BAYANIHAN means "Community Spirit" or "actions of people Helping each other". A unique aspect of Filipino culture when a challenge or task is too big for one person or family, the community comes together to help each other.

"Balik-Tanaw, Abante: Voices of the Global Filipino"

      Despite steady economic growth, the Philippines remains a developing country due to persistent structural challenges like income inequality, weak institutions, underinvestment in infrastructure and education, vulnerability to external shocks, education and skills mismatch, poor governance, institutionalized corruption, and slow poverty reduction to name a few. Decades after the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, the country has come full circle to the very issues it sought to overcome: corruption and income inequality. 

From the streets of Toronto to the tech hubs of Singapore, Filipinos abroad are watching the Philippines with clear eyes and full hearts. But what do they see? Corruption, political gridlock, and missed opportunities. Yet they also see potential—economic power, technical brilliance, and a chance to industrialize the homeland. To become an industrialized economy like South Korea or Singapore, the Philippines must prioritize long-term reforms in education, infrastructure, governance, and innovation—while strategically investing in high-value industries and export-driven growth. 

"Balik-Tanaw, Abante" is a thought-provoking podcast that amplifies the voices of overseas Filipinos as they reflect on the political and economic challenges facing the Philippines—and explore how their global experiences and expertise can be harnessed to drive meaningful change. Each episode blends personal narratives, expert insights, and actionable ideas, creating a bridge between the diaspora and the homeland.

 Target Audiences: Overseas Filipinos seeking deeper engagement with Philippine affairs

                                 Young professionals and students interested in development and reform

                                 Politicians, policymakers, academics, and activists in the Philippines and abroad               

                                 Anyone who supports the Vision: Philippine Industrialization 2040

The Philippines has the potential to follow the path of the Asian Tigers—but it will require bold, sustained reforms and an unambiguous national strategy. The ultimate goal of industrialization is to expand the thin sliver of Filipino middle-class society and create a clear ladder for upward mobility, enabling millions of lower-income Filipinos to join a thriving, inclusive economy. Inclusive growth and institutional reform remain critical to achieving developed status.

Call to Action

“The Philippines stands at a pivotal crossroads with the current events, facing a defining choice: cling to the status quo or boldly pursue industrialization. With many missed opportunities after World War II and the EDSA People Power Revolution, this is the moment for Filipinos to summon courage and the Bayanihan spirit—working together to rise to the challenge, showcase their ingenuity and build a future of shared prosperity.” 

“I am David J. DeJesus, a U.S. Strategic Planner of Filipino descent, committed to leveraging my skills, knowledge, and experience to help shape the Philippines’ trajectory toward a bold vision of progress—one never before realized by the Filipino people, and driven by a deep commitment to empower the Philippines to realize a transformative vision—one that elevates opportunity, prosperity, and pride for every Filipino." One of the podcast’s key objectives is to create a neutral platform where the President and Vice President can engage in constructive dialogue, identify an off-ramp from the current political crisis, work as a team and unite the Filipino people behind a shared purpose working collaboratively to find pragmatic and realistic avenues to move the country forward to new paradigm—Abante—while sustaining meaningful reforms for the nation’s long-term good.  

Join us as we speak with global Pinoys—from engineers to activists—and explore how distance can bring engagement, support for real change, and how action can bring change. “Join the movement. Invest in the future to shape the country trajectory to the Vision: Philippines 2040.” Subscribe now, and let’s build the future together.

VISION: By 2040, the Philippines will stand as a fully industrialized, export-oriented economy—competitive with the world’s leading industrial nations and driven by innovation, resilience, and inclusivity.