4th QTR 2007 NSO REP_FINAL.pmd - National Statistics Office

Region 10 dominates NSO Field AwardsRegion X (Northern Mindanao) lived up once againto everybody’s expectations when it topped theregional category of this year’s NSO Field Awards (FA).So overwhelming was Region X’s performance that itreigned supreme in four of the five FA categories atstake – statistical operations (SO), civil registration(CR), information dissemination (ID), and partnershipand linkages (P&L). It also placed third in generaladministration (GA).Regions from Luzon – IV-A, CAR, II, and NCR –clinched the next four positions. Region IV-A(Calabarzon) placed second on account of its strongshowings in ID and P&L (within top 5), and on theoutstanding performances of its provinces, theaverage performance of which comprised 40 percentof the region’s rating. CAR, meanwhile, relied on itscredible results in ID, P&L, and GA to cop third place,while fourth-ranked Region II capitalized on its strengthin CR, ID, and P&L. The NCR dominated the onlycategory that slipped through Region X’s hands – theBukidnon student emergesas 2007 PSQ national championBenson E. Dusaran, a freshman BS in Chemistrystudent from the Central Mindanao University inBukidnon, bested 16 otherhopefuls from various regionsin the country to bring homethe national championshiptrophy in the 16 th PhilippineStatistics Quiz (PSQ) held atthe Bureau of Soils and WaterManagement in Diliman,Quezon City on December 4,2007.continued on page 5Administrator Carmelita N. Ericta (3rd from left) poses with the regionaldirectors of the top five placers of the NSO Field Awards-RegionalCategory at the Hotel Supreme Convention Plaza in Baguio City.GA, and performed creditably well in CR to place fifthoverall.The provincial category was topped by Lanao delNorte (Region X). Two other provinces from Mindanao– Bukidnon and South Cotabato – grabbed fourth andseventh place, respectively. All provinces in Region IV-A (Calabarzon), meanwhile, figured prominently in top15 – Quezon (2 nd ), Batangas (3 rd ), Rizal (8 th ), Laguna(9 th ), and Cavite (13 th ). Siquijor (5 th ) and Leyte (14 th )were the only two provinces in the Visayas that wereincluded in the list. The NCR had three topnotchers –NCR II (10 th ), NCR V (11 th ), and NCR I (15 th ). Roundingup the top 15 performing provinces were La Union (6 th )and Marinduque (12 th ).NCR provinces clearly dominated the categorieson SO and CR with three of its provinces topping thesecategories. ID and P&L proved to be the strongholdsof Region X provinces. Benguet, the host province ofthis year’s National Planning Workshop, topped thecontinued on page 2

Region 10 student emerges...continued from page 1(Left) Region 10’s Benson Dusaran receives his championship trophy, medal, and gift from NSO Administrator Carmelita N. Ericta and Mr. RaffyDavid of Pilipinas Teleserv, Inc. (Right) PSQ’s top five placers, from left: Region 1’s Jonas Paul B. Dela Cruz, NCR’s Daniel Andrew O. Tan,Dusaran, CAR’s Cesar E. Higoy, and Region 3’s Kenneth Jhim D. Infante.To settle the tie for second and third places, tiebreakingquestions were administered. Eventually,NCR’s Daniel Andrew O. Tan copped second placewhile CAR’s Cesar E. Higoy landed third. Tenquestions, however, were not enough to break the tiefor fourth and fifth places between Region 1’s JonasPaul B. Dela Cruz and Region 3’s Kenneth Jhim D.Infante. To settle the standoff, the Board of Judgesdecided to equally divide the combined cash prizesfor the two places between the two contestants anda toss coin was resorted to determine who wouldbring home the 4 th place trophy. After the toss coin,Infante got the bigger trophy while Dela Cruz settledfor the 5 th place trophy.Other regional champions who joined the contestwere: Shayne D. Ibañes (Region 2), Justin Angelo P.Alvarez (Region 4-A), Althea D. Dagumampan(Region 4-B), Michael P. Preña (Region 5), Joe AbadS. Lazaro Jr. (Region 6), Michael Angelo S. Joaquin(Region 7), Genesis G. Cuizon (Region 8), FawzieA. Dagani (Region 9), Melvin P. Baldonado Jr.(Region 11), Janaisha Bai M. Tito (Region 12),Robelen-Ann G. Callanta (Caraga), and Hannan A.Dagandar (ARMM). Coaches of the top five placerswere likewise given cash prizes equivalent to half thecash prize awarded to the winners, plaques ofrecognition, and other gift items.National Statistical Coordination Board Secretary-General and Chairperson of this year’s Board of JudgesDr. Romulo A. Virola announced the winners. NSOAdministrator Carmelita N. Ericta and Mr. Raffy Davidfrom Pilipinas Teleserv, Inc. awarded all contestantsplaque of recognition and PSQ medal. The colleges oruniversities where the finalists are currently enrolled,as well as the high schools where they graduated werealso given certificates of appreciation.Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary andDirector of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics RomeoS. Recide and Academician from the National Academyof Science and Technology Dr. Mercedes B.Concepcion joined Dr. Virola in the Board of Judges.NSO Deputy Administrator Paula Monina G. Colladointroduced the keynote speaker, former NSOAdministrator Tomas P. Africa who is also consideredas the “Father of PSQ”.Dr. Jose Ramon G. Albert, a Senior ResearchFellow from the Philippine Institute of DevelopmentStudies, served as the quizmaster while Ms. Elsie B.Solidum, Chief of NSO Statistical Sampling andOperations Division was the program host.4

Census Bureau reps introduce RUP ProgramsA Workshop on National and Subnational PopulationProjections using the census Rural-Urban Projection(RUP) programs was conducted by Dr. Peter D.Johnson and Ms. Lisa Lollock of the InternationalPrograms Center, Population Division, U.S. CensusBureau on December 3 to 14, 2007.The U.S. Census Bureau, through the InternationalPrograms Center (IPC), provides demographic trainingto population analysts in developing countries. Itfocuses on: a) the methods and techniques availablefor analyzing the base data on the demographicsituation in a country; and b) the use of microcomputerprograms to perform the calculations quickly andaccurately.RUP is a computer program that employs chortcomponent method in projecting each age and sexcohort overtime based on the components of growth,that is, births/fertility, deaths/mortality, and migration.For the past 20 years, the U.S. Census Bureauhas been making subnational estimates andprojections for ethnic and religious groups, cities, andregions of select countries.Examples of which include: the states of Nigeriaand India, provinces of China and Indonesia, emiratesof Saudi Arabia, ostans of Iran, governorates of Iraq;urban population of many Sub-Saharan Africancountries; specific large cities of Africa, Asia, and LatinAmerica; ethnic groups in the former Soviet Union andTurkey, and small area estimates for over 100 countries.Household Statistics Department and CivilRegistration Department staff who attended theworkshop got additional format information needed tocreate an input file for population projection.Rural-Urban Population Projection Workshop wasfunded by United States Agency for InternationalDevelopment (USAID).ITSD conducts ASPBI Data DisseminationThe Industry and Trade Statistics Departmentconducted data dissemination seminars focusing onthe results of the 2005 Annual Survey of PhilippineBusiness and Industry (ASPBI).The first seminar, which was conducted onNovember 29, 2007 at the Imperial Palace Suites inQuezon City was participated by NSO employees bothfrom central and field offices. ITSD Dir. Estela T. deGuzman, ISD Chief Lourdes Homecillo, BSSD ChiefKatrina Esclamad, and SSOD Chief Elsie Solidumserved as presenters for the occasion.Representatives from different government andnongovernment agencies and media organizationsattended the second seminar conducted on December5, 2007 at the Century Park Hotel in Manila. Dir. deGuzman presented the ASPBI survey background whileAdministrator Ericta presented the results of the survey.Ms. Homecillo and Ms. Esclamad presented the papersentitled “SMEs in the Manufacturing Sector” and “BPOsas Glimpsed from the 2005 ASPBI”, respectively, aspart of the special features of the seminar.After the presentations, reactions were given by Dr.Romula A. Virola, Secretary-General of NSCB and Mr.Raffy David, Director of Contact Center Association ofthe Philippines. Ms. Solidum acted as moderator duringthe open forum that ensued.5

6Editorial Board:Carmelita N. ErictaAdministratorPaula Monina G. ColladoDeputy AdministratorValentino C. AbuanDirectorInformation Resources DepartmentEditorial Team:Honeyleen N. NovillaEditor-in-ChiefVincent Morris D. OlaivarManaging EditorRaul M. LudoviceAssociate EditorReporters:Roel Victor T. Cruz (IRD)Nemesia B. Cuerdo (IRD)Marizza B. Grande (CRD)Sheila Marie V. Moreno (IRD)Evelyn F. Ogbinar (GAD)Cristy A. Oliveros (AO)Glen G. Polo (ITSD)Erlinda G. Silang (HSD)Artists:Gerry I. Labatorio (IRD)Rodrigo G. Gupit (IRD)The NSO Reporteris the official quarterly newsletterof the National Statistics Office, withaddress along R. Magsaysay Blvd.Sta. Mesa, Manila, PhilippinesAlso downloadablein portable document formatfrom the NSO website:http://www.census.gov.ph/data/aboutnso/nsoreporterFor your contributions, queries,comments, and suggestions,get in touch with us at:Telephone Nos. (632)713-7081(632)714-1715Telefax (632) 