"A mixture of baked and not-so-baked graduates" is evident in any institution of higher learning, may it be a private or public college or university. Whether we admit it or not, the earlier concept of schooling for the purpose of educating people – from the time of the Thomasites during the American Occupation – has changed to schooling for proprietary intentions. That, establishing an institution means establishing a business.

 I cannot really blame the government for budget cuts (that justifies the low quality of education) for I know that corruption has already been the priority of our government officials from the very first time they assume their posts. From the same perspective, I cannot blame the people for putting these trapos in the government for most of the time they see these trapos as their saviors (who will protect their "rights"). Who will I blame then?

 So far, I am not yet sure of the answer. But most of the time, I consider myself as the answer to my own query. Maybe it's I who should be blamed why there is a very weak educational system in the country and that there is a rapid increase in unemployment. Maybe it's I who should be answerable for all the mess in this country and that it's I who should be held liable for the worsening scenario that envelops the country.

 But I am only one. So perhaps, if my fellow Filipinos accept this for themselves and make a twist in the history of the country, then most probably, we will be able to lead better lives.

 There are nonetheless particulars that the newly graduates should be taking into consideration.

They are part of the "corporation" called the Philippine Republic. Just like any other Filipino, they have stakes that should be taken care of. What corruption may bring to the corporation is incalculable. And while corruption has already been a culture rather than a simple ill of the society, the youth can still make even a bit difference. Apparently it requires time. But only the youth can determine how long will this struggle be.

 Never have I been surprised that we are here for I know Filipinos are the best. And this is the very reason why. Everybody wants to be the first and the best. Only few see the best in becoming the second. This saddens me.

 During the recently concluded 2004 Gawad Efren Abueg in the De La Salle University where I happened to be the guest speaker, I told the entire editorial staff of Ang Pahayagang Plaridel as I quote: "Sa punto pong ito, hayaan niyo ring sabihin ko na hindi laging katalinuhan manapa’y pag-uugali at pagpapahalaga ang nagdadala sa tao sa mas mataas na estado. Ilang linggo na lamang, tayo’y pipili na ng ating kinabukasan. At ilang araw na lamang ay magdedesisyon na tayo kung sino ang mamumuno sa ating bansa. At ang ating desisyon ang magdadala sa atin pabalik sa kahirapan o papunta sa kasaganaan. "

 From time to time I also imagine the life of a praying mantis. When I was still in Quezon province, I used to take long walks to farms and mountains for a visit. Most of the time, I see no praying mantis or grasshopper around. Since nobody sees them, they survive.

 This is the same survival mechanism that people always tend to come across. We adapt, we live. We embrace the culture, we survive.