"Sa tingin ko, wala ng may mangyari sa Pilipinas (In my opinion, nothing is going to happen to the Philippines anymore)," voiced not only by one of the most undisputedly brilliant, progressive, and respected conservationists in the country at this day and age, but also by a dear friend of mine. It was a statement I least expected from someone who had dedicated almost 20 years in development work, reforming communities from the ground up, and pioneering initiatives in protected area management. I had hoped to see a hint of sarcasm, hoping those words had not been meant, wondering if it was just said out of mere exasperation. "Then what's the point of doing all this (development work) in the first place?" I retorted in disbelief and seemingly without a second to lose.
My soul grieved at the meaning of that statement--meant or not. What if a lot of other Filipinos thought that same way? Millions of Filipinos have yearned, hoped, and even bled to see reform in their motherland; surely, a lot more of these talented and skilled brethren of mine know that they have what it takes to help make it happen and make a difference. Yet many of the same too have resigned at the thought that there's probably nothing more that can be done for the Philippines, conceding that it's already a hopeless scenario--some before they've even begun fighting the good fight, and some others after fighting for so long at the home front without seeing any hope of dawn. This is really sad.
Perhaps my friend said it just out of exhaustion that after years of work, finally seeing that there was no light at the end of the tunnel. I don't blame him. But then, I think to myself, what's the point of all this indeed, of working and busting our ass up in this country in its struggle for reform, if we're giving up all hope?
[Photo credits: ray of hope beneath the clouds (Don)]
4 weeks ago
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5 comments:
yes, it's a common feeling, borne out of years of hard work and repeated frustration. but hey, that friend is still in the development work after all, right? i don't think he has given up hope, and we shouldn't give up hope,too. i know you wouldn't, anyway :)
You think so? Yeah, I hope he hasn't given up too. Sometimes I wonder if our zeal and passion right now won't be snuffed out after years of work. I'd hate to see us calloused, bitter, and far from being idealistic years from now. I believe to hope that the Philippines will see brighter days is a conscious decision we ought to do each and everyday.
This is exactly the reason why I am leaving my present office. The leaders/elders/seniors don't seem to believe in what they do anymore. Some are simply frustrated and torn between the growing financial needs of their families and their noble but low-paying jobs. And to discover corruption happening right under my nose, that I simply cannot take. Money for communities should be spent on communities. The office that sealed my love for the work is slowly breaking my heart. I don't want to lose it so I decided to walk away while I still have it.
To anonymous, that situation is disheartening, and I understand what you mean when you realized that the very institution that has nurtured your passion for the work and developed you somehow as a person has not been walking the talk on the very same values and principles that it purportedly upholds.
It is difficult having to confront those mixed feelings for people you've had profound respect for and unbelievably detest in the end. I've actually asked myself, "Why, of all people?"
On the brighter side, I am really happy that there are still people like you after all who choose to stand up for their principles instead of following the path to complacency and corruption. I'm sure making that decision is never easy, and sometimes, even an internal struggle ensues. It is good, and very comforting to know, that there are people who are still fighting the good fight.
Thanks for visiting.
i worked ten years in the government. part of me regrets it, yet part of me is thankful. in the government, people are simple, but a lot are bitter, especially most of those who grew old there. the system, much as i hate to admit it, is oppressive - people are not made to appreciate the great value of what they do - which is "service" - they are just made to follow. i hope the government could take after NGOs and private firms that know how to motivate people, how to support the growth of people. so those who want to serve would not be tempted to leave, and those who stay would stay out of love for the work, and not out of the feeling that they have nowhere else to go to. :(
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