“May you always live in interesting times.”
WE often come across this expression that is said to be a traditional Chinese curse. In modern times, though, the sentiment is now considered to be a blessing.
In her book “Chinatown is not a Place,” author Jullie Yap Daza wrote: “In Mandarin, the singular written language of the Chinese, the word ‘crisis’ is composed of two characters—‘adversity’ [or danger] and ‘opportunity.’ To live in interesting times means to overcome adversity by seizing opportunity.”
We are, indeed, living in interesting times today, if one considers the war in Ukraine, the ongoing pandemic, the acts of violence in schools across the US, and the recurring hate crimes caused by racism in some states in America.
What about the assassination of the revered Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan? Many are still shocked to know that this could happen in a country that has stringent gun control laws, and enjoys a reputation of being one of the safest in the world.
Why are all these happening? Is the human race cursed? As a firm believer in God’s love and will, I would rather believe that such “interesting times” are but opportunities to overcome evil and wrongdoings.
What are the world’s problems?
A QUICK look at some of the current global issues facing us today reveals the following problems: climate change, extreme weather conditions, toxic waste and pollution, violence, security and well-being, lack of education, unemployment, government corruption, malnourishment and hunger, substance abuse and terrorism. This is according to the Borgen Project, a non-profit organization that addresses poverty and hunger and works towards ending them.
We in the Philippines are definitely saddled by the very same problems, especially in the more basic areas such as hunger and poverty. However, this article is not going to be about how we can possibly combat all these crises because that is the job of governments and organizations: how to make a difference in the fate of the world.
What I would like to focus on instead is how our own Philippine government can revive and strengthen our good, traditional Filipino values that, in turn, could help prepare our young generation for any problems that may arise in their future.
This is because quite regretfully, we do live in interesting times. In recent years, I have witnessed personal relationships and communications being replaced by rapidly evolving technology, virtual encounters, and the rise of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
However, we have the field of education, which has the strongest potential for keeping young children, students, and the rest of our youth grounded on some positive and traditional Filipino values that may have been lost in the process. It can restore decency and humanity in our daily lives. It can show that kindness, courtesy, and delicadeza may once again spur netizens to resolve issues without hurling insults at each other—and bring back a regard for ethical and moral values.
A wish list for Filipino values to be pushed
WHAT are some very basic Filipino values that can be instilled in our schools’ learning systems? What can strengthen the character of our children and provide them with a sense of propriety and national pride?
Love of country—One of the strongest and most admirable Filipino values is our love of family. If we could share a little of this love and loyalty with our country, it would make us a much stronger nation, showing our love for the Philippines not only as families but as communities.
Respect—Filipinos show respect for the elderly and for their superiors.This is manifested not only in the way we defer to them but also in how young people say “po” and “opo” when talking to them. Could we also show respect and sensitivity to people whose opinions may differ from ours? Instead of engaging in vicious fights in social media under the guise of false names and as paid “trolls,” could we practice a little respect and decency? Can we desist from destroying other people’s reputation by watching our language whenever we write and speak?
Palabra de Honor—This is a Spanish term for “Word of Honor,” which simply means keeping one’s word and doing what one has promised. I would like to push this concept further and interpret it as the much-needed values of honesty, decency and loyalty. For example, when our elected government officials promise to do good deeds for the benefit of the country, they should stick to their promises with honesty and honor. Palabra de Honor should also inspire them to speak honorably and behave in a manner expected of people to whom we have entrusted our well-being.
Good Manners and Right Conduct
MANY of us still fondly remember that time when GMRC was as basic to the school curriculum as the three R’s: (reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic.) It may not have seemed very important then, but I can attest to the fact that GMRC endowed my generation with those values inculcated in us by our teachers: respect for elders, love of country or patriotism, honesty, and keeping our word. Perhaps this explains why many of those who succeeded or thrived in their professions, businesses or careers look back with gratitude for those lessons in GMRC.
In 2013, GMRC was dissolved as a subject under the K-12 program. Fortunately, in 2020, GMRC as a basic behavior code was restored through Republic Act 11476 and is now known as the Good Manners and Right Conduct and Values Education Act.
That Act stated the following declaration: “The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation building and provides and protects their physical, moral, cultural, intellectual and social well-being. The State also recognizes the fundamental role of all educational institutions in the inculcation of patriotism and nationalism, foster love of humanity, respect for human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and personal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge, and promote vocational efficiency.”
As one who deeply appreciates these very values taught us in school, I applaud and support the institutionalization of GMRC again in the curriculum as part of the present K-12 program of the Department of Education.
Now that the Department of Education is under the leadership and priority of the newly elected Vice President, it is my hope that she can also give much-needed direction and support for values education as much as for the revival of ROTC training and other elements in the curriculum.
With this, the “interesting times” that seem to be marked by adversity, challenges, and problems may yet manifest as multiple opportunities to build good, solid character and to instill positive values in our Filipino youth.
PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association (Ipra), the world’s premier association for senior communications professionals around the world. Joy Lumawig-Buensalido is the President and CEO of Buensalido PR and Communications. She was past Chairman of the Ipra Philippine chapter for two terms.
PR Matters is devoting a special column each month to answer our readers’ questions about public relations. Please send your questions or comments to askipraphil@gmail.com.