Discipline at its worst is now a shame to the world. The latest scenarios were at the Bureau of Customs where balikbayan boxes were opened and a Filipina Cordilleran boxing champion belt was taxed at more than five thousand pesos. The balikbayan boxes containing hard earned items and the championship belt were to bring home family joy but instead brought disgust /grief to families of the concerned. Another is the charging of P1, 701.00 by the Bureau of Customs for three copies of souvenir program sent to us from the United States through DHL. The US Postal shipping tax of twenty five dollars (25) was already paid by the organization that sent us the items but when delivered to us, DHL collected P 1,701.00 for Bureau of Customs charges. These are the latest of earlier numerous complaints of OFW’s.
Before, some said that discipline has gone to the dogs. In out loud objection, many said that dogs are even more disciplined than some humans. Just decades past until today, loud shouts are heard that discipline has gone to “buwayas” a reference made to corrupt people. “Buwayas” abound in work places of all levels become plaque to society. Appearing queer is that even those retiring from service rush to fill their pockets instead of leaving legacies for their grandkids to capitalize on.
Discipline has been a top concern in the homes, schools of all levels and categories, elsewhere and even among people nearing death.
Relaxed discipline disturbed change agents, primarily, parents. This is attributed to the weakening of parental authority which began in the early 1960’s.
According to studies, experts urged parents to be friends to their children instead of being authority figures thus reprimand of misconduct was less recommended.
Parenting then became more difficult but even with the confusing ideas of experts, parents struggle to lead their children by being examples in modeling out values with hope to mold upright children. Schools likewise reinforced and followed up home disciplines. Where discipline fails, homes and schools would institute interventions like legal remedies to help the person become an upright useful citizen.
The ordeal of the parents and schools made many men and women who are now our leaders and parents themselves.
As expected, these leaders and everybody should behave and be productive participants in nation building. Our home discipline story should still be our story at the utmost. But as seen and proven, many are being tossed about to undesirable acts.
Some experts suggest approaches to discipline such as being loving but firm, being consistent, being God fearing and being reasonable. An expert says “being reasonable is punishing the guilty to the proper degree.” What is next then for anybody who is incorrigible/corrupt and is now a disease in society?
By: E. S. D. Fonite
