Philippines is known for high poverty rate, economic instability, and lacks basic human resources compared to the rest of the world. In the Philippines 6.1% of the population live on less than $1.90 per day, 26% live on less than $3.20 per day and 55.1% live on less than $5.50 per day (World Bank Data). Widespread corruption in both Filipino politics and business prevents any opportunities for social mobility and growth. Power is concentrated among influential families and connected individuals, offering the poor truly little chance of bettering themselves (Philippine Orphanage Foundation, 2020). The Rural Poverty Portal reports that half of the poor in the Philippines live in rural areas. The poorest of the poor are the indigenous, landless laborers, fishermen, small farmers, mountain folk and women. Deforestation, depleted fisheries, and unproductive farmland are major problems for these people.
“Despite this, Filipinos are known for their optimism and determination. We are positively inclined amidst unspeakable disasters. We perceive our glasses as half full instead of half empty. Money is scarce and time is considered a luxury that is why wallowing in self-pity and misery is something Filipinos cannot afford. Our determination to live and survive is a fuel that runs in our veins, burning our hopelessness and despair away. We are trained to look for the silver linings in every dark cloud no matter how difficult it might seem. Resilience is a trait that one must learn before formal education to conquer the world. A true blooded Filipino is someone who can bounce back despite hitting rock bottom.”
I was shocked when I heard this from a blind student. Princess has an inborn blindness, but she never stopped learning and seeing the beauty of the world. Listening as it may be is her most powerful sense, but she never listens with ears but with heart. Most often than not listening is one of the hardest to learn skills of a student. We tend to speak more than we listen. We forget that in listening there’s more understanding, appreciation and peace. We must learn from Princess who appreciates the world more because of listening.
Let us listen to one another, so openness to change will be achieved worthy of hopes for a better future.
By: Maria Azuncion Perez | Teacher III | Olongapo City National High school
