Ano ang kulay mo?
Dilaw, pula, puti, mga kulay na nakatatak na sa ating bandila na sumisimbolo sa mga makabuluhang aspeto ngunit madalas, sa panahon natin ngayon ay naiuugnay na sa maruming laban ng politiko. Dilaw, pula,puti? Saan ka nabibilang? Dilaw ng katarungan, pula ng dahas o puti ng kabutihan? Hindi, hindi mo kailangan mapabilang. Pilipino ka, kayumanggi ang kulay mo. Pilipino tayo, makabayan at pawang makatao.
Sa panahon na sinusubok tayo ng pandemya, hindi nga ba mas nalinawan tayo kung gano karumi ang politika? Proyekto o mapa ayuda, nakatatak pa rin ang mga pangalan nila. Na sa gitna ng dilim, mga kulay ay tila nagsisilabasan pa rin. Sa kasagsagan ng pandemya na lahat tayo ay kailangang manatili lamang sa ating mga tahanan, tutok sa maaaring balita na makapagbibigay satin ng proteksyon, tulong at pag asa ay kasabay ng pagpapasara ng isa sa pinakamalaking news network sa bansa. Naging talamak ang pagpatay ng mga mamamahayag pati na rin ang mga panggigipit dito. Na tila bang ang inaasahan nating pinakamalakas na boses ay unti unti na ring binubusalan sa bibig. Ngunit hindi iyon doon natatapos, dahil kahit kelan ang mga mata nati’y bukas at hindi kailanman maaaring mapiringan. Hindi man natin maibrodkast at mawala man ang TV, tayo’y nasa makabagong mundo na at meron na tayong mga makabagong teknolohiya. Ang sabi nga ni Gat Jose Rizal, “ang kabataan ang pag asa ng bayan”, maaaring hindi na tayo gumagamit ng pluma ngayon, tayo naman ay mayroon nang social media na mabilis at lahat ay nakakakonekta. Maingay ngunit makabuluhan, may laman at para sa bayan- yan ang dapat nating itatak sa ating mga isipan sa bawat salita na ating ititipa. Mga ingay na kumikilatis at dumadaing, umaasa ng pagbabago at umaasang maabot at mapakinggan ng napakalayo nating gobyerno.
Maraming batas ang inihahain sa gobyerno ngunit ang nais lamang natin ay maayos na sistema ng katarungan at hustisya. Hustisya na pantay para sa lahat ng estado ng buhay. Ang pagtanggap sa extrajudicial killings bilang sagot sa mga nangyayari sa ating bansa kalakip ng pakikibaka sa pagsugpo ng droga ay pawang panggigipit lamang at pagwawalang bisa sa kapangyahiran ng batas. Na para bang binigyan ng kapangyarihan ang mga tanod o pulisya na ang magbigay ng sintensya na hindi dumadaan sa lehitimong proseso sa pagtukoy ng katotohanan.Hindi ito sa pagsalungat sa naturang proyekto subalit kailangan natin ng tama at malinis na proseso. Isa pa,ang tila ba mas pagbibigay pansin ng gobyerno sa pakikipagkaibigan sa China sa halip na mas pagtuunan ng pansin ang kaligtasan at karapatan nating mga sariling mamayan nito. Na sa kasagsagan ng paghahanap natin ng suporta at proteksyon laban sa Covid-19 ay inilalayo tayo nito sa realidad at nililihis ang ating mga pansin sa mga makabagong isyu at batas na nagsisilabasan upang matakpan ang kanilang mga pagkukulang hingil dito.
Sa mga ingay natin ang nais lamang natin ay maayos at magandang pamamalakad sa gobyerno, at maging abot kamay ang ating mga karapatan at katarungan. Ang mga ingay ay hindi sa pagsasalungat, at lalong hindi ito panenerorista tulad ng sabi nila. Ito ay tila mga bato na hindi sinadya para manakit kung hindi mga bato upang gawing hagdanan patungo sa ninanais nating kaunlaran. Hindi ito pananakit ngunit bakit tayo’y palaging ginigipit? Kaya sa susunod na tatanungin ka kung anog kulay mo, hindi mo kailangan mamili dahil wala sakanila ang sagot. Anong kulay mo? Pilipino ka at hindi para sa iba.
