Blog 6: "The Bright Side of Martial Law"

Despite the negativity surrounding former President Marcos's declaration of Martial Law, there are also bright spots that needs to be considered. First of all, it is because of martial law that the country's agricultural sector improved significantly. Farmers were given new equipment and were taught new farming techniques. As a result, there was a surplus of rice in the country. The Philippines had so much supply of rice that the country started to export it to the neighboring Asian countries. Second, the country's high crime rate was suppressed. With the country being placed under military control, Filipinos were more law-abiding than ever. Also, drug syndicates and other crime organizations were being pinned down. Thus, there was more public order around the archipelago. Finally, the country's economy flourished dramatically during the martial law era. Tourism in the country rose, with foreign investors attracted by business opportunities and incentives given by the government. The remittances of the OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) and Balikbayans also contributed to the economic boom, thereby strengthening the country's foreign exchange. The GNP (Gross National Product) rose from P55 billion to P193 billion during the martial law's entire span.

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