HARDLY anyone in the Philippines would think that Manny Pacquiao’s one-sided victory over American boxer Chris Algieri in Macau on Sunday would have any bearing on the Philippine economy. However far-fetched that may seem, there is, in fact, a connection.
Pacquiao’s tremendous boxing skills, courage, honesty and generosity to all, including his adversaries, are qualities that people all over the world respect and admire. The global public, particularly the American public, demonstrated their admiration and respect in many ways—extremely high pay-per-view hits for his fights; candidates for high public office soliciting his endorsement; his huge popularity, not just among boxing fans, but among people from all walks of life.
These responses somehow translate into admiration for us as a people, as well as into the readiness of foreigners to participate in the joys of our communities and the bounties of our economy. They add, not subtract, to the number of tourist arrivals, for instance; they add, not subtract, to the number of investors in our economy.
By the same token, one would have no difficulty assessing the impact of the behavior of our public officials on the perception of other members of the international community. One does not have to be a swami to know that people abroad must be appalled by the brazenness of our officials in plundering the national coffers and their insensitivity to the people’s needs, while professing their deepest fidelity to the constitutional provision that “sovereignty resides in the people, and all government authority emanates from them.”
Decent human beings everywhere can hardly be expected to want to be associated with people who bring shame to their country and dishonor their fellow citizens.
So it is that individual behavior has an effect on national welfare. Where should we look for exemplary behavior? Obviously, not in the field of public service, which has been taken over by those serving only themselves. Perhaps, in the field of business, where we have businessmen doing well, not just in making money, but in discharging their social responsibility? Sadly, however, their number is overwhelmed by those lacking in vision and determination, ever on the lookout for government support. There is only fear here, no daring. If there are those in other sectors of our society that cuddle heroes, or prospective heroes, to rejuvenate our sociopolitical economy, let them come forward and be recognized.
For the moment, as we see it, our saviors are likely to come from the field of sports. Boxing, golf, football, basketball, swimming and especially boxing, where Pacquiao is already inspiring many young men to excel—these are the places where character is built, where honesty is valued, where individual and collective excellence is recognized. These are the fields of human activity that are likely to produce those individuals who are likely to bring honor to our country.
Image credits: Jimbo Albano