Philippine Rice Farmers Socioeconomic Status Essay Example for Free

Philippine Rice Farmers Socioeconomic Status Essay Rice farmers’ socioeconomic status better when they venture into other businesses. The economic and social status of Filipino rice farmers and their families has steadily improved during the last decade, not because they depended on rice, but because they ventured into other activities that supplemented their income from rice. This was shown by a study conducted by the Socioeconomics Division of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). The study group, led by Divina Gracia Vergara, focused on trends transpiring in rice-based farm households and rice lands, and among farmer operators in 33 provinces for the last 10 years. â€Å"This intensive study captures the farmers’ image from 1996 to 2007,† Vergara said. The study shows that the rice-based farm household income is increasing, as gross household income went up from P68,974.85 in 1996-97 to P127,799.95 in 2006-07. The finding is also consistent with the result showing that almost 60 percent of the households are above poverty level (57 percent) in the 2006-07 period. Furthermore, the share of nonfarming activities as a source of income had steadily been increasing, as the study found that rice and rice-based farmers are now engaged in other businesses, such as rubber production, wood craft, welding and work overseas. â€Å"This finding implies an important question. The question in the long run will be about the presence of household members who are willing to pursue rice farming in the future or dependence of rice-farm households on hired labor for the management of their farms,† Vergara said. Aside from improving the status of rice-based households and increasing their income, Vergara also learned that the number of farmers owning rice land had been increasing by 10 percent for the last 10 years. Moreover, there is also an increase in farmers’ yields regardless of season from 3.30 ton per hectare (t/ha) to 3.72 t/ha during the wet season, and 3.37 t/ha to 3.94 t/ha during the dry season. Across three survey rounds, most villages are located in irrigated areas, and results show that irrigation is expanding from 60 percent to 66 percent. The current trend revealed by the study also suggests that highly educated persons are venturing into rice farming, although the majority is modestly educated or with elementary education only. There is a 2-percent increase in the number of farmers with at least a college education venturing into rice farming. In terms of organizing farmers, however, results show that more than 50 percent of the respondents are not affiliated with rice or rice-based organizations. Most of them have not also undergone training since 2004. Noting that half of the farmer-respondents have been farming for 20 years, Vergara also said farmers’ households are benefiting from the technologies and services that are being provided by the government. Despite the interventions, however, average yields gained during the dry and wet seasons are still below the experimental and on-farm trial yields of 7-9 t/ha. Gaining insight from the study, Vergara and her coauthors recommended that training should be sustained to continuously update farmers’ skills and knowledge. She also stressed the need for the government to encourage farmers to form or join organizations as through organization, farmers can pool resources and have easier access to government incentives. She also suggested the expansion of irrigation are as, as this creates â€Å"a more favorable environment for rice farming in particular and agriculture in general.† To attract more people to be involved in rice production, Vergara proposed that technologies lessening the drudgery of rice farming should continually be developed. â€Å"It is important that the government continue to monitor the rice-based farm household to determine or approximate the impact of their interventions. This will also give them enough knowledge on the direction of the policies that they would formulate to improve the countryside,† Vergara said.