715-6430nso.reporter@census.gov.phOf Hardwork, Blessings and GratitudeThe year 2007 had been hectic for NSO. But as in the past, theagency still managed to get the job done. Our administratoremphasized the vitality of everybody’s preparedness, collaboration,commitment, and discipline in making the past year fruitful andcommendable.The conduct of the Census of Population among the other regulartasks of the agency, i.e. surveys, dissemination seminars andworkshops as well as the civil registration function were allaccomplished because everybody played their part well.Consequently, before 2007 ended, hardwork was recognizedand rewarded. Besides the performance bonus given by the nationalgovernment, a hefty sum was given as a CNA (Collective NegotiationAgreement) incentive added to the employees’ thirteenth month pay.After the recent General Assembly, gift certificates were also handedout to all the employees. Surely, these were reasons to be thankfulfor the past year.Our administrator’s year-end message thus, proves a very goodpoint; each of us must be grateful. It is only when begin to beappreciate the things we have that blessings pour. While we see allour setbacks, it is much more important that we count the goodthings about our lives.In our work as public servants, gratitude may emanate from ourcommitment to improve the quality of our service. It is through thisthat we may be able to return what we receive and eventually reapsweeter fruits of our labor.

Administrator’s Year-End Message*Magandang umaga saating lahat!We should also thank our families who inpires us to workand support us all the way.Ilang araw na lamang atmatatapos na ang taon. Atang nalalapit na Pasko aytalagang tuloy na, pigilanman natin ito.Una sa lahat, let mecongratulate each andeveryone. This has been a busy year. Naging abala tayo samaraming bagay ngayong taon, halos hindi natin namalayanna magsasara na ang taon at kailangan na namangmaghanda muli para sa susunod na taon.What made us busy?Statistics: Census of Population, CPBI, along with the regularestablishment- and household-based surveys, CSS,dissemination seminars, workshops, etc.Civil Registration: served close to 7.8 million clientsnationwide, 5NCSO, etc.Sama-sama at tulong-tulong nating nagampanan ang mgaito.We accomplished these tasks because everyone played theirpart in the team. Each one was1) Prepared (may kahandaan tayo at competence)2) Mission and vision conscious (nakikita natin ang masmalaking picture, ang dahilan kung bakit tayonagtratrabaho)3) Solution-oriented (hindi tayo napapako sa suliranin,bagkus ay naghahanap tayo ng paraan)4) Collaborative (working together precedes winningtogether)5) Committed (buong puso tayo sa ating layunin), and6) Disciplined (sinusunod natin ang mga alituntunin,professional)We celebrated victories even as we learn from ourshortcomings.Ang pagtitipon nating ito ay isang pagdiriwang sa mgatagumpay ngayong taon. (palakpakan natin ang ating mgasarili!)Ito rin ang pagkakataon upang magpasalamat.Nais kong personal na magpasalamat sa inyong lahat – mulasa mga hepe hanggang sa utility workers – sa pagiging bahagininyo sa mga gawain ngayong taon.Pasalamatan din natin ang ating trabaho na siyang nagbibigaysa atin ng pagkakataon upang makapaglingkod sa atingkapwa.Magpasalamat din tayo sa Diyos sa patuloy na pagbibigaysa atin ng kalakasan araw-araw at patuloy tayong ginagawangdaluyan ng kanyang pag-ibig lalo na sa mga taong atingpinaglilingkuran.Kung ating babalikan, napakarami pa ng mgabagay na ating dapat na ipagpasalamat.Sabi nga ng isang tanyag na pilosopo, kadalasan daw angisa daw sa pinakamahirap na larangan ng arithmetic ay angpagbibilang ng mga blessings natin. Malimit kasi na nakikitanatin ay ang mga bagay na negatibo, yung mga hindinangyari, yung mga “SANA” sa buhay natin: sana masmarami, sana mas malaki, sana mas maganda, ang kunganu-ano pang kapintasan at kakulangan ang atingnapapansin.Nakakaligtaan natin banggitin: salamat buhay ako, maytrabaho ako, may mga kaibigan ako, may napaglilingkuranako.Nais kong bigyang diin ang salitang “Salamat.” Gratitude.Sabi ng mga dalubhasa, kapag ang tao pala ay merongmapagpasalamat na puso, lalong lumalago ang mga biyaya,gumagaan ang buhay, nagiging malusog ang pangangatawan,(at nagiging mas maganda).Lalo ngayong panahon ng kapaskuhan.Christmas is giving.God gave himself to us through Jesus.Tayo ang magpapasya kung tatanggapin natin Siya.Papasok lamang si Jesus sa pusong nagpapasalamat.Marunong magpasalamat.Sa darating na taon ay muli tayong magiging abala. Maramiang ating mga plano.At muli kong hinihingi ang inyong commitment sa mgatrabaho na ating gagawin.Lagi natin isiping bahagi kayo ng isang kabuuan at ang inyongkanya-kanyang katungkulan ay mahalaga upang makamitnatin ang tagumpay para sa NSO.Magandang umaga sa ating lahat.At dahil sa ito ay okasyon ng pagpapasalamat, batiin natinang ating katabi ng “Salamat.”* Delivered during the NSO-CO General Assemblylast December 8, 20077

