PERSEF2 Fifth Entry: What is my role in the community

1. What is the most disturbing social problem that needs immediate attention? In what way is this evident in your local community?

I think that the most disturbing social problem that needs immediate attention is the evident corruption in our country. It may seem cliché to point out the issue of corruption, but its impact has greatly affected our community. Looking at our country's resources, it is supposed to be that we are rich in natural resources. Compared to other countries, we actually have a greater advantage. And yet our neighboring countries are progressing much greater than ours. Thailand, for example, we were the ones who taught them to plant rice, because we were the leading country to produce rice. But now, we are the ones buying rice from them, despite the fact our country is producing its own rice.

2. In relation to your academic training and future profession, what knowledge, skills, and values do you have or will acquire soon that will help you respond effectively to this concern?

I can not really relate my academic training with how I am supposed to respond with this issue. I guess the only thing that I can do for now is to be a responsible citizen. I think that change in our country does not have to start with its government, but with the people in the community. I don’t that it is only the government that is contributing to the country’s continuous corruption, but also its people. Filipinos keep on complaining about the country’s continuous declination of economy due to corruption, but I doubt that these people even do anything to resolve the problem. I do not suggest protest, or such, it will just produce much riot. I think that just being a responsible citizen is the simplest way to be able to respond to this problem. Voting for the RIGHT leader is an example. I find it VERY RIDICULOUS when people vote for candidates because of their popularity. I find it a BIG WASTE of votes. It could’ve gone to a much deserving candidate. I think another way to be a responsible citizen is to actually not let corruption get to us. For example, when one gets caught by a police due to overspeeding, other people try to bribe the police to let them go. They are entertaining corruption itself.

3. As a La Sallian student, how can you make a difference as early as now? Specify clearly doable steps you intend to actualize to alleviate this problem.

As a La Sallian student, I think one way I can make a difference is to be able to affect my colleagues. Through me, I hope to be able to show them what makes a responsible citizen. As a result, I hope that they also try to become a responsible citizen.