Catcher In The Rye :: essays research papers

Catcher in the rye Catcher in the Rye Holden and His "Phony" Family The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, interacts with many people throughout J.D. Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye, but probably none have as much impact on him as certain members of his immediate family. The ways Holden acts around or reacts to the various members of his family give the reader a direct view of Holden’s philosophy surrounding each member. How do Holden’s different opinions of his family compare and do his views constitute enough merit to be deemed truth? Holden makes reference to the word "phony" forty-four separate times throughout the novel (Corbett 68-73). Each time he seems to be referring to the subject of this metaphor as -- someone who discriminates against others, is a hypocrite about something, or has manifestations of conformity (Corbett 71). Throughout The Catcher in the Rye, Holden describes and interacts with various members of his family. The way he talks about or to each gives you some idea of whether he thinks they are "phony" or normal. A few of his accounts make it more obvious than others to discover how he classifies each family member. From the very first page of the novel, Holden begins to refer to his parents as distant and generalizes both his father and mother frequently throughout his chronicle. One example is: "…my parents would have about two hemorrhages apiece if I told anything personal about them. They’re quite touchy about anything like that, especially my father. They’re nice and all – I’m not saying that – but they’re also touchy as hell" (Salinger 1). Holden’s father is a lawyer and therefore he considers him "phony" because he views his father’s occupation unswervingly as a parallel of his father’s personality. For example, when Holden is talking to Phoebe about what he wants to be when he grows up, he cannot answer her question and proceeds to give her his opinion about their father’s occupation.. ‘Lawyers are all right, I guess – but it doesn’t appeal to me,’ I said. ‘I mean they’re all right if they go around saving innocent guys’ lives all the time, and like that, but you don’t do that kind of stuff if you’re a lawyer. All you do is make a lot of dough and Catcher In The Rye :: essays research papers Catcher in the rye Catcher in the Rye Holden and His "Phony" Family The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, interacts with many people throughout J.D. Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye, but probably none have as much impact on him as certain members of his immediate family. The ways Holden acts around or reacts to the various members of his family give the reader a direct view of Holden’s philosophy surrounding each member. How do Holden’s different opinions of his family compare and do his views constitute enough merit to be deemed truth? Holden makes reference to the word "phony" forty-four separate times throughout the novel (Corbett 68-73). Each time he seems to be referring to the subject of this metaphor as -- someone who discriminates against others, is a hypocrite about something, or has manifestations of conformity (Corbett 71). Throughout The Catcher in the Rye, Holden describes and interacts with various members of his family. The way he talks about or to each gives you some idea of whether he thinks they are "phony" or normal. A few of his accounts make it more obvious than others to discover how he classifies each family member. From the very first page of the novel, Holden begins to refer to his parents as distant and generalizes both his father and mother frequently throughout his chronicle. One example is: "…my parents would have about two hemorrhages apiece if I told anything personal about them. They’re quite touchy about anything like that, especially my father. They’re nice and all – I’m not saying that – but they’re also touchy as hell" (Salinger 1). Holden’s father is a lawyer and therefore he considers him "phony" because he views his father’s occupation unswervingly as a parallel of his father’s personality. For example, when Holden is talking to Phoebe about what he wants to be when he grows up, he cannot answer her question and proceeds to give her his opinion about their father’s occupation.. ‘Lawyers are all right, I guess – but it doesn’t appeal to me,’ I said. ‘I mean they’re all right if they go around saving innocent guys’ lives all the time, and like that, but you don’t do that kind of stuff if you’re a lawyer. All you do is make a lot of dough and

Brand Architecture

BMW is one of the most recognized premium car manufacturers in the world. Brand associated with quality, class, exceptional design, outstanding performance and innovation. BMW has a well-structured brand hierarchy where at the corporate brand level BMW pioneered the luxury sports car category by combining distinct style and performance consideration. BMW has a smart positioning with corporate brands and offers a large fleet of models that vary in price, quality and performance.Below is a brief brand- product matrix: Product ModelsEntry level small vehiclesEntry level small sedanLuxury medium SedanSport Coupe & convertiblesTop of the line Luxury4WD & SUV Recreation Outdoor 1 & Mini Series 3 Series 5 Series Z4& 6 Series 7 Series X Series Points of parity are that they are luxury vehicles and points of difference are BMW’s performance features. Clear brand positioning and well-differentiated sub- brands shows in 1, 3, 5, 7 series. These brands cover different segments of the mark et in relation to price, size and quality.New models introduced later to expand the brand portfolio like X3, X5, Z4, M3, and 6 series. The 1 & 3 series models brought new customers into the company’s brand franchise, with the expectation that later these customers will be switching to higher priced models like 5 and 7 series (design to attracts rich and wealthy business people). BMW’s branding approach helps the company to expand coverage throughout different segments and markets, provide brand protection and minimize overlapping.Each of the sub brand names has a well-defined role and positioning, which does not overlay with the other sub brands. Individually each car model offers unique benefits to its client segment. BMW’s brand hierarchy is characterized well in the firm’s strategy by displaying the mutual characteristics of all BMW cars throughout its portfolio, which are linked with luxury, performance, joy of driving and quality. At the same time th ere are very clear distinctive features and uncommon characteristics of each of these sub rands revealing their uniqueness and differentiation. For example, the 3series mid size luxury sedan targets drivers that are aged between 25-34 years of age with â€Å"older body but younger in spirit†. These people see driving as an escape from their normal routine, and they are looking for a sedan that has some performance qualities. On the other hand the 7 series models targets the high-end sophisticated business consumers who desire to demonstrate success.I would like to give an example of brand hierarchy for BMW (from top to bottom): corporate (or company brand) is the brand BMW, umbrella brand would be Mini series, the individual brand would be Mini Cooper, and lastly the modifier will be the Clubman model. Clarity and brand awareness is strongly implemented in BMW’s brand. This helps to improve consumer’s understanding about the product range and also communicate cl early the similarities and differences between the different models. BMW have a high level of awareness on recognition and recall.This maximizes the transfer of equity from the brand to the individual models, which improves trials, and leads to repeat purchases. The image is favorable, strong and relevant. The most common association with BMW brand is performance, style and luxury. BMW’s principle in designing their brand portfolio is to maximize market coverage so that no potential customers are being ignored, but on the other hand minimize brand overlap, so that different models from the portfolio are not competing among themselves to gain the same customer’s support.Each sub-brand has its own distinctive target market and positioning. As a result of BMW’s exceptional brand architecture in the last Global 500 brands for 2012 survey, BMW scores very high. From all car manufacturers worldwide they ranked as the second best car manufacturer brand after Toyota (Br andirectory, 2012). References: Bibliography Brandirectory. (2012). Global-500-2012. Retrieved from brandirectory. com: http://brandirectory. com/league_tables/table/global-500-2012/

