Ms. Ric
14 Sept 2008

One of the best known strategy in math is called “divide and conquer algorithm”, where a determined and disciplined problem solver may take an unbelievably huge and difficult problem, breaks it down into smaller parts, solves these subparts, and combines the answers together to address the main problem.

Yeah, there are parallels in this scenario and this idea that Pangasinan should be divided into two. Philippines’ problem solvers are determined enough to “help the people”, but are they disciplined enough to follow through? Do we have a pattern of splitting up and doing things our own way? When we find solutions that work, do we, as individuals, ever think of coming together and sharing the wealth to the whole? Or is it divide and conquer and to each its own?

If math doesn’t work for you, let’s try history:

Seventeenth century British colonialism is a template for modern day Imperialism. British set about shoring up their rule by the tried and true strategy of pitting ethnic group against ethnic group, tribe against tribe, and religion against religion. Division worked in the short run, but over time it inflicted stupendous damages to countries like Nigeria, India, Ireland. It also engendered nothing but hatred in places like Israel, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey. In the end it will fail to serve even the interests of the power that uses it.

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