Typing this entry with a loud background music, partying with other bloggers here at Mall of Asia. This is my entry for the Philippine Issues Writing Project spearheaded by Filipino Voices.
When Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio launched his blog, I raised one question that has been bothering me for quite some time now. I made several blog entries in the past about my frustrations regarding this certain "annoyance" of mine.
Good governance? Democracy? Well, they're all good and dandy. But they mean nothing if the Filipinos don't participate and utilize the chances given to them to live a better life effectively.
I inquired Governor Panlilio of his plans or programs to make the youth be involved more in his projects. His passion was commendable, but if people kept ignoring his initiatives, all his work would amount to nothing in the end. I asked him how in the world could he possibly catch the youth's interest in good governance.
His answer was simple, yet oh-so-true. Aside from the fact that the Filipino youth have lost interest in anything political because of all the hullabaloo surrounding the Philippine government and all the people in it, they also have much things to worry about than some idiotic politician's corrupt ways. They have school problems to deal with, and their love lives to take special care of. (The adults, on the other hand, have family to feed, bills to pay, and their children's education to support.) Jon wrote a more elaborate response on re-visiting Pampanga,the Bloggers Kapihan, and other stories.
the governor simply stated that to be able to influence the youth to get involved in these kind of blogs, the public servants first need to influence each other in practicing good governance, then learn also to reach out thru internet and blogging, then results may be favorable and may twist the youth's involvement and awareness to these kinds of blogging.
The lack of involvement in the part of the Filipinos, children and adults alike, is no surprise to anyone, really. Even if the hardcore activists try their hardest to spread the word about how Gloria is this and Zubiri is that, they wouldn't be able to get through to most people's minds. Words just don't matter whenever one's future, betterment, or even life is at stake. They would rather just go on with their lives and try to survive the challenges hurdled their way.
One can choose to preach, and one can choose to reach (while some can choose to do both). Whatever your choice will be, it still does one good to be more aware and get involved even in small ways. The simplest and most random acts of kindness can mean a lot and make a big difference. Even if you can't be involved in activities on the national level (e.g., you're not yet of legal age to vote), participating in small community projects can and will make someone else's (and even yours) life better. So what if other people accuse you of being an armchair activist or a pseudo-progressive? Just continue doing the things you do with all your heart.
We should break the monotony and the passivity that the Filipinos have cultured throughout these years. We should take action, however minor they seem to be.
We should take action, however minor they seem to be. 
