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Understanding Tech Issues with Reliable Vision of Innovation

by Jerry Liao, Philippines

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Questions about the rising cost of living

May 7, 2008 22:22

Read the news and the rising cost of gasoline and food, particularly rice, is hugging the frontpage. Here in the Philippines, one liter of unleaded gasoline is already 49 pesos, diesel is 41 pesos. Per kilo of rice is around 40+ pesos. The Philippine Government is providing NFA (National Food Authority) rice at less than 20 pesos per kilo.

It just made me think for awhile about this so-called crisis. How serious is the situation really? Let us answer our questions with questions:

1. If there is a gasoline crisis, then how come traffic is still so terrible?
2. If there is rice crisis, then how come everyone is still eating rice?
3. If the price of consumer products is rising, then how come advertisements in newspapers, TVs, radio and online are still all over the place?
4. If life is hard, then how come malls/movie houses/restaurants are still full of customers?
5. If the price of electricity is going up, how come the metropolis is still very well-lighted?
6. If life is hard, then how come most of our mobile phone users still have credits and still keep on sending text messages?
7. If there is a gasoline crisis, then how come car sales are still growing?
8. If the price of electricity is going up, then how come you're still online and reading this article? :)

Of course, the questions and answers here are meant to put a smile on your face, but at the same time to allow you to think a little. How serious is the crisis really? Is there really a shortage? Does the law of supply and demand apply here?

Or is this situation man-made? Businessman-made rather. I will leave the answer to you.

God bless!

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About Jerry Liao

Jerry Liao is an IT consultant in the Philippines who conducts seminars on various tech topics. He is a regular columnist of Manila Bulletin, a member of the academe, a system developer and a system analyst. He is a frequent fixture in press conferences and tech launchings, most of which are posted at infochat.com.ph. He loves to tinker with the latest gadgets and gizmos, but his most cherish possession are his children.