Resilience in abolishing resiliencE

As natural disasters such as the recent Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco) put the marginalized Filipino at risk, yet again, the glorified ‘tough and enduring’ nature of our people has been promoted by the very authorities responsible for the prevention of such extensive damages done by these calamities. With regards to this despicable and undermining act, it is now critical and high-time that we address such a nonsensical ploy that indoctrinates the nation to overlook a major lapse in the competence of the government and its officials in disaster risk management.

In the wake of recent weeks, the Philippines has been hit with consecutive storms that have brought devastation worth billions of pesos, afflicting millions and placing hundreds of thousands in an undesirable situation in dire need of rescue efforts. Tropical storms Quinta, Rolly, Siony, Tonyo, and Ulysses have bombarded the nation in a span of four weeks, and as with all calamities that impact the country, it was again commonplace to witness in social media those who are at the margins of society reaching out for help– something that the government failed to effectively carry out, apparently, since there would be no need to call for such at all if only there was a comprehensive plan for prevention or aftermath strategy in action.

Furthermore, as if this controversy of poorly-planned sagas of the government is not already enough to fill one’s plate, we get the front-row privilege to listen to their babblings on how strong the Filipino populace bounces back after disaster strikes. In the first place, there would’ve been no need to remark on the nature of the nation’s people after a calamity only if they had been effective in laying out preventive measures, of which are frustratingly absent so it seems. And for enlightenment, the word “resilience” absolutely does not refer to the privileged or those who are in a desirable position of wealth and power; it is only the powerless who are in need of resilience as they are presented with no other choice but to do so in their state.

As such, it is all the more so ignorant for certain officials to speak of and romanticize a topic that they, with their fortunate and privileged circumstances, have absolutely no knowledge of. It is entirely illogical to act as if one is somehow associated with a concept that they are very much oblivious to, all for the reason to act as if they relate to the situation of the poor, the hungry, and the powerless in times of desperation. It seems that their comprehension of the matter remains unbeknownst, and if that is not the case, as with how they’d retort if questioned, then it very much does not seem evident in their effort as a figure of authority at all.

Resilience continues to be the ever-present topic likened to a poor laughable excuse for the lack of concrete action and planning. It is this detrimental aspect of romanticizing the public spirit that downgrades the competence of officials – measures that should’ve been high-time becomes considerably delayed since we are too absorbed by the praised endurance of the Filipino folk, which is not the matter at hand. What the public needs are leaders who are accountable to the people, not a circus of individuals.

In line with this, there is a need to establish an example of accountable governance and leadership. With this context, let us turn to the case of Cavite’s Lancaster New City (LNC) and the Galing LNC community. The Galing LNC organization and its leaders implement and carry out projects that are centralized on environmental protection and promotion of livelihood for the sake of its community. From the last month, their projects range from the scope of the following: a Grounds Team conducting clearing operations in the creeks of LNC’s villages, the initiation and organization of relief drives by volunteer groups that helped communities affected by the recent typhoons. (even going on as to involve the youth of LNC’s St. Edward School), a conducting of educational discussion regarding climate change, and the carrying out of the LR Project Bayanihan that focuses on clean-ups in certain areas.

Moreover, the community has been utilizing the platform Buyani.com which is “designed to service needs of the community by providing community services appointment, providing a platform to micro-entrepreneurs and providing access to goods, services and community events.” From environmental causes to the promotion of its community members’ livelihood, the Galing LNC community is an exemplar of accountability that abolishes the need to praise resilience as something that it is not to the eyes of its people. In terms of ideology, this is the way to go.

Fundamentally, the romanticization of resilience is downright unfounded, and yet government officials up until now rely on such a concept in order to escape the sense of accountability that they inherently possess the moment they take public office. Exploiting the condition of the marginalized, these individuals go on to misdirect the public on what is really the case with why the Filipino people are as resolute as they are. The case is because they are forced to; it is their only coping mechanism for the brutal circumstances created by the lack of capability and political will of authorities. Hence, glorifying such a matter is a disgusting act reserved only for such callous individuals. If we truly wish to put an end to such nonsense, then it is timely that we, as the public, make ourselves educated and undeterred by the distraction they offer us.

Let it be known that resilience becomes obsolete under the leadership of an accountable authority; likewise, it then becomes our part to never forget and to be equally resilient and unrelenting in demanding so.