If winter comes can spring be far away Essay

The quotation referred to is the last line of shelley’s famous poem, â€Å"Ode to the West Wind†. In the poem, the poet identifies himself with West Wind, which, to him, is both the destroyer and the preserver. The poet has dead thoughts which he would like to be scattered by the West Wind like dead leaves. In place of these dead thoughts, he wants new and fresh thoughts to be born in him. As from an extinguished hearth, ashes and sparks are spread by the wind so the poet wants his message of hope to be delivered to the frustrated mankind. As winter is sure to be followed by spring, in the same way, dark and unhappy days of life are bound to be followed by a period of happiness and joy. Winter is the symbol of desolation and barrenness whereas spring stands for joyousness and fruitfulness. The quotation assumes significant application to the present state of affairs. The man today is passing through a period of miserable existence. The days of darkness and frustration constitute the life of man. The world today is collapsing into a helpless state of boredom. The weariness, fret and fever of life have made man to deduce, â€Å"where but to think is to be full of sorrow†. We are crumbling under the mounting pressure of defeatism and self-frustration. Today various factors of life have made man morbidly tired of himself. In the midst of intellectual, moral and spiritual bankruptcy, the forces of optimism though bleak, appear to be the only sustaining force. We in our frustration are made to think that life is not entirely devoid of joy and happiness. It is wrong on our part to lose faith in the ultimate goodness of things. We must realize that in the course of life good and evil days follow in succession. Each follows the other as night follows the day. Indeed, it is human nature to welcome joys and condemn sorrows. But we must bear sufferings with patience and fortitude in the hope that as spring follows winter, joy will follow sorrow. To be able to be the streak of silver lining that edges the threatening clouds of despair is the prerogative of only a few. Most of us only concern ourselves with the present and blink at future. Our vision is circumscribed by the difficulties and problems which confront us. The limits of the immediate cripple us. We wish but dare not hope. We work but dare not expect. We are apologists in anticipation and defeatist in our performance. The buoyant spirit of hope and happiness is lacking in us. It is essential that we cultivate the spirit of hopefulness. Optimism is the attitude of life which must be formed. An optimistic attitude is the healthy sign of life and struggle. It makes us self- reliant and grant fixity of purpose. It infuses a new spirit in our timid hearts and injects a vitalizing energy in our veins. Instead of being mere puppets in the hands of chance, faded notions and sordid illusions, it makes us persons of indomitable will and, lofty aspirations. It takes away passivity and grants pertinacity of efforts. It teaches fortitude, patience and perservance. It is rightly said, â€Å"Practice begets facility† therefore, it is better to wear out than to rust out in inactivity. Victor Hugo rightly said, â€Å"People do not lack strength, they lack will†.

