I was watching this documentary earlier on one of the local channels. Channel 11 I think it was (GMA News TV).
The narrator quite adeptly related how prices of basic commodities have risen by 1-2 pesos as a result of the unceasing oil price hikes. After this, the story goes on to an interview with a renowned professor/economist who very simplistically replies to all of this by saying: "mas mabuti talaga kung may trabaho ang tao, kasi mas mahirap kung wala kang trabaho at nagtataasan ang presyo ng bilihin." What a let-down! I expected something more from this professor/economist.
Although somehow part of me wished that his simplistic equation were true. Sadly, it isn't.
Can we really ever hope to beat rising oil prices? Even with a 100% employment (which is impossible) can anyone ever really hope to beat the rise of prices of basic commodities as a result of the dwindling oil resources used to produce and/or distribute them?
I think not. It's a losing battle we're fighting.
As early as now we have to realize that there is a need for us to wean ourselves from our addiction to oil / fossil fuels. One of the highlights of President Aquino's recent SONA was the development of Filipino-born technologies through the DOST. Most of which are centered on disaster early warning systems and I think there was mention of an alternative mass transit (monorail) being developed.
Nothing wrong with that. In fact, its commendable. But I think the DOST and government as a whole should go even deeper. By deeper I mean that government should partner with manufacturing and other industries to explore methods that will reduce our country's addiction to black gold and reduce the Philippine carbon footprint altogether.
Let's start with the transport sector. In most first-world countries there are already existing technologies that leverage alternative fuels. In other countries, the use of petrol or even diesel powered cars in cities is prohibited. If you want to get around within the city, you'd have to leave your gas/diesel guzzling car in the outskirts and make use of the electric cars that are provided by the city government. Two birds with one stone. They cut down pollution in their city and at the same time gain revenue from the use of the electric cars.
What if prior to registration of public utility buses and jeepneys we require that their diesel engines be converted so that they can run on cooking oil? This may sound funny but there are engines running on this already with no difference in performance but with a significant difference in emission.
Imagine now you can drive through EDSA with your top-down because instead of diesel fumes you'd smell french-fries, or hamburgers or bacon? Wow!
Can you imagine the kind of impact this would have if implemented in Makati and/or Ortigas?
Unfortunately, like me that's all we can do at this point-IMAGINE. Unless, this administration really shows that it has the will and the balls to change this country into a better one.
