FOREIGN POLICY REALITIES: Globalization and its social significance to the Philippines

One of the most important provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which pertain to the framing of Philippine foreign policy is article II, Section 7 which states "the State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination." Consistent with this policy, Congress passed Republic Act No. 7157, otherwise known as "Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991", in which mandates Department of Foreign Affairs to implement the three pillars of the Philippine Foreign Policy such as preservation and enhancement of national security, promotion and attainment of economic security and protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas. Along with these pillars are the foreign policy realities such as but not limited to international tourism, country's economic and social stability and domestic and foreign direct investments.

With the globalization comes the rise of previously unknown or little known states and countries. The Philippines is one such country that has benefitted in this way from globalization. The Philippines is now recognized by the world for its beautiful coastlines, beaches and hospitable people, it is one of the major tourist destinations of the 21st century. Not only does this create businesses and profit opportunities in the Philippines, but it also encourages others to learn more about the Philippines and its culture and traditions.

The developing world has a lot to gain from globalization. As civil liberties are recognized, trade and access to goods increase. From the profit made, more wealth and fortune are generated, lower prices, better goods are available and living conditions are much better, but critics claim that some countries will get richer and richer at the expense of the other countries and their people. On the other hand, globalization helps in combating poverty and lack of products.

While there are clear benefits from it, there are also negative effects regarding globalization. Globalization permits the interests of influential individuals, non-governmental organizations and companies to override the national interest of the states. For example, multinational corporations pressure governments to lower environmental standards and provide a lower wage labor force or risk the health of its people working in these corporations for new jobs and tax revenues. Despite of these consequences, globalization has a variety of possibility yet to offer. Governments have a very crucial role to play in overseeing these changes to avoid any negative effects to the states and make it as favorable as possible.