THE CAVITE MUTINY(Controversy in Philippine History)
Every 12th of June, we commemorate the heroic deeds of both the named and unnamed patriots that led to our independence. However, if we really look back in the past, it is only the final throw for our fight for freedom. There are many happenings that are as important and worth remembering along with the Independence Day. There was the Cavite Mutiny as well as the execution of the three martyr priest in the persons of Fathers Mariano Gomes, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora (GOMBURZA).
The root of the said revolt was the disappointment among the labourers of the arsenal just as the individuals from the local armed force after their advantages were drawn back. Second, inflexible and exacting strategies were exhibited that made the Filipinos move and get some distance from Spanish government out of revulsion. Third, the Central Government neglected to lead an examination on what genuinely unfolded however depended on reports of the ministers and the assessment of people in general; Fourth, the cheerful days of the monks were at that point numbered in 1872 when the Central Government in Spain chose to deny them of the ability to intercede in government issues just as toward the path and the board of schools provoking them to submit urgent moves to broaden their visit and force. Fifth, the Filipino ministry individuals effectively took part in the secularization development to permit Filipino clerics to grab hold of the wards in the nation making them prey to the fury of the ministers. Sixth, Filipinos during the time were dynamic members, and reacted to what they considered as treacheries; and lastly, the execution of GOMBURZA was a screw up with respect to the Spanish government, for the activity severed the ill-feelings of the Filipinos and the event propelled Filipino loyalists to call for changes and ultimately autonomy. There might be various adaptations of the events happened, however one thing is sure, the 1872 Cavite Mutiny cleared path for a pivotal 1898.
The road to independence was rough and tough to toddle, many patriots named and unnamed shed their bloods to attain reforms and achieve independence. June 12, 1898 may be a glorious event for us, but we should not forget that before we came across to victory, many have suffered. And now, that our country is within our hands, may we payback the deeds our forefathers made and sacrificed. May we never stop fighting for our freedom and may we keep the flame of patriotism burning within our hearts.
Life during the Pandemic. "When CoVid-19 strikes"
Our lives have been challenged by the CoVid-19 pandemic that we never knew could actually happen one day. Indeed, life is full of surprises, isn’t it? We, Filipinos were known to be courageous and resilient but are we obedient? This crisis tests our obedience and patience more than what we have done on the past years of our lives. On the first wave of the virus we can’t even go out even for our necessity, there has to be a gate pass, age limit and even schedules per barangay of when we’re allowed to go to the market to sustain our needs. Protocols have to be implemented for our safety. Military and police personnel were to facilitate and ensure that protocols and safety measures are being observed. It was a bumpy ride for each of us even until now. The fact that we are not ready for this is already a big factor for us to struggle on adjusting and conforming to what is needed to secure our health. CoVid-19 is a disastrous chapter of our lives. This just don’t disrupt our health but also all the other aspects we need in life. Being our health at risk would really affect every other part of our living. This is why we need to protect ourselves from anything that could harm our well-being. We should protect it at all cost! Should we? Say “YES” loudly if you agree! Should we?! Of course WE SHOULD. And that starts within us. We are the one who maneuvers of our lives. The government implements and we decide whether we follow or we defy the rules. It’s within us; the power, the security, and above all, the willingness.
There’s a quote that says “willingness beats capacity”. This quote alone could be your mantra to be a guide in anything that you wanted to be possible. Our will hits different when we use it well. Our will to do things is such a powerful weapon to combat so many unwanted and devastating things that may come into our lives. Yes, we all have innate capabilities within us; we all have those which are God-given since birth, there are those we worked hard for and some are those which we acclaim through our experiences. Everything we have our necessary, it is our essential to continue to thrive in life. However, there are still obstacles that will really come on our ways on either path we’ll choose. Innate qualities are there but our willingness that could drive us into something different is rare. It is for courageous people that could take risks and offer a part of them without knowing what may come ahead. It is an investment. Are you courageous enough? Ask yourselves. Because if not, you have to, we have to. These days, the pandemic crisis to be specific demands so much of the courage within us. It is choosing between resuming the life that we used to live and limiting ourselves to those we have used to for our sake and for our family’s as well because this is not just about us, this is the fight of us Filipinos together; the government, the health organization, the health workers and other front liners. Lives are at risk. And what could be our part to this battle? We obey. We have to obey the proper guidelines in order for us to be safe. Protecting ourselves means protecting and helping those front liners who are willing to risk their own lives in order for us to continue living. We are not just the “nobody” in this battle; we play a huge part because we encompass most of the population of our country. And if we fail to protect ourselves beforehand, we are going to add up to the huge responsibility that these front liners already have. Let’s not be a burden rather let’s be of self-driven. Let’s be responsible on our own. Protecting and maintaining ourselves’ well-being would mean greatly to the whole world now.
