which make up 99% of Filipino
businesses, struggle to compete on a global scale due to outdated technologies and limited
support. This challenge is especially severe in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
Globalization has exacerbated income inequality in the Philippines. While economic growth
has been spurred by trade and remittances, the benefits are unevenly distributed, with wealth
concentrated among a few, leaving many Filipinos in poverty (Grades Fixer). Politically,
according to (Grades Fixer)(Makati Business Club), globalization has allowed the Philippines
to strengthen its international ties, particularly within ASEAN, though challenges remain in
handling external pressures like territorial disputes with China.
In addition, globalization has also fueled the emergence of industries that grew in the
Philippines like technology and business process outsourcing (BPO). International brands
established their presence in the country and a lot of job openings were available. The BPO
sector has given livelihood to millions of Filipinos with relatively good paying jobs and room
for career advancement. This elevation in the standard of living goes a long way for many
families.
Furthermore, it fosters cultural share as well. We travel, watch films from around the world,
listen to all kinds of music and eat every food we can find in Manila! It enriches our cultural
backdrop and inspires diversity of thought. It widens the horizons, and makes Filipinos work-
ready for a global market.
Globalization, on the other hand also involves several drawbacks. The Distillery is a huge
problem, not the least of which because it gobbles up local small business. If the new players
in India are international market leaders, there is a real risk of them squeezing small local
companies out. For example, most small farmers those who cannot supply imported goods at
a cheaper rate. This causes jobs to be lost and forces local small businesses go bankrupt.
And second, the ever-widening gap between rich and poor. Some people benefit by
capitalizing on globalization, whereas others might stay above the poverty line. The boon of
globalization is often not universal across all parts of a given community. Rural areas do not
get much from it as compared to urban center. This can exacerbate income inequality and
ultimately leave a large section of the population behind.
Another critical approach is to invest in education and skills development. By equipping
Filipinos with the skills needed to compete in the global job market, the country can ensure
that its workforce remains competitive. This includes not only technical skills but also soft
skills such as communication, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding. Education plays
a crucial role in enabling Filipinos to take full advantage of the opportunities that
globalization presents. At the same time, it is essential to preserve the Philippines' cultural
identity in the face of globalization. This can be achieved by promoting local traditions, arts,
and languages through education and cultural programs. By fostering a sense of pride in
Filipino heritage, the country can prevent the erosion of its cultural identity while still
embracing the positive aspects of global interconnectedness.
In addition, globalization can help promote the loss fairly of cultural identity. As Western
culture started to dominate them, the traditional Filipino values and customs became
transient. In doing so younger generations can become estranged to their history. If people
can generally access the same information and experiences or be part of online communities,
they may always identify with them regardless of their geography; therefor painting over
geographic differences which might have an upside in terms of shared cultural experience but
down side for traditional forms like local languages and artforms.
For me, globalization has been a blessing in disguise. Being able to access international
information through the internet has made me aware of different perspectives and cultures. It
allows me to talk with people from different walks of life and learn more. Globalization also
guarantees employment and career advancement. The job market today increasingly demands
international experience, so having it gives me a competitive advantage.
BUT I can also see the disadvantages. Very high job competition makes it difficult to get a
decent job. My one worry is the pressure around becoming more and more like other
countries (mostly Western) — of changing our own trends to mirror foreign values. The
commenter is tempting to many people who struggle with the balance between global
influences and local traditions in an increasingly interconnected world.
Therefore, globalization affects the Philippines indirectly in a complex manner. It provides
opportunities for the growth and mutual exchange between two cultures but then it also
happens at a cost of economic disparity and cultural mixing which leads us to believe I
aspired these issues. In the end of all, their good and evil is intertwined. The Philippines must
find a balance that promotes growth at the same time does not jeopardize its identity and local
industry. Globalization can work to our advantage and we should take steps to prevent it from
running away with us so that Filipinos of the future have a better life.