|
My short essay about the Philippines |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, 15 February 2006 |
|
Page 1 of 4 By Jaeyon Kim
INQ7.net
Shared by Mr. Gilbert Perez
 FILIPINOS always complain about corruption in the Philippines. Do you
really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do not
think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the
Philippines.
Let me first talk about my country, Korea.
It might help you to understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea
was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from
scratch because the country was destroyed completely during the war, and we
had no natural resources.
Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in
Asia. We envied Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father's brother died because of famine. Korean government was awfully corrupt -- and is still very corrupt
beyond your imagination -- but Korea was able to develop dramatically
because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart
burning with patriotism. Koreans did not work just for themselves but also
for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the
spirit of patriotism.
Forty years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea.
He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to
get a loan or attract a foreign investment because the economy of South
Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent
many mine workers and nurses to Germany so they could send money to Korea
to build a factory. They had to go through a horrible experience.
In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundreds of
Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as
they saw the President Park. They asked him, "President, when can we be
well off?" That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park
cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone
worked hard for Korea. The president of Germany got the strong impression
on them and lent money to Korea. So, President Park was able to build many
factories in Korea. He always asked Koreans to love their country from
their heart.
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 Next > End >>
|
