The Persistence of a Filipino

Filipinos tend to boast about their varied array of traits that is common in every true blooded Pinoy. Pinoys are hospitable, family-oriented, God-fearing, they have playful personalities, they are crafty and etc. But there is one particular trait I would like to instill in every Filipino, especially given the current situation of our nation: Persistence.

There are numerous problems that continually plague our country. Our economy is on a rapid decline, our government continues to reek of corruption and the worst part is, not too many people seem to be doing something about it. I am not implying that the modern Filipino is lazy, but rather, I believe that Filipinos today lack the drive and motivation to uplift themselves from their toxic environment. Filipinos have adapted the “learned helplessness” mentality and have accepted the notion that there is nothing they can do to actualize social change. Worse than that, we have settled into this culture of convenience wherein we no longer see the relevance of societal issues in our lives and refuse to help society. This in turn creates a culture of unnecessary dependence wherein we rely on others to do work that we are fully capable of doing. These cultures and mentalities continue to aid in the decline of ouronce glorious nation. And as we delve deeper into these lethal mindsets, we end up relying heavily on our government to do all the work for us. We develop this culture of illogical acceptance and blind conformity wherein we no longer think for ourselves or seek to question the given. Do not forget that it was this mentality that fuelled Hitler’s campaign in the 1930’s. A country of democracy that no longer seeks to question its government might as well be a dictatorship.

So many issues plague our country and you, as Filipinos, must realize that you have a role to play. Let your voice be heard on issues like the RH Bill, Automation of Elections, Corruption in the Government, Declining Educational Standards. The country must eliminate cultures of PASSIVITY and transform them into cultures of ACTIVISM. The Filipino citizens must not just watch from the sidelines. Channel the spirits of our forefathers when they questioned and rebelled Spanish Rule and fought for our democracy. We as modern day Filipinos must fight the very same fight. We must take ownership of our environment. Let us fight for Equality, Justice and Freedom. For these are more than just words, they are rights. Let us be persistent in our fight for a better Philippines for the future Filipino. Don’t give in to cultures of convenience or blind conformity. Use your minds, God blessed you with one. Do NOT lose it. I know it’s so easy to talk about hope and idealism, but sometimes, that’s all we need to do. Because talking about issues that matter, talking about ideas, talking about hopes and dreams is what can start this revolution that we need. So I pray that if you read this, TALK to other people about it. And encourage them to TALK to more people. Let us build this revolution with our minds and our voices. There is nothing wrong with being idealistic. Idealism, contrary to popular belief, is not blind optimism. Idealism doesn’t mean you are oblivious of reality. Idealism is seeing reality but refusing to accept it. Idealism and Persistence are the foundations of this nation. Let’s not break our foundation.

God bless the Filipino