Pinoy till the day I die
Recently, the issue of immigrating has come up in discussions in our house. Kesyo its better to have kids in Norway because the government will give you the financial support you need. Kesyo its better to live there because the red tape and bureaucracy and corruption here in the Philippines is terrible. Kesyo its better there in general because the environment is cleaner, its easier to find a job, and you are better compensated for what you do. For example, even mere waiters and bus drivers there can afford a 5 week holiday (with pay) to the Philippines.
Here’s what I have to say to all of this: 1. Yes, in many ways, its easier to have kids there because the government will give you generous subsidies to have kids. The government has to do that because the birth rate there is declining,and its not good for a country to have negative birth rate. Which makes me wonder… if the country is rich, and there is government support, why is the birth rate still declining? So many factors, but I guess one of the reasons is, in the long run, even with all the government subsidies, kids are still expensive to raise. And logically, it will cost more to raise children in a first world country rather a third world country. So why is it better to have kids there again? I don’t get the logic of this. And besides, never mind the finances. We all know that it takes more than money to raise kids. I still believe its better to raise children here in the Philippines, with out tradition of extended families and thus a better social support system. And who says that they will get a better education in a first world country? I beg to differ, big time. I was a product of the Philippine educational system, and I can say with certainty I am smarter than some of the westeners I know. Excuse me.
2. On red tape and bureaucracy, its true that its terrible here in the Philippines. Our government system has to be overhauled. But all countries have their problems. And red tape and bureaucracy will always be there. The thing is, everybody thinks ths Philippines is so hopeless that they would rather leave the country, and work their assess off wiping off white people’s asses. I mean no offense to anybody, its just that I get angry sometimes when I learn that our doctors would rather be nurses abroad–what happened to job dignity and serving humanity? But well, its their decision. If they think they will be happier working outside the country, fine with me. And please, do not come home and bitch about the Philippines after spending more than half of your life living abroad. If you don’t like it here, then leave. Its that simple.
3. There are so many things that are not right in our society. But no society is ever perfect, even in the West. Its true that most professionals here in the country are underpaid, and that’s why they seek better pastures abroad. If I stayed here and worked my ass off, it will take me a lifetime to build my own house. But I will not go abroad and work low quality jobs in a western country simply because I will get paid more there compared to my job here. I believe in the dignity of my work, no matter how small the pay. My work here might not have much in the way of benefits—but who needs a 5 week paid vacation when you feel like you have a working vacation all the time? I get paid to do the things I love to do, and the meager salary is not an issue for me. Financially, I know I will never get rich. But at least, my soul is.
Bottom line is, whatever other people say, I still want to stay in the Philippines. I want to work here, raise my kids here, grow old here, and die here. If the time comes that we really need to go for some reason, then I will just have to learn to deal with it because its not just my decision, its a conjugal decision. But I am very sure though of one thing: I will never give up my Filipino citizenship. Ever. I value it for all it stands for, good and bad. Even if it becomes inconvinient for me to be a Filipino citizen living in a western country. It is my identity, and I will carry it with me till the day I die.