WhattheYear2008hasinstoreforyouZODIAC HOROSCOPEHoroscope is basically termed as an ancientastrological art, which since immemorial times hasbeen brought into use for foretelling the future. It isprepared usually on the basis of a person’s date ofbirth covering almost all aspects of life – like love,career, general predictions and even a person’snature.Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb18) – New avenues andopportunities would grow in the year ahead thatwould also bring much success. The year 2008would surely give you many travel stories to add toyour travel journal. Thisalso calls for expansionin the career field till endof the year. However, thelack of flexibility canresult in some losses inbusiness. Setting highgoals and workingtowards completingthem are advisable.Unfortunately, problemsin marital relationships are also seen. Try to avoidany major controversies in the love relationships.Though Aquarius people who are single and not ina relationship may expect to meet someoneinteresting, it further advises people born under thissign to not to give undue importance to frustrationsand small failures in life.Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) – The year 2008 bringsonly good news, success and better luck. Piscespeople were advised to avoid any kind of distractionin life, as these may leadto unnecessary problemsand hurdles. Also, peopleunder this sign will havean upward movingcareer. Leave yourcomfort zone and moveforward with all theenergy. This year talksof opportunities forhaving more commitments in love life. Those whoare single and don’t want to remain so anymorecan be sure of finding that perfect one with little ofefforts. Moreover, the horoscope advices people bornunder this sign to keep no secrets in their love life,as it will create only problems for them.Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19) – Alignment is said to bethe theme for Arians according to the horoscope2008. It is advisable that Arians should focus ongiving up those things in life, which are not organized.This year will bring along ample opportunities aheadon their career path. A right move can take you manysteps ahead on the ladderof success. Talking oflove life, the year does nothave much good news.The need would arise tore-evaluate therelationships with one’spartner. The financialaspect also brings onlygood opportunities forpeople belonging to this sun sign. The stars revealgood progress for Arians in the field of investment,especially in the real estate sector.Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) – Progress and successare seen for the people belonging to this sign.Acquired wisdom can be termed as the theme forTaurus people. People born under this zodiac signshould take slow butsteady steps towardsachieving their goals.Firm decisions in the lovematters will createconfusions for them.There may be somedisagreements in themarital affairs. But theyearend would result inbliss in these relationships. Talking of career aspects,the Taurus people may witness growth opportunitiesalong with some undue pressure from the superiorsor higher management.Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) – The year 2008 dividesthe coming year into good period and bad phase forthe people born under this sign. Also, the year canhave two themes forGemini people; oneseriousness and secondlyfun. A balanced stateshould always be kept.Some doors may beopened for Gemini peopleto turn their hobbies intoprofitable business also.The professional front maywitness some vibrant as well as growth options. Thehoroscope 2008 also talks of the need for Geminipeople to commit their love seriously to their partnerthis year.8

Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 21) – Familywill continue to be significant inthis phase. There will bedifferences within and without thecircle of your family. Things willsettle by the second quarter ofthis year. Flow of finances will besmooth. People might mistakeyou for your low key involvementin the work place. Money matterswill be ample in your hands. Take care of your financial pocket.In making investment, be careful. Health too might bedisturbing at little corners of the year. Take proper care ofyour health and maintain a healthy diet. Have lots of waterand fresh organic foods.Leo (Jul 22-Aug 23) – Somecreative ideas would result inincreased luck and someunexpected