Have you ever asked yourself lately on what contribution did you give to your nation amidst this pandemic, the COVID-19? Have you taken into account your role as a citizen of the country? Probably, the answer is yes by telling that you stay at home or you pray those frontline people who are in the battle without seeing their foes. Are these enough to be said a contribution?
Today, we are scared of watching news or even listening to the blaring sounds of radio due to the death tolls and issues on the poverty levels of our very own Philippines. People are screaming and pleading the government for assistance to feed their starving stomach and famished soul. The Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is now at stake, no one knows when it will be lifted. People at home are glued to their seats and beds using social media platforms, some inconsiderate beings are still outside roaming around and continue to increase the curve of the dreadful disease.
It is certainly true that we, Filipinos have lack of discipline. This current dilemma gives us an outlook to open our eyes for the probability of downfall because each of us sagaciously attacks one another just like portraying a character in a certain play in front of an audience. Most of us make irrational arguments that harm and influence the heart of the public towards its emotions and beliefs. Exchanging thoughts and judgments that lead to cyber-fights is the common denominator amongst us. We must be matured enough in fulfilling our starring roles; there are children around us who will notice our uttered words, actions and deeds. What they see, they learn. In their bare eyes the wrongs can be right. This period gives us ample time to defend our make believe arguments and unreasonable estimation of a certain societal issues. One thing is for sure, expressing views and opinions is not a crime, and in fact it is all our right. However, we need to be watchful of the insights and information that we cascade, every opinion carries a burning torch that lights up the hopes and faiths of a situation. It either makes or breaks us as a nation.
John F. Kennedy once said: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” This means that this is time that we can purge our sins by obeying rules of the government, by staying home, by sharing and by caring one another. Through these acts, we are paying back the blessings that we received from Him. We should respect the government, their ideals and roles. They do not implement abrupt decisions, they think of them and of course, for the welfare of the citizens. Always remember that politics is vibrant, different ideologies, philosophies and principles in a current condition. Diverse notions and ideas build a stronghold to win the fight of everyone. Our obedience, respect and cooperation matter the most to fulfil our duties and responsibilities to our homeland. We can have a fair share to discuss to the public eye the shortcomings of the government for improvement but never criticize the character and personality of the people behind the positions. We are just human beings and prone to commit mistakes.
We strongly believe that there are always rooms for improvement. The burning desire to censure others has consequences, before you speak, think and ask yourself these questions: Is it true? is it helpful? is it inspiring? is it necessary? is it kind? This alarming state of the country must give us a standpoint not to blame others or point our fingers to others instead help and support each other to combat COVID-19. The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory, let us all rise up and give hues to a Tale of Hope for Filipinos. – Dr. Roniko C. Natividad, Florentino Torres High School, Tondo, Manila