Use Indigenous Resources and Local Talents

During the Japanese occupation, Filipino guerilla's was out numbered, out-gunned and had minimal communication with their mother units in the US Armed Forces. But they were able to stay alive because they lived off the land.

They learned it from experts on jungle survival -- the Aetas of Mt. Pinatubo. With nothing but knives and crude tools, Aetas can build tent-type animal snares, start a fire, cook rice using split bamboo and eat food on leaves! They know what plants and animals are poisonous or not. Armed with this knowledge, Guerilla's was able to survive despite being surrounded by enemies and having minimal provisions. To the untrained, the jungle is an enemy where one could die of hunger, thirst, cold and wild animals. But with the proper training, it becomes a shelter and a source of food.

Similarly, guerilla technopreneurs must also learn how to thrive off the land, use indigenous resources and local talents. There are numerous untapped resources for the Filipino entrepreneur but he has yet to start learning how to utilize them. Trapped in our ignorance, we unknowingly ignored them while we slow die from competition brought about by globalization.

At i-ARC (http://i-arcsys.blogspot.com), we were able to develop innovative products using a virtual network of scientists and engineers. Actually, i know a lot of engineers and scientists from UP Diliman having studied/worked/loitered there for more than 10 years. Although it is easier for me to approach them, i'm sure they would also be willing to help other entrepreneurs if approached properly.

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