On Filipino Resiliency and Pandemic

It is for a fact that Filipinos are resilient; it seems like it has been etched in our genes. Despite the adversities that come along our way, we always find ourselves quickly moving forward and rebuilding our lives the way we used to be. Here in the Philippines, you can still find us flashing our golden smiles even if we are submerged on deep floods or under the hazards of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. We can even make fun of the current disaster that we are in! We always try to be triumphant over obstacles and keep the Filipino Spirit ablaze. As we always say, "Kaya Natin To!" (We can make it!)

But while this is truly heartwarming, this is something we should talk about.

The Current Narrative

This year has been nothing more but an unlucky year for us. Taal Volcano violently erupted, recent storms (yes --- plural) that just wreaked havoc and costs lives and the event that has shaken the whole world --- the breakup of JaDine love team. Nah just kidding, It's the COVID-19 pandemic.

But kidding aside,  this pandemic has caused a great impact on everyone. People are forced to isolation which has caused fear and makes their mental state at stake. Not only that, but the economy is also forced to shut down, causing some businesses to close and making some people lose their job in the process (Even I experienced the aftermath by a fraction).

And with people losing their bread and butter, our spirits are tested once again.

If you visit your social media, you can see stories of fellow Filipinos sorting to different rakets to earn money. A flight attendant who sells pares; a  stewardess who is now a gas delivery girl, celebrities who are now tricycle drivers/online sellers, etc.

I admire these actions that our fellow has taken but we are clearly missing the point: they are doing this because they are forced to do so. It is clear what the downplaying of the government with the pandemic has done to us. I remember how our spox tried to water down the economic situation. Here's an excerpt from Inquirer.

“Magugulat ka ba na nawalan ng trabaho sila e samantalang buwan buwan nang inaabot na naka-lockdown ang ating ekonomiya? Ako po’y nagagalak na hindi tayo 100 percent na nawalan ng trabaho,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in an online briefing when sought for reaction on the latest SWS poll.

(Will you be surprised that they lost their jobs when the lockdown of our economy reached months? I am glad that we are not 100 percent jobless.)

“Kasi sa tagal po na naka-lockdown tayo, talagang I’m still surprised at our resilience at 45 percent pa lang ang nawawalan ng trabaho. It could have been worse kasi nga po, complete lockdown ang nangyayari sa atin,” he added.

(With how long we are under lockdown, I’m still surprised at our resilience at 45 percent. It could have been worse because what we’re experiencing is a complete lockdown.)

This is evidence of how the incompetency reeks in the current administration. This would not happen if an EFFECTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE plan was implemented. Our people shouldn't be displaced if only they felt and know they are being assisted. But because they can't felt it, they are forced to take matters on their own hands.

And the way media showcased the life of these people just adds fuel to the fire. It does not help but rather, see past what's the problem here. You can see people on social media romanticising and saluting this resiliency which should not be the case.

It Even Gets Worst...

This resiliency has been subject to abuse now more than ever. 

Because our people are showing we can do it, the line between accountability is becoming more blurred. Those who are accountable are making excuses on what they SHOULD DO and pass the responsibility to us. This resiliency is being abused by those who are in power so they could sit on their laurels. 

And the scary part is, it will be normalised. It will always be a part of our stories about how we single-handedly survive every disaster that comes along our way. We will not dwell on with the hardships and find new ways to start anew. We will simply joke around even if we are at the end of the world. We will stop asking as to why does this happen. We would stop complaining as to who should be in charge. We will get used to our powerlessness and will just carry on.

Because honestly, our resiliency is born out of misery. The misery of knowing that no one is there to help us so we should rely on our own. And that's sad.

But the cycle will repeat and we will continue to romanticise it. Because after all, it gives us a warm feeling, right?

**Inquirer Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1322833/palace-looking-at-sws-joblessness-survey-half-full-glad-its-not-100