Comments on: Market Moments…

By: Ebba Myra

Ebba Myra — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:49:18 +0000

I myself love going to Wet Markets.. but somehow I prefer those that are located in the provinces. The “seller” are friendlier and more thrusworthy than the ones I find in Manila. Summer of 2007, I went to Quezon for a Mission Trip, and everyday, my team and I would go early in the morning to the local town market to check on the daily catch of the day, and the fresh produce that has just been harvested. I actually have fun and enjoy doing it.. mud, dust, scent and all. But I DO NOT enjoy going to the Munincipal Hall to process some papers for my mom’s small coconut farm. The employees are not to be thrusted, they gossip, gives you that eyeing look, especially to the people who are with me and are not dressed “professional” enough to be served. It has been years, and the process of our documents is still in the hands of the “designated” one and only he and he alone (as what everybody in that office say, including the town treasurer), can fix of finalized the paper.. even though I told question them that it is a public document and it is the work of the whole office. Nevertheless, I have been back here in the States, and still I have not received the papers. I asked my relative to go see “the man” and ask for the documents… and she also has gotten nowhere after 3 months of visits. I might have to get a lawyer soon.. oh, I hope this one works for honest job.. and not be one of them in the corrupted Munincipal Hall.

By: Lou

Lou — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 18:15:17 +0000

Bravo, Marketman! You are not only “the windows” to a fine culinary experience to your readers like me, but also a socially sensitive one with a strong dash of political frankness about what is happening to the country. This post is very provocative and gave a better meaning to the changes in our surroundings that most of us ignore for one reason or another. I very much enjoyed this post.
One last comment about the overseas workers that bring in billions of $$$ and have become the backbone of the Phil. economy; I find it very disturbing that instead of building and making things work in the country, the present government seems to encourage more people to work overseas, rather than really work hard on a plan to solidify and secure the economy thus providing a healthy and stable future for the next generations to come. I have a feeling that this is simply too much of a challenge and deep thinking and hard work to deal with our politicians. And the head of the country is an economist??? Have mercy!
I look forward to your future observations and comments and of course, your delicious recipes.

By: danney

danney — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 17:47:52 +0000

Hello Marketman,

I wish I could join a group of investors and help create OSS Insurance Program for overseas workers. To avoid corruption, the company should be based somewhere outside the Philippines. Are you ready to join me?

By: Marketman

Marketman — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 02:47:49 +0000

danney, a fascinating topic and something I would like to get into in a post in the weeks ahead. It is something I can really get into… More later.

By: danney

danney — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 02:33:39 +0000

This particular “fish market article” is very provocative like fishmonger. It is more about social clash and politics. Let me make a comment that might incite people. There are over 8 million overseas workers and they are contributing 14 billion dollars annually to the Philippine economy. That is about 700 billion pesos!! Where is the money?

The government considered the OFWs “Heroes of Today” but once the overseas workers lost their job or become incapacitated, they are no longer heroes. I always believe that overseas workers should have their own social security. SSS, GSIS and OSS (Overseas Social Security)

Overseas workers should pay OSS insurance in dollars and should get health benefits, shelter, education in dollars too. That is the best that the country can offer to our overseas workers!! They should get higher benefits because they are paying in dollars and they are remitting billions of dollars!!