Wallet & keyboard offensive

In the old days, one of the bad things “outsiders” and the elite would say about Filipinos was that we have such low standards of excellence. They called it the “Puede na” mentality or “It will do.”

By God’s grace, as Filipinos became more exposed to outside influences, technology and media, we somehow managed to improve a little in terms of quality and standards of excellence. The only points where these became a challenge was when profit or lack of funds determined the inputs into our work.

Foreign exposure also influenced attitudes, we became conscious about not having to re-do things or getting back-jobs or rejects. Sadly, as we cured one cultural character flaw, we find a far more damaging replacement to the “Puede Na” mentality.

I wrote about it a few weeks ago and explained how many Filipinos, even among the D and E economic level, now consider their unfortunate circumstances as “OK lang.” When asked about their quality of life, poverty level or economic challenges, they are not saying “OK Lang” as in their lives are OK. It is a statement indicating “acceptance,” “resignation” or surrender to the fact that they can’t change things on their own.

All this information was shared by Professor Alvin Ang, chairman of the Economics Department of Ateneo de Manila University, on our TV program AGENDA. Professor Ang revealed that the country’s economic fundamentals are solid and will produce sustainable outputs in the coming years. But in the long term, what is greatly at risk is our deteriorating human capital or large numbers of Filipinos suffering from some form of starvation or nutritional deficiency which results in physical and intellectual stunting that partly explains low scores in licensure exams or regional tests and competitions in Math and other sciences.

Even more disturbing is the “OK lang” mindset of many who are resigned to their state or quality of life. As Professor Ang pointed out, several decades ago, up to the Baby Boomer generation, Filipinos spoke out, complained and acted when certain matters became unacceptable.

Back in the day, people would actually put out the word against an official, a company, a product or a brand. They would go out of their way to file complaints with authorities or call for a boycott of a product, a store or call for a ban or take it to court. It didn’t matter if the offender was a multinational company that has the top 50 law firms on retainer, or a company that was owned or associated with a powerful politician or mayor.

Whether it has to do with economic difficulties and continued employment, or the false impressions created by social media, it seems that Filipinos nowadays have come to accept their lot in life along with the blatant abuse or disrespect they get on a daily basis. As an example, Professor Ang pointed out how very few Filipinos howled over the P700 per kilo price of onions. I added that not too long ago sili or chili hit P1,000 per kilo, pork broke the P350 ceiling.

The price of fuel has continued its merry way “all the way to the bank” and various companies such as airlines, telcos, hospitals and schools wreak havoc on our pockets and our lives, but all we ever do is rant on social media that those companies never read and don’t pay attention to.

No, things are NOT “OK lang.” Many of our legislators are not legitimate “representatives” of the people. They are plain and simple power brokers of votes for funds used to perpetuate themselves or their family in politics and power. Many local government officials are no better. They prioritize income generation for their LGU to be used for many projects and programs but very few that improve the quality of life, competency of human capital or improve the environmental quality of their LGU.

Most elected officials are no longer “one with us” but have transformed to hybrid politicians-businessmen. Many legislators own fast food chains or franchises, own schools and colleges, provincial malls, real estate and housing complexes in their area or all over the country. Perhaps this is the price we collectively pay and suffer under for being as meek as lambs and excusing it all by saying we are “OK lang.”

But is it too late? No, according to Professor Ang. At the very least, each of us who has a voice, a title, a position of influence or a platform should fight this “OK lang” mindset.

First of all, ask yourself: Are you giving up on “You,” on what you deserve, what you paid for, what you invested in? Are you willing to simply let a complete stranger decide the price, quality, etc., of what you consume or require? Hopefully not.

While I encourage parents and readers to send their children abroad to get a proper education, this is for the purpose of greatly improving their “human capital.” Like I said, if you want big fish, place them in a big pond and not an aquarium where everybody is watching and messing with their growth.

After confronting ourselves for lowering our expectations, adjusting to “realities” – let’s list down what we want and deserve based on what we give out and not on what we are willing to put up with. Migrate from merely “block” and “delete” or ranting on social media. Be a micro-influencer who consistently addresses the good, the bad and the ugly about products, services, companies, LGUs and government services. Avoid the politics and talk about the needs and what YOU as a citizen and consumer expect.

If that doesn’t get traction, then let’s all revive the BOYCOTT movements of the 70’s and 80’s. Act with your keyboard and your wallet!

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