A recent article (passed on by Jerry Quibilan) by Scott Alford entitled “Viewing the Philippines in a different light,” asks why the country is portrayed as a dangerous place: Subject to disasters, earthquakes, floods, terrorists, corruption, slums, with numerous hungry poor people. He wondered why there was such negative branding. He finds the country quite different with its UNESCO heritage sights like Banawe ricefield built 6,000 years ago, navigable subterranean river of Palawan, beautiful vistas, effective executives, smiling people, etc. Yet the branding and the image portrayed to the outside world is one of danger and misery. He asks where did this image come from and how did it persist. Neighboring countries do not have this branding even though they have the same problems. A possible solution to Mr. Alford’s query is a tendency of Filipinos to shy away from being considered rich or well off. They prefer to be seen as poor.

The recent local focus has been on corruption and inadequacy of leaders all around. The popular pass time is to fingerpoint, to blame, to assign responsibility for failures. Even though expectations do not materialize, life can go merrily along. As long as responsibilities do not involve him the citizen just shrugs his shoulders and keeps pointing of those who should have done something about it. That is somebody else’s problem or a problem only of the leaders. Somehow the good Lord has ordained it that way. Or some external force like the colonial masters designed it that way. “Who am I to try to re-ordain things especially since I am not certain of what can be done or should be done?” Others should refrain from involving him or disturb his indifference or non-responsibility.

But what if the common tao wakes up to realize that he can do something? His prospects may not be bright but can he try? I wonder what would happen if the Filipino became dissatisfied with this image of chaos and poverty in his country and starts to create an image of “can do” and responsibility to the world and not be a ward of the citizens of other countries? The idea of promoting self reliance and initiative is not new. Meloto’s Gawad Kalinga, Joey Concepcion’s Go-Negocio, OD Corpuz’ Development Academy, Pedro Olabia’s Manok ni Sr. Pedro and a host of other get up and go individuals have projected a Philippine image different from the disaster prone Philippines. Pres. Marcos surrounded himself of the best brains of the country but restricted initiative. The Edsa revolution broke this monopoly on initiative and the hundred flowers blossomed in many unexpected places. What if? What if after the next elections with a new President everyone pulls together and take initiatives. The President alone will certainly not be able to do even the bare essentials. There is need for cooperation and initiative from all to make a new image and new reality. What if each one does what he can? What if citizens cooperate towards a new reality? The next President will sink or swim depending on how he inspires others to cooperate with him and with all other Filipinos. We may even ask why do we not do it now. Why wait for the next President? What dampens the thrust for initiatives? The question is “What if?”<emeterio_barcelon@yahoo.com>