Sayonara to Bohol’s entrepreneurial spirit
Big mall operators are on their way to Bohol. No less than SM and Robinsons Malls will soon have their groundbreaking ceremonieshere. They will tag along with them Puregold, Landers, S&R, and many others. Big real estate developers will also have their grand entry to Bohol. Sign of progress, isn’t it?
For people having more than enough to spend, having these malls and exclusive shopping clubs is indeed a welcomed development. It is all about having more choices of famous brands. For families who earn just enough to buy three meals a day, more choices and famous brands do not really matter. It is like putting make up to the old face of Bohol’s economy that has scars and wrinkles due to sluggish growth and development.
But does the presence of these big mall operators contribute to Bohol economy as a whole?
Let us look at some figures.
The website of the Provincial Government of Bohol reports that the province had 6,574 small, 319 medium, and 12 large business establishments as per year 2000 NSO census. Agriculture is the main source of economic activity in Bohol with a greater number of its people engaged in farming and fishing. It is Bohol’s major industry occupying most of its vast tracts of land. The fish sanctuaries strategically located around Bohol contributed to high fishery yield. Further development of these industries, however, requires, among others, improvements in irrigation facilities and agricultural technology (ppdo.bohol.gov.ph).
Although the figures are not updated, not much has changed over the past 20 years. Bohol’s economy is still driven by micro or small entrepreneurs spread sporadically in 47 municipalities and 1 city. Boholanos migrate to other places, leaving their farmlands and sleepy towns to seek for greener pasture in big cities or abroad.
Now, let us put the big malls in the equation. With comfortable facilities and available amenities, these places will definitely be a choice for shoppers since, as one mall claims, “We’ve got it all for you!”.
What will happen to the carenderias, panaderias, sari-sari store, small market stalls, the peddlers, and all other nameless and faceless businesses that comprise 95% of Bohol’s business establishments? What plans does the Provincial Government of Bohol and other LGUs have in view of the impending decimation of these business establishments?
Having big malls here in Bohol may be a sign of growth, because this economic concept measures only the increase in an economy’s output. More often than not, only a few moneyed people enjoy the products and the convenience they offer. It may be argued that malls generate employment. Definitely, but they can only employ a small percentage of the population who will become dependent on their salaries to survive.
Should we just say sayonara to the Boholanos’ entrepreneurial spirit since we have the giants in our midst anyway?
Rather than rejoicing in having these business establishments in our province, our local government officials should focus more on how to help 95% of the business establishments who are at risk of being decimated by these business conglomerates.