A FILIPINO has a unique character. He is well-trained to see beyond. He has been trained to see good beyond adversities. The Filipino could always smile over the worst of times. He is not affected externally although deep inside he may already be bleeding. In short, a Filipino knows how to adapt to the environment.
I am very optimistic that Filipinos have the ease and comfort in adapting the “new global normal”. Our system could immediately adapt to the situation and the circumstances brought about by the pandemic. We will not fall but will stand out over the rest of the world. Our system would immediately evolve to the needs of our surroundings. We have no problem fitting into it.
The only problem with the contemporary Filipinos is that we seek our comfort zones and not our adaptability. Take the case of the very simple new norm of wearing face masks. Most of the young people do not want to wear masks and face protection. They want to go out without it. They are too confident that they could withstand what the virus could do to them. Although the good thing is that majority of the Filipinos accept face masks and coverings as part of the daily fashion in the new norm. Wearing of face mask is not for us but for others. We wear it so that we may not contaminate others in case we carry the virus. The spirit of being responsible for the other is what the new norm of wearing face mask has inculcated in each one of us.
Social distancing seems to be a taboo for Philippine society in the old world. It was like an unethical for one not to kiss or “Mano” to an elderly person. Today, it seems that we have just adapted to it. It is quite normal for us not to touch another person. A smile was required for one to be socially accepted in the past. Today, it is quite impossible to see the smiles under the mask but now, a wink would suffice the sign of greetings. A greeting in a high or loud tone would often be heard. Hugs and handshakes are now discouraged in the new normal. However, it seems that in other parts of the world, they cannot forgo with hugs as a sign of love and affection. And so, some Filipinos do the same, they would not adopt the norm of social distancing and would still do the old normal without fear of anything as they say, “Love conquers all.” In the new normal, social distancing is a must but must not be overdone as one to become anti-social.
Recently, I have read a post on social media that we need to see everyone as a carrier of the virus, thus we need to practice social distancing. This is a very good reminder but I hope this would not mean to distance and isolate ourselves. My greatest fear is that one day, we cease to be social beings and become anti-social and would no longer communicate unless with the use of gadgets and to the point of possibly even losing our ability of verbal communication. This is already true in the digital world. We understand terms that are not even spelled correctly and statements without complete thoughts.
One more thing, which I promise to expound more in future articles, is the new normal in the Philippine Educational System. Almost everyone welcomes the new era of education. This was discussed a long time ago before Covid-19 was born. Flexible learning in Philippine Education is a must in the 21st Century and will be tagged as Education 4.0. But way back then, the only ones who could appreciate the details are the architects of technology. Those in mainstream education can only think of this reality philosophically. But today, it is here and now. It is not just a concept or a disciple but it will be imposed as a way of life in Philippine education starting this school year. But, as I have said, no worry for it is easy for us Filipinos to adapt.
Belated Birthday greetings to Rev. Fr. Don H. Besana, OAR, president of the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos, Bacolod City.
Sta. Rita de Cascia, pray for us.