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Dr. J. Mark Muñoz
Land of My Birth
(Lupang Sinilangan)
136 pages
Copyright © 2005
by J. Mark Muñoz

Excerpts

Prologue

I was born in the Philippines. A country of about 80 million, a land where over eight million people have left to find better lives in distant shores, a place where half the population are said to live on less than two dollars a day.

While the country is a gorgeous tropical paradise, it is also a sad and lost nation. It is an archipelago at the crossroads of globalization, experiencing high rates of poverty, crime, and corruption. It is operating in an environment that is “pseudo-globalized”, experiencing a false or errant state of global assimilation.

I spent my childhood in the Philippines. I have frolicked in its immaculate tropical wonders, partaken of its exotic fruits and produce, and basked in the warmth and hospitality of the people. While doing so, I witnessed and participated in the pain and despair experienced by its citizens.

Years ago, I decided to leave the country with my young family. The economic malaise, criminality, and injustices were too much for me to bear. I sought a better life away from the islands. I now live in America, thousands of miles away from my birth land.

While living the American dream, as a professor and international entrepreneur, my heart and soul prodded me to look back to my country of origin. After years of personal research, I came across shocking news accounts, statistics, and stories. While the country has matured and ingrained itself with the global environment, the country’s socio-political and economic situation remains desperate and many conditions have become worse since I left.

I have decided to share its story.

This book offers a perspective of the social challenges unfolding in a struggling country disguised as an island paradise, a nation in a state of misdevelopment and in dire need of holistic change in order to survive and prosper.

The events and cases mentioned are recent, and have taken place over the past two years. They are meant to depict snapshots of the contemporary Philippines, the 12th most populated country in the world.
It is my hope that through this book, the global society will understand the country better, and take proactive measures to provide help where it is needed. I hope that leaders and change makers in the country may be prodded into prompt action. My objective is not to condemn any individual or political party, but to catalyze action and encourage reform.

Aside from exposing the serious issues, this book offers strategic solutions that may help the country better deal with the unevenness brought about by globalization and the New Economy. In the words of author Cedric Mayson “transition in any society is inevitably a time of great upheaval for organizations and persons… it brings tension, confusion, and fear.” Without strategic action and effective reform, the country will fall by the wayside and millions of people are bound to suffer. Millions will be confronted with poverty, and many will lose their lives.

This is not my story nor is it historical text. The contemporary drama is unfolding in the Philippines, and lived by millions of people who remain there. This book is for my country, my fellow citizens, and all members of the global community who care and sympathize.

Dr. Mark Muñoz
Decatur, Illinois

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