Yes, we have different statuses in life, there are things that we cannot afford to have while others could have it effortlessly. However, if we want it and we are willing to, there would be no boundaries in achieving what others could. In this pandemic, people got into ‘panic buying’ for things they needed in order to be safe from the virus CoVid-19 and not everyone could afford it. Nevertheless, as ordinary people we could have the basics and necessary measures that would not cost much. First, we need to observe social distancing which we need to have at least 1 meter distance between each other. Second we have to wear face mask and face shield whenever we go outside. Third, we have to sanitize ourselves often; proper hygiene is a must. And last but not the least is we have to eat healthy. We are what we eat so make sure that it would help us to ensure our safety on the highest level of security. We could plant vegetables on our backyard for us to have something healthy to consume whenever we want to especially now that the prices of goods in the market increases for the shortage we are facing in the supplies. We have to be resourceful in everything that we need in order for us to survive. As what I am constantly saying “willingness beats capacity”. All we have to do is to say yes. Yes! I can do this. Yes! I can have an alternative. Yes! I can be healthy. Yes! I will obey the rules and protocols. One “YES” could already make a difference. If we are saying “NO” to CoVid-19, we should say “YES” to all the possible ways to prevent it. YES! YOU CAN DO IT!
Low labour cost in the Philippines
At first, I thought about tackling poverty but I want for its root to be discussed rather. I wanted to answer the ‘WHYs’ in particular with it. So I decided that I would give emphasis to the low labour cost we have here for both the blue and white -collar jobs. Philippines have been tagged as a third world country and the common perception with this is that the country is poor but as we all knew, Philippines isn’t poor, only its people.
Philippines have a lot of hardworking and skilled citizens yet most are underpaid. Jobs have higher qualifications, too many procedures and requisite and still you’ll land on a job that could not even pay the degree of work that you could offer. Mostly we are offered with the bare minimum like as if that is only our worth. Come to think of it? If Philippines is poor then why foreign business owners are so attracted to invest and start their business here? It’s because of the low labour cost of Filipinos. And then there, you would realize we are the slave of our own country. Most of us are trying their best to at least survive in our current state and provide sufficient support for their families so they will just settle for what is already there. And then, CoVID-19 pandemic comes that worsen the situation that is already on its low point. From 7.1% recorded unemployment rate in March 2021, which was equivalent to 3.4 million jobless Filipinos has increased drastically in April that became 17.2 % which is equivalent to 7.45 million individuals according to rappler. From underpaid to unemployed, how could these numerous number of deprived people survived on these times where even the employed are living their life the hardest at this point. And what does the government do? Prices of necessary commodities have increased while the worth of a ‘palay’ decreases and other livelihood products which then be sold for even higher prices in the cities and other countries. While our farmers, our low income earners are paid less, the ones who are already earning way higher are also the ones that benefit the most from the sweat and hard work of those on the low. If only the government will care for their citizens the way they care for foreign affairs, maybe it was then resolved many years ago.
Our country, care so much for diplomas, degrees, and higher qualifications that are more than of what they could even provide for their citizens at the very first place. Qualifications are actually good because who would hire for someone that could not contribute a thing for progress? But maybe we could give chances for those who didn’t have a degree, to provide opportunities for them rather than all the discriminations they received. And of course to increase the wages of these citizens on the low borders because clearly, those who have rigorous type of work are the ones who were paid the least. So if I would be given a chance to pass a reform I would give emphasis on equating degree of work to the amount of salary that people received because those who provide the basic necessities deserve as much as what they considered the ‘higher’ level citizens of our society are enjoying.
