Ever since the Marcos Regime took place, criticized, and, eventually dethroned, the power of the people is very much looked up to to the point of romanticizing and sensationalizing the idea. As a result, nowadays, screams of rant, accompanied by different red-colored paraphernalia, flood the streets in frustrated clamor. And it is quite disappointing to think that such efforts, still, cannot make significant changes for our country. Maybe-- I am quite sure, actually-- it is because the real problem was not really addressed through these noble efforts. I believe that the problem lies in the individuals. I believe that the real issue is in the hearts of every Filipino, making them neglect the present situations. Hypocrisy is at work; selfishness is very powerful; apathy is evident. Thus, I introduce the Cultural Malaise of the Philippines through the eyes of a student like me.

Cultural Malaise is the real problem of the Filipinos. This attitude of Filipinos is most evident in the streets and in public places. This sickness in the Filipino mindset is reflected through our government officials. Unfinished roads and establishments, haphazardly-done projects, and unrepaired public utilities-- the list goes on and on just to prove that the government officials of the poor Philippines neglect its constituents even of small things like these.

However, the problem of Cultural Malaise is not only manifested by the attitudes of the politicians. Since it is an unfortunate phenomenon of the human mind, it is most manifested through YOUR attitudes. Yes, through the normal Filipino's minds and behaviors. Now, let us be optimistic by saying that the government is does not always lack in the things they lack. In some areas in the country, government laws and rules are good and, undoubtedly, for the betterment of the country. With this, the question is, in turn, posted against you: DO YOU ALWAYS FOLLOW THESE RULES?

True enough, the Philippines is a country submerged in poverty. And it is because of people who do not wish for their country to improve. It seems like all Filipinos could do is to rant and rant and rant. But despite these endless rantings, they do not change and continue to ignore the rules and regulations imposed by the government. They seem to leave to the government the job of improving and developing the country, which is completely unfair. However, it is not only in public law abidance that the Cultural Malaise is manifested. Now, we are at the heart of the issue. It is in the very attitude of the Filipinos that the problem resides and continues to grow. Filipinos is very much inclined to be mediocre as they do things for the sake of doing it. Also, Filipinos have the penchant to doing things later when it could actually be done right now-- the "mañana habit." This is the root of all. From cramming as a student, you could become a politician of broken promises, abhorred by all. From an irresponsible family member, you could become an apathetic Filipino. In effect, these attitudes are carried out to public places and into public offices.

The Filipinos is truly in a poor state. And the process of eradicating Cultural Malaise is a very long and tedious one. For this to happen, we should forget our rantings and start the change from ourselves. We should all start now for us to surely face a bright future despite the unpaved roads we take.

- Blog posted by Faner, Kim Arvin F.

- POSC1-B