Diplomacy and President Ramos
Major Foreign Policy Thrusts Under the Ramos Presidency
A. Enhancing economic security through development diplomacy
The extent and complexity of economic cooperation and competition in the next millenium demanded more than domestic reforms. Therefore, economic linkages are also a key to progress. Given such awareness, President Ramos complemented whatever local initiatives with economic diplomacy, otherwise termed as Development Diplomacy. This effort only emphasized the priority placed by his administration on the importance of economic development and the kind of strategic initiatives ventured upon.
1. Domestic reforms
Lagging behind in a region of rapidly growing economies, President Ramos recognized that for the Philippines to catch up with its neighbors domestic policies must be reformed. For instance, protectionism failed to help local industries develop. In response, the Ramos government pursued decentralization, deregulation, and liberalization programs.
Decentralization, which devolved power from the national government to local government unit, was basically a political process. But its ultimate objective was to give provinces and municipalities greater command over
GINA RIVAS PATTUGALAN a wide range of socio-economic policies environmental regulation, infrastructure development, investment attraction, and revenue generation. Meanwhile, both deregulation and liberalization aimed at leveling the playing field for both local and foreign investors.
2. Economic diplomacy
To President Ramos, the wars of the coming decades will be more economic than political. The world therefore will depend more on economic linkages rather than on arms buildup. This also meant that domestic economic reforms are insufficient to achieve economic viability. To this end, his government complemented whatever local initiatives with economic diplomacy, otherwise termed as Development Diplomacy. Specifically, economic diplomacy was aimed at enabling the country to
A. Enhancing economic security through development diplomacy
The extent and complexity of economic cooperation and competition in the next millenium demanded more than domestic reforms. Therefore, economic linkages are also a key to progress. Given such awareness, President Ramos complemented whatever local initiatives with economic diplomacy, otherwise termed as Development Diplomacy. This effort only emphasized the priority placed by his administration on the importance of economic development and the kind of strategic initiatives ventured upon.
1. Domestic reforms
Lagging behind in a region of rapidly growing economies, President Ramos recognized that for the Philippines to catch up with its neighbors domestic policies must be reformed. For instance, protectionism failed to help local industries develop. In response, the Ramos government pursued decentralization, deregulation, and liberalization programs.
Decentralization, which devolved power from the national government to local government unit, was basically a political process. But its ultimate objective was to give provinces and municipalities greater command over
GINA RIVAS PATTUGALAN a wide range of socio-economic policies environmental regulation, infrastructure development, investment attraction, and revenue generation. Meanwhile, both deregulation and liberalization aimed at leveling the playing field for both local and foreign investors.
2. Economic diplomacy
To President Ramos, the wars of the coming decades will be more economic than political. The world therefore will depend more on economic linkages rather than on arms buildup. This also meant that domestic economic reforms are insufficient to achieve economic viability. To this end, his government complemented whatever local initiatives with economic diplomacy, otherwise termed as Development Diplomacy. Specifically, economic diplomacy was aimed at enabling the country to