The resiliency of the Filipino people is the central theme of the excerpts provided. It is true
that Filipinos are not unfamiliar with the concept of resiliency. This term has been bandied about
to explain how the people of this country are able to rise above adversity. And, to be honest, the
term has been vexing me to the core since it has become so overused, particularly by our
government, that it is beginning to have a negative rather than positive connotation. We have all
seen how disasters have proliferated in the country, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, natural
disasters, and tremendous inequality, to name a few, as the unprivileged population suffers at the
hands of the current fascist administration.
Following the onslaught of natural catastrophes and even the continuing coronavirus
pandemic, the Philippine government has embraced the concept of “Filipino resilience,” implying
that Filipinos, particularly those from the marginalized sector, can and should be able to endure
anything. I am reminded of news footage after Typhoon Ulysses struck the Philippines that showed
interviewees smiling as if to convey the message, “Look at them! They are so resilient. “ I was
outraged because this highly romanticizes resilience while putting the burden on individuals in the
absence of centralized planning and investment in climate adaptation infrastructure by the
government. And what bothers me the most is how quickly the narrative went from disaster
readiness to how well the Filipino nation can withstand hardship and trauma.
As I relate these excerpts to our current predicament, I can say that they did certainly leave an
impression. They highlight the Filipinos' indomitable spirit and culture in the face of natural
disasters and prompted me to ponder the glorification of Filipino resiliency as well as how the
public should demand accountability from those in authority in order to develop a system that
minimizes the destruction and hazards the Filipinos face during times of calamity. Moreover, it
occurred to me that resiliency should not serve as a reminder that "there is more to life than
suffering," but rather as a wake-up call for the government to exert itself and get its act together.
Yes, I agree with the excerpts' claims that a nation is nothing more nor less than its citizens,
and that the Filipinos became strong-willed, earnest, and courageous out of necessity. Our people
have suffered from dictatorships, corruption, centuries of colonialism and imperialism, and one
natural disaster after another. Our ancestry, history, and blood are infused with resiliency.
Resilience is a deeply embedded aspect of the Filipino identity that fosters a sense of solidarity
and compassion. However, do you think it is appropriate to exploit this national trait as a
justification for the government’s inaction and to cover up the administration’s shortcomings?
Through the years, we have witnessed how the resilience of the Filipinos has been overused,
idealized, and exploited by those in power. And I believe it is now time for the government to have
comprehensive and feasible plans to support disaster risk reduction and climate action. Inevitably,
disasters will occur, but the efficacy of planning and response will determine the difference
between life and death, or recovery and loss. We should also tap on “bayanihan,” or the Filipino
sense of social solidarity, efforts, and cooperation. Ultimately, the weight of resilience must be
shared by both the government and its citizens, and sustainable development can only be achieved
through viable collaborative efforts.