Proceedings of the first Independence congress : held in the city of Manila, Philippine islands, February 22-26, 1930 / Published under the direction of Dean maximo M. Kalaw, executive secretary, University of the Philippines.

194 INDEPENDENCE CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS

WCe all realize, of course, that separation from America will
mean for a few years following it economic readjustment for
our people. Our educational leaders must, therefore, plan
those measures which will make of our entire population efficient producers as well as wise consumers; and thus gradually
not only undertaking efficient agricultural production but also
engaging themselves in industries, trade and commerce we will
be enabled to support, by greater economic development, an
independent country. We believe that once we have secured
an independent existence and have realized our fundamental
aspiration, our best minds will devote themselves to those economic activities and other forms of endeavor which are essential to the maintenance and progress of an independent country.
For the modern spirit is economic. The needs of ever-increasing millions demand that all the resources of the earth be
exploited for the production of wealth. They say to us: You
have vast resources still untouched. What do you propose to
do with them? Utilize them! Produce! If you are unwilling
or unable to do so, step aside and give way to those who can
and will.
In the face of such a challenge we must take stock of ourselves and understand once for all that in failing to be economically productive we are headed for extinction. Theoretically
we may be right when we say that there is no need of exploiting
our natural resources; that we shall keep them intact for our
children's children. Theoretically justice will avail us nothing.
For better or for worse we are a part of this age. We have
accepted its benefits. We must help carry its burdens, take our
place in the harness or else be crushed underfoot.
Economic productiveness then should be a dominant feature
of education in an independent Philippines. Because of our
traditions, the product of the influences of Spanish civilization,
we have, until the coming of the Americans, conceived of the
educated man as one who has the cultural refinement and the
social graces primarily, rather than a well-balanced ability
to produce and to serve as well as to consume and utilize. But
since American occupation and our contact with its aggressive
economic organization, and, with the economic motive under