HIVE HORIZONS 02: Filipinos in Conjuncture

The Philippines is in peril today and clearly, the world in a greater magnitude. This pandemic has claimed so many lives and disrupted the normal things that once were. Beyond that, we, Filipinos are known to be resilient in every circumstantial conjuncture. However, this unfortunate crisis has challenged this claim - and what could be more to prove, than to adapt to the new changes of the times albeit strengthening our cultural identities. Here's my thought...

On Complacency... Firstly, our complacency during this pandemic is not at all helpful. The government's initial response is one way to prove it. ------------ We seem to be too assuring of the situation, yet consequently, the whole country felt its unforgiving results. ------------- What we should strengthen is our preparedness in avoiding things to happen, which is simply prevention. Smart awareness of what is happening, then acting accordingly to it - makes a good response. Should we have been decisive in our actions early on, it would not have become this much worse.

On Voicing Out... On the other hand, what we also need to foster on this time of the pandemic would be to make use of our freedom of speech very well. The gift of independence solidified our human function to voice out. Platforms like #HIVE offer us space to lay out our thoughts. And if used properly, the influence we create is enough to make others to do the same. Though not at all times cohesive, our battle cry will always hold a strong force to help pass useful legislations. Remember, those in the authority are no one without our support, and thus should rather look after our welfare. ------------ Our voice matters, and that involves how we express our concern to the unchanging misfortunes of the country. ------------- It has never been about colors of yellow, red, and blue, for all of those only represent ‘horse blinker’ ideals that show loyalty not to the country, but to a select few of privileged-class men.

On Faith... The third cultural identity of Filipinos that needs to be magnified is our Faith. Regardless of the religion we are in, it is evident that the we lost some of those prayerful moments inside our churches or mosques. Although isolation is unusual for the many, the reason not to deepen our relationship to God is indeed none. ------------ Conversely, faith does not only extend to religion, but to our working leaders as well. ------------- Despite the insufficient response of some, our faith or trust should still be placed on them - and by that, I mean listening and complying to regulations so that order in the community would be felt by many.

On 'Bayanihan'... Lastly, if there is one inherent identity that Filipinos should keep, it would be the spirit of 'Bayanihan'. Our zealous spirit to bring out teamwork in the community has built structures and connected bridges over the years. Although not nurtured further by the young generation, ‘Bayanihan’ will forever remain relevant in helping ease the spread of the deadly virus. Staying at home, wearing masks, and keeping 'social distancing' when outside are just a few ways to show our being united. ------------ Besides, 'Bayanihan' is simply DISCIPLINE - acted out INDIVIDUALLY, while keeping it TOGETHER. ------------- -----