Amidst the country's flaws, I know my name's in a jeep, in a tricycle, everywhere

The government does not have moral authority above us, which means we follow laws and the like, not because those in the political office inspire us to but because we are forced to. In fact at times we abide by them merely out of fear of the consequential punishments they pose when violated or simply out of unexplainable fear. Some, however, still choose to violate such. They merely shrug their shoulders in the presence of rules and laws and think “No one will see or stop me anyway” because of the “everyday-ness” of disobeying or innate nature of the Filipinos to break rules. With this, I really think that the change should start in us as individuals—the civilians and politicians alike since they (the politicians) are still civilians of this country after all. I have concluded to this statement not because I am feeling hopeless that a real change and reform in the government would occur. Rather I think that this is the most graspable step we could take since “conditioning” oneself and starting the change with what's the closest and changeable factor at hand is easier—we work from the inside (the individual) towards the outside (the society). In this, I believe, we can initiate and create a conscience and consciousness stirring web that will consequentially affect others and inspire them to move, to create a better perception of the country in their minds, to do good deeds, to work not for one's and his family's sole sake, to polish one's talent and potentials so as others can benefit from it and the like.

Eyebrows may have raised when I said “to work not for one's and his family's sole sake”. In a country where Catholicism is the dominant religion, great importance is given to the family. Additionally, the family is, according to the Constitution, the smallest unit and the building block of society and must be protected and must be cared for. It is in the family where we gain and learn the basic values and erudition that must be applied and are representative of matters outside the home. It is in the family where we first gain our consciousness and receive nurturing as well as cherishing, as far as the non-orphan is concerned. As a result, it is in the family to which we feel most obliged to—we feel that we owe much to it. Consequently, we work hard and strife for the best because we have the inclination to return what our family has provided us. Furthermore, as a member of this unit, we strife in the hopes that the benefit or the upward mobility that shall be received by the family will affect us too. However, I believe that there a greater world out there than ourself and our family. Not that I am anti-family, I in fact love my family, but what I am trying to arrive at here is that extreme loyalty to the family can make us unresponsive and unconcerned to the occurrences outside the family sphere. Also, one can be steered to commit an action which can be considered an offense against the country such as corruption, abuse of power, etc.—all these because of devoutness and the wanting to provide progression for the family. *Randy David states that our too much devotion to our families makes us unaware and indifferent from the rest of the society making this intense attachment a hindrance to one's and to the society's growth. However, this presumed flaw, as what I have learned in political science classes, can be turned into a plus if such can be translated into the national sense. Extreme familism can be interpreted into a national sense if we consider our fellow countrymen as our family. We would consequently be inspired to work hard and strife for the best and for perfection because we want to serve and provide advancement for the country and our fellow Filipinos.

Corruption, abuse of power and the development of “secret agenda” (as far as running for and gaining a position in the political office is concerned) leads to the suffering of the rest of the society. Social services, infrastructures and the like have to suffer and compromise for the above mentioned felonies. Also, these wrongdoings against the country and its people effects poverty and consequently the migration of many Filipinos to work abroad who, in many reported cases, experience violence from their employers. In addition, poverty results to the rise of crime rates such as robberies, etc.

With this, we can see that one problem results from one to another. However, this confusing and a seemingly never ending web of problems is not permanent. As I watch various documentaries as well as see and experience actual images of how problematic the system of the country is and the close-minded, uncaring and hopeless perception of the people, I cannot help but shake my head in dismay. The only thing that came to mind was that the country, especially its people deserves a real and serious overhaul. Though we may not know where to really start anymore, what we should do is focus on what is the closest changeable aspect at hand. This brings me back to my opening statement—to start in the individual change.

I think, as a student, my first and foremost helpful step towards achieving this goal would be studying hard. I believe that education provides “enlightenment” enough to “move” us. Though some see it as an opportunity for social mobility, I think it's beyond that. I have to acquire as much knowledge as I can to understand the situations and occurrences around me and, in the process and in the future, hopeful to be helpful to the society in its pursuit of looking for the cure/s to the maladies of the society. I believe that without the fundamental and basic knowledge at hand, the next step which is analyzing or criticizing the present circumstances which will eventually lead to concoction of resolutions would not be possible.

