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Welcome to Las Vegas, Nevada- the Gambling Capital of US and the City that never sleeps! So, what has this city have to do with this site. The answer is none. I just love the photo, I took during our vacation to this city a couple of years ago. In this site, you will find articles from my autobiography, global warming, senior citizens issues, tourism, politics in PI, music appreciation and articles about our current experiences as retirees enjoying the "snow bird" lifestyle between US and the Philippines. Your comments will be highly appreciated. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on infringement of your copyrights. Cheers!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Global Intelligience Briefing



I just finished reading the report of Herbert Meyer given to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. His report discussed four major transformations that are shaping political, economic and world events as follows.

1. The War in Iraq, Terrorism, IRAN
2. The Emergence of China
3. Change of Demographics
4, Restructuring of American Business

I will comment only on #3, since in my opinion the problem of overpopulation will directly affect the economic situation of the Philippines in the future. In the article, the author mentioned that Japan, France and other countries with low birth rates are "dying" and their future is bleak. On the other hand the issue of overpopulation could also lead to economic disaster, which was not discussed by the author. I was interested on the birth rates of the Philippines as compared to the other countries so I did a google search which I am listing from low to high birth rates. The numbers are per 1000 and are estimate for the year, 2007.

1. Japan 8.1
2. Russia 10.9
3. France 12.9
4. China 13.5
5. US 14.2
6. India 22.7
7. Philippines 24.5

I believe the acceptable birth rate for economic reasons is about 15.
I remember reading an article last year that if the Philippines birth rate continues, it was predicted that in 25 years, the country will be over populated, thus create an economic disaster. This is something to think about. As a Filipino-American, now retired, I will probably not live to see that day happened. What can we do. I think we should start educating specially the poor filipinos in the rural provinces the danger of over population, thus birth control. Speaking of rural philippines, I have
talked and interviewed a few mothers in Marinduque who have at least 5 to 9 children during the time span of 10 years during our medical missions to the province since 1996. They feel powerless since having children is the fact of life and that is Gods will. Can we do something about this!!

3 comments:

Paul Banbury said...

Yes, but what is the mortality rate? Your perspective seems to indicate that the balance is out of whack, but the research you cite is incomplete. I always wonder about this, as my son lives in Africa, and they face a similar issue in his country, Benin. Makes me wish I studied anthropology.

David B Katague said...

Excellent point, Paul. Even though I have no number of the mortality rate, predictions from economists that in twenty years, the Philippines will be overpopulated if the birth rate continues. You are correct, the balance is out of whack. I will check the mortality rate and get back to you soon.

David B Katague said...

Paul, here is the latest stat I found for birth rate and death rate in PI as of May 2008

Birthrate= 26.8
Death rate= 5.8

Indeed it is out of whack!
Thanks, again for your comments

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