Filipinos often underestimate themselves — not because we lack talent, but because we have been shaped by a system that rarely maximizes what we already carry within us. And yet, when you look at Filipinos abroad, the pattern is undeniable: we excel everywhere. From science to medicine, engineering to the arts, business to athletics, tech, design, and global leadership — the Filipino capability is not the problem.

The real difference is the system that develops, supports, and multiplies people’s talents.

This is where Switzerland becomes a powerful model worth studying.

Switzerland is not a perfect nation. It is not even large. It has no vast natural resources. But it consistently ranks among the most prosperous, peaceful, and innovative countries in the world. And what is striking is this: what the Swiss achieved, Filipinos can also achieve — in fact, even surpass — once we redesign our governance to unlock our potential.

Filipinos are as resourceful, creative, resilient, intelligent, and spiritually-driven as the Swiss.But Switzerland has something we do not yet fully have: a leadership culture shaped by a system that expects progress, supports innovation, and relies on shared responsibility between leaders and citizens.

From this insight, we can extract five powerful facts about Switzerland that can influence how Filipinos think, vote, dream, and lead — especially as we imagine a better future for our country.

1. Direct Democracy — When Citizens Are Truly Heard

One of the most inspiring things about Switzerland is how ordinary citizens hold real, practical power.

In Switzerland, people are not just spectators to governance — they are participants.

• Citizens can challenge decisions made by their own parliament.

• They can introduce proposals to amend or add to the Constitution.

• They can demand a nationwide vote on approved laws.

  
  

This is done through:

✔ Popular Initiatives

Petitioners must gather 100,000 signatures within 18 months to propose an amendment to the Constitution.

✔ Referendums

Citizens need 50,000 signatures within 100 days to call for a national vote to approve or reject a law passed by Parliament.

✔ Mandatory Referendums

Even after Parliament approves a constitutional amendment, it must still be submitted to a nationwide vote.

Even Switzerland’s membership in international organizations must be approved by its citizens.

Imagine how different the Philippines would be if citizens held the same level of power — real checks, real voice, real participation. Students, teachers, and parents would grow up seeing themselves not as helpless watchers of government, but as rightful co-authors of the nation.

2. Federalism — Small Communities Taking Big Responsibilities

Switzerland operates as a federal state composed of:

• 26 cantons (“states”)

• 2,300+ communes (“municipalities”)

  
  

Each canton has:

• its own government

• its own laws

• its own constitution

  
  

This layered structure allows decision-making to happen closer to the people, not in a distant capital.

Now compare that with the Philippines.

Our land area is 300,000 square kilometers.

Switzerland has only 41,285 square kilometers.

But Switzerland has 26 states; the Philippines is proposed to have only five under certain federal drafts.

Could we imagine having more states — more localized leadership, more accountability, more flexible governance, more innovation?

Students and educators can immediately see how federalism encourages creativity at the local level. Parents can picture a future where decisions about schools, health, and livelihood are made by leaders who understand the specific needs of their communities.

Federalism proves that the smaller the units of government, the bigger the opportunities for people to shape their future.

3. Parliament (Federal Assembly) — Leaders Who Work Like the People They Serve

Switzerland’s Parliament is composed of:

• The National Council (similar to a Senate)

• The Council of States (similar to a House of Representatives)

  
  

What makes it unique is the “militia system” — a concept of community service where:

• parliament members maintain regular jobs,

• pursue professions,

• and remain connected to the realities faced by ordinary citizens.

  
  

This keeps their leadership grounded, humble, and practical.

They are not trapped in political bubbles. They work, they serve, and they legislate.

In a Philippine context, this is a revelation: What if our lawmakers lived with the same humility, practicality, and connection to the everyday lives of their people?

A parliamentary system similar to Switzerland’s strengthens accountability because leaders rise based on competence, performance, and trust — not merely popularity or political noise.

4. Neutrality — A Nation That Chooses Peace and Predictability

Another fact that shapes Switzerland’s global identity is its long-standing policy of neutrality.

Its roots began in 1515

when the Swiss Confederates were defeated at the Battle of Marignano while defending Milan against the forces of Francis I of France, reinforced by Venetian cavalry.

International recognition came in 1815,

while full formalization happened in 1907 through the Hague Convention.

In 2001,

Swiss voters approved the arming of Swiss peacekeeping troops — strengthening their neutral stance even as they joined the United Nations.

This consistent foreign policy gives Switzerland:

• stability

• safety

• predictability

• economic trust

• a reputation for peace

  
  

Students, teachers, and parents can all appreciate this lesson: a nation becomes stronger when it can stand firm on principles, not on political emotion.

5. Science and Research — The Engine Behind Their Prosperity

Every nation dreams of prosperity.But out of 249 countries, only a small group consistently reaches high levels of wealth, order, and innovation:

• Monaco

• Liechtenstein

• Switzerland

• China

• Ireland

• Norway

• United States

• Denmark

• Singapore

  
  

What do these countries have in common?

Their leaders discovered early that Physics and Mathematics are the foundations of progress.

Switzerland invests:

• 3.4% of its GDP on research and development

• This amounts to CHF 22 billion

• Which equals ₱1,226,100,567,802.64 (1 trillion 226 billion pesos)

  
  

In a world where breakthroughs often come from science labs, engineering hubs, and independent thinkers, Switzerland made a life-changing decision: they maximized the talents God gave them.

Imagine if Filipino leaders and Filipino institutions prioritized science the same way.

Our people already have the talent. What we lack is the system that encourages and protects discovery.

What This Means for the Philippines — And for Every Filipino Student, Teacher, and Parent

Switzerland thrives because its people and leaders work together with clarity and conviction. Their unofficial motto, “One for all, all for one,” reflects the unity of 26 diverse cantons moving toward one shared goal.

As Filipinos, we can learn from that.We are not short of talent.We are not short of dreams.We are not short of faith, hope, or courage.

What we need is a system that:

• nurtures leaders

• values research

• listens to citizens

• decentralizes power

• provides accountability

• aligns vision with action

• treats talent as national wealth

• embraces innovation grounded in faith and purpose

  
  

NEDA’s long-term vision captures what Filipinos truly want:

This vision is not impossible. But it cannot be achieved if our governance system remains the same.

Progress is not just about electing the best leaders.

It is about building the best system that supports the best leaders.

Switzerland teaches us that prosperity is not an accident —it is the result of choices, courage, vision, and a deep belief that talent must be protected, supported, and multiplied.

And if the Swiss can do it, Filipinos — with our passion, creativity, faith, and resilience — can do even greater things.

For the young generation, this is your open invitation to think bigger.

For teachers, this is a call to help shape a new mindset.

For parents, this is a reminder that your children carry the brilliance to reshape this nation.

The future of the Philippines will be led by those who dare to learn from the world and dream boldly for their country.