Some thought and grew with the perception that education is meant to supply us with knowledge that will be “useful”. “Useful” in the sense that knowledge can be functional and of use in a business and industrialized world. Some say, when asked why they study, they want to acquire a good job in the future and eventually become rich. I have nothing against people who think of it that way. But don't you see? That is the exact reason why there are poor people. Because some have “too much”, there is an unequal distribution of resources. When someone gets awfully rich—or I could translate that into a more detailed expression which is “someone who has more than he needs”—some other people has to suffer and compromise for that. This leads me to my second suggestion—create a sense of civility. With this, we should develop a sense of responsibility for others—that we are men for others and that we should make every effort to improve the lives of others. With a sense of civility, we would not undertake any action that we think will be the cause of harm for others because of our natural concern for others. Also, I believe, so as to promote equality, we should be contented with what we think is enough. We've been hearing this but it has merely grew dusty and webbed in the corner of our minds. Since, many has long been deprived of the basic necessities of life, I cannot blame them for hungrily aspiring to be one. But at the very least we should develop a concern for others.

Thirdly, let people know what you think—what I think in this case. Ideas may not sound brilliant to one but it may be to another. The society needs as much people and their views or thoughts as possible because one small idea may be a solution to a mass of problems. Let people know you support them, that you understand them, that you suggest this and that and what have you. With this simple step, you encourage people, you let them know you care and in a subtle way you help build a nation—may not be instantaneously but at least gradual rather than stagnant. With all the growing demands and complexities of life, I say that one is more at the risk of forgetting one's duties to the country—consciously or unconsciously focusing more on his selfish wants rather than the service to and benefit of the many. Doing a blog like this might, as a perceive it, be the initial step of ringing the bell again, reaching out to the people and stirring their consciousness.

And fourthly, in the presence of ideas, one must also act. One must take steps to make his ideas into a reality and not to let those thoughts just remain a concept. One must not be contented in being unresponsive, just sitting around and simply watching events happen. One must take part and act in the best way he can and aim for the perfection of such action also keeping in mind the benefit and effect of his fellow countrymen from the said action

I've never seen my names in public vehicles nor anywhere where a lot of people can see them. I don't know if I was less observant when I was young or what but I have seen my names (and nicknames) in many vehicles lately as well as in the internet as I if the society or something out there has been calling me. At first I found it amusing, weird even because my name and even its exact spelling was rare as far as I know. But as I pondered upon it, I realized that I wanted to do something for the country—something unselfish. This may sound cheesy and clichéd but that is how I really see it. Honestly, with regards to making that “change”, I don't know where and how to start. I think that being conscious of the fact that I want to make a change was enough for now—that it is something that would motivate me over time towards finally fulfilling it.

I just wish people would be moved like I was moved; that they could know and realize the things I also realized.

No it's not divine intervention or divine enlightenment nor something along those lines. I believe that the knowledge and facts I acquired over time made me this. My intentional want to be exposed to the society and the hard and at times even subtly hurting reality it poses and inflicts upon people stirred me and motivated me to do something—if not now at least “someday” and I think that is better than “never”. I want people who are reading this blog to realize that each one of us is capable of turning our country around. Some would give up and conclude that the country, more specifically the government, is hopeless when it comes to a revolutionary change. However, I remain optimistic that if one person among those we think are hopeless, and let's admit it we're among those, will emerge and believe that he can initiate that difference then I think we are a step closer to the progress we've long been wanting. What we need in these times are not *civil servants who merely administer political affairs; what we need are *political leaders—those who fight, initiate and take responsibility in governance. We must change our perception of our society and how we view our own capacities and potentials—we must empower and intensify these potentials and aim for the perfection and practice of such. There is a hero among each and every one of us, even in the most disregarded though the most hardworking and moral-adhering classes of the society. All that's needed is that potential to be awakened. Somewhere out there, our names are 'imprinted'. Something or, more appropriately, the country and our countrymen are waiting for us to make a difference. And much as it may sound cliché to others, I genuinely want to make that difference. I hope that you do as well.

*Acquired from POSC 1 class discussion and slide show presentation about Social Responsibility and Social Autonomy which was based on Randy David's Nation, Self and Citizenship.

**Bordered clips are pictures of paintings that were featured during the opening of the Thomas Daquioag 4^th Solo Exhibition entitled INVINCIBLE in Bulwagang Fernando Amorsolo (Small Gallery), Cultural Center of the Philippines last October 4, 2007.

photo essay by:

Aizel Arnelli Cabanlit-Cabilan

2008-96333/ BA-Comm. Arts

POSC 1-B