gains. The theme forpeople born under this zodiacsign should be discrimination.This would lend them a helpinghand in taking relevant andimportant decisions relating totheir lives. In fact, if you are not happy with your job, then theyear would provide you with some really good options forcareer change but you should recognize your strengths andwork towards polishing these strengths with all your might.This year also calls for more commitment in the maritalrelationships. They would surely gain success as the starsare with them.Virgo (Aug 24-Sept 23) – A yearfull of positive and exciting thingsare for Virgo people. Dynamicsuccess can be witnessed. Theonly need remains to be wary ofoverspending. The latter partwould see a considerableimprovement in the maritalaffairs. It is advisable to avoid anykind of speculations during thisyear. This year brings along enough opportunities to movefurther in their career. Keep your energy levels high and bythe end of the year end, you would be amazed at your successlevel. Only one thing needs to be kept in mind; nothing isgoing to happen on its own, you will have to work hard for itand achieve your goals.Libra (Sept 24-Oct 23) – This yearpromises monetary gains for thepeople born under this sun sign forthe coming year. However, thehoroscope also warns people to bea little judicious. The year urgesLibra people to take accountabilityof everything they do, be it in any sphere of life. People whoare in love would find the relationship getting better andexciting. While those who are in search of true love woulddefinitely meet someone special. Marriage is also on cardsfor people who are unmarried and have decided to tie theknot.Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) – The need for hard work in orderto overcome hurdles for the people born under this zodiacsign is advised. Unfortunately, thedomestic affairs can witness someproblems or discomfort during theyear. Your professional life woulddemand more seriousness and newzeal to achieve more and more. Thelove life is going be full of passionand excitement. Those who arealready married can look forward toadd more spice in their love lives. Take care to surely add apinch of love in your martial or romantic relationships in orderto make it all the more exciting.Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) – The year shows good timesbut only after many efforts as compared to the last year.Growth opportunities and avenuescould be observed but only aftersome period of time. If you arethe one who gets ready to makea job change at the slightest hint,then be prepared to make one bigand final change in yourprofessional field. You will also findmuch self control and would alsobe able to create much neededbalance between the important things in your life. Personalitychange is a major thing in the coming year. Joint businesscould witness some misunderstandings or problems, so bea little cautious.Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) – Theyear 2008 brings much successand good things. Those Capricornpeople who own their business canwitness many positive gains aswell as chances to grow theirbusiness. This calls for expansionof horizons in the professional field.In love life, people who are in arelationship may expect love to grow in their relationships,while those who are planning to grow their family can alsoexpect something positive. The horoscope says that theCapricorn people should try to convert their hobbies into work,so that life can become all the more enjoyable for them.They should learn to accept opportunities as they come andwork according to it.(Source: www.123newyear.com/horoscopes.html)9

PSA holds Annual Meeting and Christmas PartyThis year’s theme, “Summer in December” adopteda Luau party to celebrate Christmas in Hawaiianatmosphere. Institutional members who won the song/dance contest for depiction of Hawaiian culture orheritage were: Statistical Research and Training Center(1st place), University of the Philippines-Los Baños (2ndplace), and University of the Philippines – Diliman, (3rdplace).NSO initiates consultative meetingsfor 2008 NDHSSome NSO delegates to the PSA Meeting and Christmas Party pose withformer NSO Administrator Tomas Africa (second from right).Members of the Philippine Statistical Association(PSA) successfully held its Annual Meeting andChristmas Party at the Non-Commissioned Officers ofPhilippine Army Clubhouse in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig Cityon December 7, 2007. The event also served as thevenue for the election of the PSA Board of Directors toserve for the period 2008-2010.The newly elected individual members were Ms.Nieves Osorio, Ms.Josie Perez