సిగ్నిఫికాన్సు అఫ్ హుమన్ & నతురల్ రెసౌర్చెస్ అఫ్ ది ఫిలిపిన్స్ తో ఔర్ nation

Superior Human Resources Fuel Economic Growth
There is a sense of excitement and anticipation that the steady economic growth in the Philippines holds promise for the future. Despite its recent history of natural disasters, political unrest and economic hardship, the Philippines’ 5-6 % growth rate in Gross National Product (GNP) for 1997 is significant and offers hope of promising change. Further, deregulation, liberalization, and privatization reforms are contributing to the country’s "Philippines 2000" campaign, aimed at achieving Newly Industrialized Country (NIC) status, modernizing its agricultural sector, and revolutionizing its infrastructure by the turn of the century. Included in these reforms is an emphasis on the role of the private sector and promotion of foreign investment.
The Asian economic crisis has not hurt the Philippines as much as it has hurt its neighbors. The country is, however, in a mild recession. Its GNP growth is expected to slow to 3.7 percent this year, in contrast with the aforementioned 5 to 6 percent growth in 1997. The leadership of the country is confident, however, that their economy will be among the first in Asia to recover from the crisis.
The Philippines is gradually becoming an attractive location for production centers in Asia for many international companies. For those searching to make an investment in Southeast Asia, the Philippines offers the promise of high growth, with operational advantages such as a strategic location for global exports, and a highly qualified and educated workforce. Moreover, the Philippines has recently achieved a stable political environment, something which has held the country back for decades.
The Philippines’ labor force is well equipped to work with foreign ventures and is one of the country’s outstanding attributes. English is commonly spoken. The population and culture is a mixture of its Malay origins and Spanish and American influences. Furthermore, following independence, the country maintained many of its Western-flavored institutions, particularly in law, government, and economics. This familiarity with Western practices eases Filipino integration with Western business practices and foreign ventures. Additionally, unlike many other Southeast Asian countries which must grapple with a skilled-labor shortage, the Philippines boasts a literate population that is well equipped with computer skills, advanced technological expertise, and good Western managerial skills. In fact, in some cases there is an overabundance of skilled labor; millions of Filipinos who can’t find work at home live in foreign countries utilizing their technical expertise.
Filipinos are young, educated, energetic, and motivated to succeed. With the support of such superior human resources, the Philippines is in a prime position to sustain its present growth rate and to play an excellent host to foreign investment. To establish a successful presence in the Philippines, an understanding of the culture, law, and practices of the Filipino labor force is critical. Building a mutually beneficial relationship with Filipino employees requires an awareness of the Philippine disposition, the country’s labor laws, customary salary and benefits, union rights, and employment procedures.

The Filipino as an Employee
Filipinos are friendly and have a "laid-back" culture. They adopt an informal appearance, even in the workplace. They are at ease with walking into their superior’s office simply to have a conversation. On the other hand, they are sensitive to being reprimanded. They like to be treated with patience. Because they value a solid reputation and a good public image, it is shameful for them to be reprimanded in public. They respect a manager that is fair, respectful of their dignity, and willing to compromise. In return, they are trustworthy, dedicated, responsible, and productive workers.
Typical of Asian culture, Filipinos avoid conflict and confrontation. In order to avoid unsettling situations, they often rely on an intermediary or third party to convey their message. While in the United States this could be perceived as evasive, the Filipino is more comfortable avoiding conflict. They value harmony over their personal viewpoint and often remain silent in disagreement. Thus, harmony is preserved at the expense of their own creativity or initiative. They will follow a boss’s decision rather than create a stir by suggesting an alternative proposal.
Business is usually undertaken at a leisurely place. Unlike the United StatesA