How the Colonists Defeated the British essays

How the Colonists Defeated the British essays How the Colonists Defeated the British In 1770s to the 1780s the thirteen original colonies with loosely formed militias managed to defeat one of the greatest empires in history, the British Empire. How were they able to do this? I will examine the elements that resulted in America gaining independence from Britain against all odds. There are several factors that enabled the colonists to achieve independence from England. I think the deciding factor was the help that the colonist got from the French and Admiral De Grasse toward the end of the war. I dont think that the colonists would have been as successful or possibly successful at all with out the help of their French allies. But the French help came near the end of the war and the colonists had defeated the British in many battles that the French had no part in. One of the reasons that they were successful was their knowledge of the terrain and their incorporation of that knowledge in their fighting style. The colonists were heavily outnumbered and they knew this. If they had fought in battles using the traditional line method they surely would have been defeated. But their advantage was that they knew the land they knew that they could trap their enemy and use the features of the terrain against the British. Then they could fight them while they w ere unprepared with a more guerrilla warfare style that the British werent used to. Another factor that helped the colonists was the fact that the British were far from home. It took weeks to ship troops, supplies and news to England from America. The British troops were pretty much stuck with what they had and in an unfamiliar place. The last reason the colonists were so successful is give me liberty or give me death! The colonists were defending their homes and their way of life. The British had nothing to lose, but the colonists had everything to lose. The colonists had less troops, less...

Annual Day Essay Example for Free

Annual Day Essay Field trips: Post office, Super market, Traffic Signal, Fire station, Horse stable, Plant nursery, etc. Goals: The goal of MapleBear schools is to establish an enthusiasm for learning and knowledge in young children that will serve as a foundation for future success in the education system and in life. In development of the MapleBear program, we have drawn on the best practices in early childhood teaching and learning. MapleBear recognizes that literacy in English is absolutely fundamental to a child’s success in English medium schools. The MapleBear Methodology is based on the well established principle that children learn through experience and exploration. The program reinforces and builds on this positive attitude by offering varied stimulating and enjoyable experiences. The knowledge and skills that children acquire by the end of kindergarten, along with positive attitudes to learning that children develop in these early years form the basis of effective learning in later years of school. Aim: This year our aim is â€Å"Accelerate Success†. We have had a very strong growth year in 2010 and we are continuing to build momentum as we enter 2011. Our vertical segment focus is our children’s key elements en route to their success, Success as your child defines it. Our strategy is working, towards the need of our children resulting in their overall development . Our Facilitators will have a number of opportunities to learn more about our well proven curriculum and its execution. We will share with you our roadmaps, which will allow you to interact, involve and participate as parents. In the past year, we have achieved our mile stones and are setting much more aggressive mile stones for this year. We are open for ideas, suggestions & feedback from you. We want to Initiate, Analyze and Implement. To do this, we need Innovation, freshness. Please partner with us in this journey to Accelerate your child’s Success. Annual Day. (2016, Dec 09).

Writing assingnment Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Writing assingnment - Research Paper Example Utility maximization is a process or goal of obtaining the maximum utility from the consumption of goods and services on the basis of rational behaviour of human beings. The utility maximization is associated with the theory of decision making. Utility is an economic term which is defined as satisfaction received by individuals from the consumption of goods and services. â€Å"In 1957, Simon proposed the notion of Bounded Rationality as that property of an agent that behaves in a manner that is nearly optimal with respect to its goals as its resources will allow† (Bounded Rationality: A Response to Rational Analysis, n.d). A search refers to a psychological process related to instinct of a person which helps him to find solution for a problem. The searches can be of different types like search for job, search for home, and search for other aspects of professional and personal life of human. The decision outcome of an individual is affected by his search as the decision made depends on the search process. Decision making is considered as a major activity in any organization. Decision making is important in any activity of an organization as it helps to choose the best course of action in carrying out any task, helps to find solution to any problem or to solve conflict within an organization. If a needle to sew a jean is of 4 inch and is along with other 1000 needles of different size in a haystack, then it will take more time in seeking the needle. So a satisficer would stop looking as soon as a needle is found which can sew the jeans. Every individual satisfice in their life during those situations when time is limited. â€Å"Congressional budget decision-making in the U.S., where the usual questions considered about a given (existing) agency might typically range from whether to cut 4 or 5 percent from its budget to whether to tack on a 5 or 10% increase. Congress very seldom stops to think seriously