and Mr, EmeterioSolivas. The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics was votedthe government institutional member and Ilocos aschapter member.The program started with the orientation and briefingof new members, followed by registration. Afterwards,the Election Committee chaired by Ms. Angeles R.Buenventura conducted the election of the members ofthe Board of Directors.The business meeting opened with the referendumon the proposed amendments to the PSA Chapters(Article 111-Chapters and Affiliate Student Organizationsand Article IV-Nominations and Elections), followed byPSA announcements. The occasion also paved the wayfor the granting of Outstanding Service Award, whichwas conferred to Ms. Aida Saldua.Dr. Isidoro P. David, outgoing PSA President,delivered a report on PSA accomplishments for 2007.He also took time to recognize the contributions ofmembers in his Presidential Awards. The report of theTreasurer was also rendered. In between the businessmeeting were special surprise numbers, and raffles ofdoor prizes.10In preparation for the 2008 National Demographicand Health Survey (NDHS) in August to September2008, consultative meetings were initiated last October23 and November 6, 2007 at the Administrator’s OfficeConference Room.The first consultative meeting presided byAdministrator Carmelita Ericta discussed the 2003NDHS results and comparison of 1993, 1998, and 2003NDHS data items/indicators. One of the recommendationsfor the proposed content of the 2008 NDHS was thedeletion of the individual man’s questionnaire. Another setof questions recommended for deletion was the calendarin the woman’s questionnaire. It was also suggestedthat the health module be combined with the householdquestionnaire. Two major modules for inclusion weredomestic violence and health financing.Action matters were undertaken in the secondconsultative meeting presided by Deputy AdministratorPaula Monina Collado. The University of the PhilippinesPopulation Institute (UPPI) was keen on maintaining themale questionnaire in order to have trends from 2003NDHS. UPPI’s Dr. Grace Cruz brought up theimportance of international migration to the country. Sheasked for two or more questions to be added in the 2008NDHS to have data on the impact of migration to fertility.Deputy Administrator suggested for the creation ofthe Steering Committee for the overall decisions anddirection for the 2008 NDHS. The Steering Committeeshall be composed of NSO, Department of Health,Population Commission, National StatisticalCoordination Board, UPPI, Dr. Mercedes B.Concepcion, and Dr. Elizabeth M. Go.Agencies, who proposed additional data items forthe 2008 NDHS were asked to submit their justificationfor inclusion in the discussion for the next meeting.

1 2 3 4 5 6710 11128 913 14 15 16 172018 1921 22 23 24 2526 2728 29DOWN1. costs2. otherwise3. peak5. indicator6. record8. Collective Negotiation Incentive9. Field Awards10. just11. preposition14. overtime15. Middle East republicNSO Crossword16. most recent17. identification20. mark22. beverage24. despair25. finishACROSS1. draw a map4. upper7. line8. compact disc11. number12. repair13. Solemnizing OfficerInformation System16. catalog18. attempt19. direct21. deed23. female sheep26. enumeration area27. young man28. period; age29. declared Key to Last Issue’s Puzzle:F I R M O S T A T U SO N A G O A H O N KR I M B O U EM G N I L R M WA I U S E A B NL I F E D I N ES D T R D I E T S SA N A E R SB L O C K S I T R EL N T V O I DE Y E R P O W E R SAre we really rich or poor?One day, the father of a very wealthy family took hisson on a trip to the country with the express purposeof showing him how poor people live. They spent acouple of days and nights on the farm of what wouldbe considered a very poor family.On their return from their trip, the father asked hisson, “How was the trip?”“It was great, Dad.”“Did you see how poor people live?” the father asked.“Oh yeah,” said the son.“So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?” askedthe fatherThe son answered: “I saw that we have one dog andthey had four. We have a pool that reaches to themiddle of our garden and they have a creek that hasno end. We have imported lanterns in our gardenand they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches tothe front yard and they have the whole horizon. Wehave a small piece of land to live on and they havefields that go beyond our sight. We have servantswho serve us, but they serve others. We buy ourfood, but they grow theirs. We have walls around ourproperty to protect us, they have friends to protectthem.”The boy’s father was speechless.Then his son added, “Thanks Dad for showing mehow poor we are.”12