Every generation experiences its own version of a gold rush, just as every generation also has its own struggles. Some of these struggles have involved violent conflicts, while others have been fought over resources like oil. For countless generations, we, the Filipino people, have fought for what is rightfully ours, with some battles lasting years and others spanning decades. As we continue to struggle, we face the ongoing challenge of foreign nations seeking to exploit our resources for their own gain.

In a country that feels as though it is slowly sinking, innovation is essential. However, if that innovation does not serve the needs of our people, it has no place here. A recent news article from the Philippine News Agency highlights Israel's interest in the Philippines. While many might assume it's due to the beautiful scenery and lush landscapes, there's more to it. The temptation to seize this opportunity is strong, as Israel possesses advanced AI capabilities but may be looking for something that the Philippines can uniquely offer. The Philippines has the materials that they need—minerals, ores, land, and other resources unique to this country.

Investments and Partnerships are one of the main reasons countries succeed, why they grow and expand. But I also believe that these partnerships can be used to exploit countries that are desperate and in need. This imbalance is labeled as mutual progress. Ambassador Dana Kursh calls it “Tremendous.” I call it a trap. We have seen this before—investments and promises being made, only for us to realize later that the said benefits are only scraps of those that these corporations make.

If these Investments and Partnerships are truly beneficial for us, then the people should also feel their impact on their lives. The Philippines is far too often treated like a personal supply chain. We have been rich in resources for centuries, and yet poverty still defines the daily reality of millions of Filipinos. That contradiction alone makes me really skeptical about these recent investments. If our minerals, land, and labour were enough to guarantee prosperity, then why are we still struggling? If it were enough to sustain us all, the Filipino people today would not be suffering the same systemic issues that have persisted for generations.

Many say that AI is the future of the human race, while I have to agree that we as people have made countless advances throughout the years—the ones who benefit are not us, but them. We are building a future where a simple give and take can cost us millions, or even billions.

The Philippines is rich, full of minerals, and has much to offer, and I believe that we should invest in our own fellowmen, rather than those who are foreign. If we continue to give access to our country to foreign nations, there is a high chance that they will take over control of our country. And this is a risk that I am not willing to gamble with.

I am not against the Philippines for its participation in innovation. But I am against the idea that our role in that future should begin and end with digging holes in our own land. Filipinos are talented, and if our resources are essential to AI, then our people should also benefit from these foundations in building AI.

Our country is already poor, we are already suffering, and this is just another wave of countries stripping what is left in this barren, sunken land. Countries do not stay poor because of a lack of resources, but instead it is the result of countries exploiting and bleeding them dry.

The Philippines will once again suffer a reset, a generational curse that has stuck with us until this day. Lingering and lurking in the shadows are other countries waiting to prey on us. If we truly want change, then let us use our own talents, building our own foundation. Because a nation with no foundation is bound to fall. We should not sell our futures in nations that have enough already, because one day, when we look at our progress, we will see that we are the ones left with nothing to claim.

The Frontman