The Future of the Philippines

THOUGHTFUL Filipinos entrusted with plotting the course for the Commonwealth ship of state, are only too well aware of the difficulties that lie before them. The expense that will be required to make the ship seaworthy and to keep it manned, repaired and running smoothly is an enormous item, which will leave practically nothing for equipping the craft with the many modern devices necessary to bring it up to a level where it can compete successfully on world seas. Moreover, its course is beset with uncharted dangers. Some of the reefs through which it must steer are well marked, but an unfavorable wind may increase the peril of the course. And world weather conditions are such that there seem to be few winds blowing that are favorable to small craft. In brief, here are some of the major problems that lie before the Commonwealth: It must so unify and consolidate its i6 million inhabitants, scattered over the numerous islands making up the archipelago, that they will be willing to cooperate during the years of stress that lie ahead. To do this within the democratic framework to which the country has gradually become accustomed and within which its people have elected to remain, a very wide educational campaign is necessary. Not only through the schools, but through the press and the radio, Juan de la Cruz and his children must learn about the problems which the Philippines is facing with the approach of independence. They have heard much, during the last 40 years, about the privileges and blessings of political freedom; now in a brief span they must learn about its duties and demands. Some of the accompaniments of political independence about which they are not yet fully informed are the economic strains which it will put upon every man. The small farmers and tenants, who make up the bulk of the population, have already begun to discover that their sugar and coconuts no longer have a ready market. Many of them are unfamiliar with the terms of the Independence Act and of subsequent legislation passed by the

Geography · Political science · Commonwealth, Australian Politics and Federalism · Island Studies and Pacific Affairs · Philippine History and Culture