SOGIE (Sexual orientation, general identity and expression)
Living in this world of ours with full of judgments, insecurities, discrimination and hatred coming from the society to where we belong is the biggest problem that hinders us to show who we really are and what we are. It is the main reason to why most of the LGBT or the “Persons of diverse SOGIE “the more inclusive term used to refer to LGBT persons suffer from this physically, emotionally and mentally. Most of them are wearing their mask to hide their true identity to the world fearing that society won’t accept them for having a different sexual orientation.
Religion is a major aspect that is against LGBT because they do believe that God creates only man and woman. With this, do they don’t have the rights to be treated fairly like the others? Are they considered as an exception for having a freedom to speak out and express what they truly feel? Is it really wrong to be a Gay, to be a lesbian or for having a different sexual orientation? Is that their fault for feeling that way?
For me, no matter what their sexual orientation is, whether it’s heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual, asexual or pansexual they are still a human like us who deserves to be loved and accepted. It really broke my heart knowing that some of them have to deal with so many judgments and hatred coming from others that sometimes led to depression and suicide. In some countries they accept LGBT for being a part of their country but there are also some who deny LGBT Groups and Individuals their right to exercise their freedom of expression, assembly and association. I know it’s really hard for them having through this kind of situation. Honestly I couldn’t imagine myself in their position enduring all the negative criticism that they get that’s why I am really proud of them in continuing their life as a good role model to others. I have a lot of friend who are a part of the LGBT community and I must say that they do respect and know their place regarding about issues concerned with sexuality. They are also fun to be with because they create good vibes and positive atmosphere whenever you are down.
One thing that we should realize is that we should all give our respect to the Persons of diverse SOGIE. Love them and accept them for who they are and what they are. We should also give them the freedom to express themselves to the world with boundaries. If they want to dress like a girl or a boy let them be as long as it can make them happy and for as long as they know not to cross the line. For Persons of diverse SOGIE all I want to say is that if you want to be respected respect yourself first as well as others and never give up even if the society is dragging you down. Instead, prove to them your worth and let the world see the shinning hues living within you.
People in History "A tribute to all Filipino heroes"
Exemplary people with ordinary lives, without having the need of the spotlight, that’s how I could depict the life story of our national heroes. On their time, they are not the most privileged persons in their town, nor to be counted as one but they chose to live rightfully, with burning hearts for their country. They didn’t have their lives easy, but they use every single time of their lives fighting for what they know is right and just. They’re courageous, hopeful and unstoppable.
Through them, it made me believe even more that you don’t shine by dimming other’s flaunting light; you shine by sharing them the light you hold. And maybe that is how I could summarize their greatest contribution in our country. They became our inspiration, our motivational heroes. They have instilled on every Filipino the heart of a nationalist. That above any other reasons we are a Filipino and it’s something worth fighting for, not just for the present but also for the future’s sake. And we owe the life we have today to them. So who would say that they don’t deserve the spotlight? Of course they deserve to be called a national hero. They deserve all the acknowledgements for choosing to fought for our freedom despite all the consequences it may take, for endlessly believing that one day we will have all the privileges that we deserve and for giving their hopeful hearts that whatever they do as long as it will contribute to the country’s well-being, they will have a life worth living.
At present, we may not have the Mabini, Bonifacio, Silang, Rizal and all the other remarkable heroes of the past but we will forever be reminded and motivated by the principles they reflect. And I believe and proud that despite the hard times and the unending injustice and oppression happening in our country, we still have heroes of the present that are not afraid to raise their voices, their flags and their beliefs in order to pursue the right of every Filipino. Today, women are starting to speak, LGBTQIA+ are being supported, and filipino citizens are all making their voice heard by utilizing everything we have on today’s modern world to continue pursuing for the things we deserve.
Women may not be all a Maria Clara but we are proud that we are building a community full of Gabriela. We may lose our Rizal, but we have the journalists and courageous speakers who take the front rows to be our voices. And like the past times, it may be hard and slow but we should bear in mind that diamonds are formed under pressure and it doesn’t take just overnight to be formed because great things doesn’t come easy, it comes with great responsibility.
@flexykatt