faith-with-action

[faith-with-action]

"Habang may tatsulok at sila ang nasa tuktok, di matatapos itong gulo.

"Ngggh, I'm pretty sure this blog will only talk about corruption, poverty, yadda yadda… I'm tired of this."

WHOA, WAIT A MINUTE! We actually have three fundamental problems here in our country. Check this out, oke! :)

When people ask us why Philippines is currently facing these, we usually answer "Ah, corrupt kasi government eh." "Mababa sweldo dito kaya at di makapag-aral yung ibang tao." "Mabagal kumilos gobyerno." "Maraming magnanakaw, kidnapper, etc."… But if we think about it, what are the causes, really? Are the causes blatant enough for us to feel?

Enough introduction, let's start with the first fundamental problem. I introduce you:

1. IMPERIALISM

First thing's first: what is imperialism?

"A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force."

“Imperialism is not necessarily direct formal control of one country by another, but the economic exploitation of one by another.”

We all know that we've been colonized by U.S. after they bought us from the Spaniards. Up until now, people have been wondering. Have we benefitted from this colonization? Some agree, some don't. I'll give you some of the situations and tell me what you think. :)

I got opinions from random people regarding this matter: is our relationship with the U.S. parasitic? Are they the only ones who benefit?

Our country is blessed to have lotssssss of natural resources! That is very evident since up until now, countries be like: I'MMA STEAL YO SHIZ and we be like:

*We're still a semi-colony under the U.S. government. They have power through our economy and that's how they manage to get our raw products; Philippine labor and materials ↓; U.S. labor ↑.*

We know there are treaties between the U.S. and the Philippines. These treaties are actually ways on how to "control" us, although it's indirect and not apparently stated. These include the Tydings-Mcduffie Act, Payne-Aldrich Act, Underwood Tariff Act, etc. (Check out Amado Guerrero's "The Philippine Society and Revolution" article if you want to know more about these agreements!)

But did you guys know that United States has more 20 military bases here in the Philippines? They have enough military troops to overpower us, especially our government! 

COLONIAL MENTALITY refers to institutionalized or systemic feelings of inferiority within some societies or peoples who have been subjected to colonialism (answers.yahoo.com)

How how how? You might get shocked, but the most effective way they thought was through:

They taught us the English language that sometimes we think it's "best" to speak in this language. We speak and we think like one. 'Hindi ba, minsan naiisip natin na "baduy" ang sarili natin wika? :('

Next, the most evident and immortal perception :-<

Isn't it ironic how we think it's "cool" to have a foreign bloodline? Isn't it unnecessary that most of us think that being fair-skinned, or white, is one way to say that you're beautiful? Love who you are and love your country, man!

MOVING ON…. I present you the second fundamental problem of the Philippines, which is:

2. FEUDALISM

Hierarchy. 'Nuff said.

We all know that the highest rank in feudalism is landlord. So here's the thing about them: they get 40% of the farmers' earnings. Considering the fact that they just sit there and watch the farmers work their butts off, it's just sooooooooo unfair, right?! (May galit lang? May hugot? Hahaha)

One scenario that can attest to this is no other than the famous:

HACIENDA LUISITA MASSACRE

I suggest you guys should watch "Ngalan Ng Tubo." Relate, relate!

Preview: the estate consumes 6k+ hectares in the province of Tarlac. Remember Agrarian Land Reform? Well, this wasn't quite blatant during this. (Watch the video, ayt!) The farmers or protestors were fighting for just wages, rightful benefits, etc.

And, last but not the least:

3. BUREAUCRATIC CAPITALISM

What the crap is bureauchuchuchu?

"Individuals pursuing their self-interest rather than serving the common good."

"Involving the right of individuals and groups of individuals acting as 'legal persons' (or corporations) to buy and sell capital goods, as well as land, labor, and money (see finance and credit), in a free market (see trade), and relying on the state for the enforcement of private property rights rather than on a system of feudal protection and obligations."

Well, I'm pretty sure that there's one idea that popped in your head the moment you read the first meaning. Mhmmm :>

Preview: "Pork barrel is the use of government funds for projects designed to please voters or legislators and win votes." This also means that the money obtained (taxes) will be used for the benefit of the community. Apparently, the issue contains misuse of these funds for their self-indulgence. This issue was sparked by Janet Lim-Napoles and her PDAF P10-billion scam, plus, P900-million Malaya Fund Issues. (read more on http://www.thesummitexpress.com/2013/08/janet-lim-napoles-and-the-pork-barrel-scam-issue.html)

Yep, this actually implies that businessmen and government officials work together for a hidden agenda. 

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"Why did you leave so many open-ended questions?"

My purpose is, of course, to inform you but at the same time I would like you to think about it and give your own opinion! We have different perceptions and I would be glad to hear yours :)

"Sooooo… what do I do now? How can I help with this advocacy thingy?"

Since you've read this blog entry, congratulations! Being aware about these conditions is actually a way to motivation. As for the next steps… well, it's your decision! After all, leadership is not about the reputation and the title you hold. It's about the little things you do every day. One step at a time and we'll reach our goal. :)

Thank you oh so much for reading this blog! I hope you had a fruitful time. :) Please do leave a comment! Insights, suggestions, etc. are also appreciated. God bless! :)