Exam 17: Toward the Pacific Century

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Ferdinand Marcos, Corazon Aquino, and Joseph Estrada are all significant figures in the political history of the Philippines, each having served as President of the country.

1. **Ferdinand Marcos** - Ferdinand Edralin Marcos served as the 10th President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He is known for declaring martial law in 1972, which lasted until 1981. His regime was marked by human rights abuses, corruption, and the accumulation of personal wealth. His presidency ended when he was deposed during the People Power Revolution in February 1986.

2. **Corazon Aquino** - Maria Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino was the 11th President of the Philippines and the first woman to hold that office. She served from 1986 to 1992. Aquino was the widow of the assassinated opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. and was propelled to the presidency following the People Power Revolution, which ousted Ferdinand Marcos. Her presidency is often remembered for the restoration of democratic institutions and the drafting of a new constitution in 1987.

3. **Joseph Estrada** - Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada served as the 13th President of the Philippines from 1998 until his ouster in 2001. Before his presidency, Estrada was a famous film actor and later became a politician, serving as Mayor of San Juan, a Senator, and Vice President. His presidency was cut short by a second People Power Revolution, known as EDSA II, after allegations of corruption and plunder. He was succeeded by his Vice President, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. In 2007, Estrada was convicted of plunder but was later pardoned by President Arroyo.

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The Green Revolution refers to a series of research, development, and technology transfer initiatives that occurred between the 1940s and the late 1960s, which increased agricultural production worldwide, particularly in the developing world. The term "Green Revolution" was first used by the former USAID director William Gaud.

Key components of the Green Revolution included:

1. **High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs):** The development and dissemination of new strains of crops, such as wheat, rice, and maize, that had greater yield potential than traditional varieties.

2. **Chemical Fertilizers:** The increased use of synthetic fertilizers, which provided the nutrients needed by the new high-yielding crops to achieve their potential.

3. **Pesticides and Herbicides:** The use of chemicals to control a wide range of agricultural pests and weeds that could otherwise reduce crop yields.

4. **Irrigation Infrastructure:** Expansion and improvement of irrigation systems to provide the consistent water supply necessary for the new high-yielding crops.

5. **Modern Farming Equipment:** The adoption of new machinery and technology, such as tractors, harvesters, and planters, which made it possible to cultivate larger areas more efficiently.

The Green Revolution is credited with saving over a billion people from starvation and was instrumental in boosting the economies of many countries. It was led by figures such as the American agronomist Norman Borlaug, who is often called the "father of the Green Revolution" and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his contributions to world peace through increasing food supply.

However, the Green Revolution also had its critics and has been associated with various environmental and social issues, including:

- **Environmental Damage:** The intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to soil degradation, water pollution, and reduced biodiversity.
- **Social Inequality:** The benefits of the Green Revolution were not evenly distributed, often favoring larger landowners and leading to increased economic disparities.
- **Dependency on Inputs:** Farmers became dependent on the continued purchase of seeds, chemicals, and technology, which could be costly and sometimes unsustainable.

Despite these criticisms, the Green Revolution had a profound impact on global food security and the way food is produced around the world.