The spirit of Christmas is felt with decorations, music and consumer items produced by entities called “capitalists”. Those who have the resources are filling up their homes with appliances and other kinds of furniture and fixtures. Some buy new cars, houses and lots out of their perks. But for rank and file employees like me, it goes to payment of maturing obligations and reservation for tuition fee of children. Often, Christmas is associated with traffic jams, crowded business centers, public spaces, increase in sales, crime rates and the usual promos that come with discounts, affordable rates and fees to entice customers’ patronage.
In our observation coupled with gathered news from media and sharing of persons, some people steal or intrude on private properties just to ensure they can match their neighbors or fellow Filipinos on spending this season. Worst, thieves enter churches not to worship but to ill-treat churchgoers taking personal items especially cellphones. The issue confronts us as we claim to remember the birth of Christ?
Allow me to share some thoughts that may be contributory to slow economic growth in the development process of the country. Let me start on the business side where money speaks. Some Filipinos buy cars as status symbol but failed to consider where to park such. Often, road expansion areas serve as parking areas that further increase traffic congestion. Ms. Katerina Francisco, in a 2014 Rappler issue, cited a JICA report that traffic congestions cost the Philippines about Php 2.4 billion daily in 2012. Add to this, the use of roads, road shoulders and public spaces as parking areas free of charge defeats the purpose for which they are built.
In addition, some drivers manifest arrogance in highways especially when they drive or own new vehicles. They even shout at their fellowmen when they are obstructed as if they own the road. Accidents happen because drivers fail to follow the basic rules. It might not be too harsh to practice the following: wait for your turn; check your brakes; don’t drive when you are drunk or on drugs; and don’t text while you drive.
Another common observation is the increasing number of mendicants and peddlers in our sidewalks and overpasses in the City. I frequently notice presence of some law enforcers but it seems the effort done to curb such occurrences is not felt. It’s surprising they occupy same spots especially during Saturdays and Sundays. In La Trinidad, legitimate businessmen during one public hearing raised the issue on the proliferation of peddlers and construction of booths various parts of the business district even near the public markets. One businessman asked if they have business permits issued by the municipal government.
Moreover, entering restaurants, food courts and eateries upsets to watch some countrymen order food as if just for fun especially with huge leftovers in their plates. As a person who hails from a poor farmers’ family, it hurts to see how grains of rice, bread, vegetable and meat products are disposed in trash bins. It might not be too rude to share what we currently teach to our children by collecting our leftovers when eating outside and bringing it home either as food for the next meal or have it as pet food. To some people, leaving something in the plate is a status symbol of being well-off or a maybe a custom. But to a normal Cordilleran, consuming everything is a must and the word “ayew” applies. I guess even my Japanese friend Kaoru Yamada shared the word “mottaini”-meaning don’t waste.
When the ordered food is not consumed, the best way to save face is to say kind words to service crew like “pakibalkot yo man apo ta iawid mi.” Of course, that is with the exemption of “watwat” wherein you need to bring it home as a proof or “certificate of appearance” that you attended a canao or wedding.
Talking of trashes and waste disposal, it is our observation that La Trinidad is doing its best to implement waste segregation as they have assigned community residents to guard and check garbage collection centers. It is a relief that disposed garbage like non-biodegradable wastes should not be included with residual wastes. The collection time had been adjusted to an earlier time; I guess it is from 5:00AM-7:00 A.M.
Further, it is my prayer that the needed discipline find its way among us this season. I firmly believe that when every citizen value self-control and practice it daily, our country can move to a higher notch. While nobody is perfect, there is always elbow room for improvement. It cannot be done overnight but gradually shifting our modes to change for the better can bring in economic growth. Development can be associated with peace and order, healthy business, good governance and ethical standards, and effective and efficient public administration. Likewise, it must start in us and within our family if we like to succeed.
Furthermore, let us appreciate some quotations on discipline. “The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.” – Martin Luther King Jr. (christianquotes.info).
Lastly, Brainy Quotes got it right when it cited “To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him- Buddha (brainy quotes.org).
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!