kaban galing - front cover - galing pook

Noteworthy about the evolution of the economic zone was the
people’s positive response. Now they have also become more outgoing.
They can now mingle with city folk without feeling inferior. People have
grown more mature and more aware of what is happening around them.
They watch news on television and listen to radio. With more public
services and facilities they now enjoy, they have learned to appreciate
the value of government efforts.
With availability of cash for investment, people now have the
opportunity to work or earn a living by investing in some business.
People took the initiative to diversify without prodding from government.
For government officials this was an eye-opener. All along, the
entrepreneurial spirit was present among the people.
The Peace Dividend
The economic zone has released the full potential of the people. It molded
the character of the people. It has also changed the political climate.
Political leaders now frequent the place without fear or risk, for the place
is now free of armed conflict as the opposing parties have declared a
cessation of hostilities. The city government can now say with confidence
that alleviation of poverty in the economic zone is already ensured. People
have moved to self-sufficiency, and some may even already be enjoying
some surplus.
A city government report says: “We can safely say that everybody in
the locality is busy earning a living. But the best effect of the economic
zone is that the problem of insurgency is on the decline, and the process
of attaining peace is already at hand.” The economic zone is now also a
“zone of peace and prosperity”.
The Road to Peace is Prosperity 31