Filipino resiliency has long been admired by the world, especially during times of calamities and other natural disasters. Despite the countless storms that batter the country each year, an estimated 20 typhoons, Filipinos continue to rebuild and support their communities with unwavering strength.
It’s easy to see that this resilience is rooted in a deep sense of community and unmatched enthusiasm that Filipinos possess. This collective spirit transforms tragedy into hope, making Filipino people not only survivors but also symbols of strength and unity.
One way Filipino resiliency became known to the world is through the viral photos and videos that emerge on social media. It can span from heartwarming images such as a person hauling their cats in a boat in neck-deep flood water to funny videos where Filipino entrepreneurs turned to live selling their raincoats in the middle of the typhoon.
[Filipino resiliency] has been repeatedly exploited by the government.
This is how people from all over the world ended up feeling inspired by Filipinos. We’ve shown that it’s not just about enduring hardship, but in doing so with grace, humor, and an unbreakable will to move forward.
The level of admiration I have for my fellow Filipinos during times of calamities only rivals the awe I have for the lack of adequate preparation that the Filipino government often exhibits in helping or alleviating the country’s struggles, time and time again.
Despite the experience and the knowledge that geographically strong typhoons enter the country, the lack of disaster preparedness and crisis response remains inconsistent and bare minimum at best. This comes from bureaucratic delays and unclear chains of command that often hinder timely action, while funding for disaster risk reduction remains mismanaged.
Filipino resiliency is often celebrated as a national strength, known for its smiles and ability to recover quickly. However, this cultural trait has been repeatedly exploited by the government, justifying their inadequate support and relief efforts.
Instead of addressing systemic weaknesses in disaster preparedness, the government would give the most shallow aid and rely on the community’s ability to bounce back on its own.
This allows those in power to evade responsibility and minimize emergency planning and long-term recovery programs.
By leaning on the resiliency of the people, the government shifts the burden of recovery to the communities that often lack resources to rebuild their lives – effectively exploiting their own people.
If citizens can remain hopeful amid tragedy, then the government must show equal strength through accountability, efficiency, and compassion in its response.
Photos by Dibakar Roy on Unsplash
