Stop extinguishing our stars

I was astonished as I heard about the Artista scholarship program in Biñan through the Education Program Supervisor (EPS) in English of Biñan, Edmill Recibe, wherein the municipality supports aspiring artists and athletes for the pursuit of their passions. Its inspiring to know that some local government units (LGU) are exerting effort on the people who are often looked down upon on in our country but I’m afraid that this is still far from the case to many places in the Philippines.

Oftentimes, especially in the older generation, pursuing the arts and sports is considered shameful to the family. Most elderly are fixed with the idea of success coming from money and not happiness, hence why 65% of adults worldwide experiencing job dissatisfaction according to the CNBC. The youth, such as myself, are pressured by their families in choosing high-paying jobs instead of chasing after what they’re passionate about. Because of the stigma with art and sports related professions, many talented minds are wasted.

This stigma is unfortunately not constrained within households, it spreads like an epidemic among the close-minded Filipinos. For example, in regular schools, teachers recognize the achievements of students who excel academically more than those who excel in the extracurricular. Those who’s strengths lie in the extracurricular are often subjected in unequal treatment with those who’s strengths lie in the academic field. I, for one, has seen this treatment with my peers in the journalism department and the sports department in the school; teachers give more considerations to the journalism department than the sport department.

It’s disappointing to see some teachers disregard the efforts of other students to bring honor to the school. Then again, I’m thankful for all the efforts of LGU’s like Biñan to support these bright and talented minds.

In order to address the struggles faced by our talented youth, everyone must dismiss all the stigma they hold against them. Because, how can the stars in our country shine if they are forcibly extinguished