But how do you dig yourself out of a hole?

If you get yourself in a deep enough hole, how do you get out?

This, in a nutshell, is what a foreign colleague asked me about the Philippines.  And, frankly, I didn't know how to answer him.

I mean, we could have discussed vague and abstract concepts like hope, synergy, and dreams of a better tomorrow.

But are those vague concepts really improving the lot of the majority of Filipinos?

------------------------------------------------------------

The discussion started with a curious observation: Filipinos who go to Europe, the US, or Japan, seem to have no trouble observing traffic rules, obeying signs, getting on and off designated bus stops, in short, basically acting like obedient, well-meaning "citizens".

However, those same "obedient and well-meaning" Filipinos cannot seem to observe the same traffic rules, obey the same signs, and get on and off designated bus stops when they go back to the Philippines.  Heck, an airplane has barely enough time to touch the tarmac before it becomes obvious that Filipinos just can't follow rules.  For example, passengers are always requested to refrain from turning on their mobile phones until the plane has safely landed and parked so that passengers may disembark.  BUT, you will never fail to hear mobile phones going off before the plane has even touched the ground.  It's amazing that those same obedient people transformed even before the plane has touched Philippine soil!!!  What gives?!?

What's the logic?  I have to follow rules and regulations in a country where I'm a second-class citizen but in my country, I do NOT have to follow rules.  I willingly and actively contribute to peace and order in countries I visit, but I am too big and important to bother with such in my home country?

That's when my friend posed the question: If you get to that state where people have lost their values, how do you bring it back?  For example, it's easier for them to get on and off wherever they please as opposed to using designated bus stops.  The MMDA under Bayani Fernando repeatedly tried to implement several initiatives directed towards greater discipline in the roads.  However, buses still stop wherever they please...even if it means taking up three to four lanes along the main thoroughfare.

There are people who will argue that there are worse countries than the Philippines.  And that makes the prevailing behavior okay?

Then there are those who say all that is required is faith and prayer and that we just have to believe.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm a believer, but I also believe that God helps those who help themselves.  There's nothing inherently wrong with believing.  But there's something to be said about actually doing something.  I'm not sure that just believing is going to bring about change...
---

This e-mail may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you
are not the intended recipient (or have received this e-mail in error)
please notify the sender immediately and destroy this e-mail. Any
unauthorized copying, disclosure or distribution of the material in this
e-mail is strictly forbidden.