Effect of Self Esteem on student
Corruption-free ODA program: A national priority
By Albert F. del Rosario
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:13:00 07/28/2008
Filed Under: Foreign Aid, Graft & Corruption, civil society,Migration
MANILA, Philippines--Official Development Assistance (ODA), though sourced from abroad, is the money of the Filipino people. These precious resources are negotiated in the name of the Republic, for the national interest, and for development to improve the quality of life of all the people. These funds are not intended for illicit private gain.
Corruption in the Philippines has been repeatedly criticized at home and in international reports, most recently in a World Bank assessment that rated the Philippines as the most corrupt country in East Asia. In yet another report, Transparency International has downgraded our country to being among the most corrupt in the world. The scourge of corruption has even reportedly penetrated the ODA field.
It is urgent, therefore, that we address the problem of corruption-tainted ODA in our country. Corruption and other illegalities siphon away the money of the people, and rob them of a better future that should be theirs by right.
The time for action is especially urgent now for other reasons. First, there has been a steady downward trend in global ODA. Sooner or later, this will affect the Philippines if this is not already happening. Second, given the current food and fuel crises, an expected global economic slowdown, and increasing pressure on government revenues, our country has a greater need to utilize ODA more efficiently and effectively than in the past.
Although the government must take the lead in deciding the general direction and priorities for our country's national development plan, the government is not the only actor in our national development. Philippine civil society has had a long and honorable history of active involvement in development projects from the local to the national level through the
By Albert F. del Rosario
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:13:00 07/28/2008
Filed Under: Foreign Aid, Graft & Corruption, civil society,Migration
MANILA, Philippines--Official Development Assistance (ODA), though sourced from abroad, is the money of the Filipino people. These precious resources are negotiated in the name of the Republic, for the national interest, and for development to improve the quality of life of all the people. These funds are not intended for illicit private gain.
Corruption in the Philippines has been repeatedly criticized at home and in international reports, most recently in a World Bank assessment that rated the Philippines as the most corrupt country in East Asia. In yet another report, Transparency International has downgraded our country to being among the most corrupt in the world. The scourge of corruption has even reportedly penetrated the ODA field.
It is urgent, therefore, that we address the problem of corruption-tainted ODA in our country. Corruption and other illegalities siphon away the money of the people, and rob them of a better future that should be theirs by right.
The time for action is especially urgent now for other reasons. First, there has been a steady downward trend in global ODA. Sooner or later, this will affect the Philippines if this is not already happening. Second, given the current food and fuel crises, an expected global economic slowdown, and increasing pressure on government revenues, our country has a greater need to utilize ODA more efficiently and effectively than in the past.
Although the government must take the lead in deciding the general direction and priorities for our country's national development plan, the government is not the only actor in our national development. Philippine civil society has had a long and honorable history of active involvement in development projects from the local to the national level through the