Philippine Daily Inquirer

The impact of progress on a Filipino’s life

- By Pammy Olivares-Vital @INQ_Property

The rainy season is upon us, and in a blink of an eye, the horrendous traffic, flooding and weariness are back. Metro Manila is back to its prepandemi­c chaos, not to mention the added layer of stress, as we worry about catching a cold in the rain and wonder if it’s the common cold or COVID-19.

Dream of migrating

The impact of this compounded stress goes beyond ourselves—it affects our relationsh­ips, our children, our mood and overall outlook in life. It makes many Filipinos dream of migrating to developed countries, hoping to escape the taxing living conditions in our country.

In addition to these, majority of Filipinos in Metro Manila are faced with tight living spaces, as real estate prices have become exorbitant. The cost of living has also become impossible for many Filipinos, sacrificin­g the quality of food and nutrition to make ends meet.

But what if one can change this scenario without having to flee our country? What if just a few hours away from Metro Manila, a different living experience awaits—less traffic congestion, better city masterplan­ning, lower cost of living and more affordable living space for yourself and your family?

Different living experience

These places used to be referred to as “provinces,” connoting a bias that these places are less progressiv­e, underdevel­oped and inaccessib­le.

But because of continued road developmen­ts and new highways, these areas are now within easy reach and as a result have also become more progressiv­e and modern.

Especially in the age of the internet, these “provinces” are now able to keep up with the latest trends and innovation­s that were previously thought to be available only in Metro Manila.

‘Out migration’

Over the past few years, developers and businesses have been aggressive in expanding in these new areas.

Hospitals, schools, real estate developmen­ts, commercial and business centers have strategica­lly placed themselves in these provinces which are quickly evolving into growth centers— providing new areas for Filipinos to live and establish new roots.

The concept of “out-migration” or moving out of Metro Manila is becoming a wise choice for young Filipinos who want to make a better choice for their future.

Government spending for infrastruc­ture is at an all time high. Thousands of kilometers worth of roads are being built to fuel growth and stimulate developmen­t.

Many Filipinos may believe that these roads have no meaning to their lives, but if you open your options and consider the changes, these roads may literally be the road to a better life.

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 ?? ?? The author is the president of Ovialand Inc., a fast growing developer of affordable horizontal projects in South Luzon
The author is the president of Ovialand Inc., a fast growing developer of affordable horizontal projects in South Luzon
 ?? ?? Ovialand delivers premier family living experience in the countrysid­e.
Ovialand delivers premier family living experience in the countrysid­e.
 ?? ?? Infrastruc­ture paved the way for growth in the provinces.
Infrastruc­ture paved the way for growth in the provinces.

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