By ROMEO Y. LIM
THIS recent skirmish in Libya which is already thought of as escalating into a civil war, has prompted many Filipinos to seek shelter in the Philippine Embassy there.
Ditto with our countrymen in the Israel-Gaza area where the conflicts have escalated severely despite the occasional cease-fires.
Because of several areas in conflict all over the world, repatriation has become more and more frequent. Just a few years ago, Libya had a similar conflict that ousted long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
And yet, as soon as the ban on deployment was lifted, thousands of Filipinos went back for the employment opportunities.
However dangerous these conflicts are, I often hear that Filipinos are usually the last to leave. There have been several reports of Filipinos actually hiding from authorities because they would rather stay in these war-torn countries than face an uncertain job environment back home in the Philippines.
This is, I think, the down side of the Filipino’s resiliency.
I find this consistent trait that is coupled with bullheadedness and the bahala na attitude quite alarming and admirable at the same time.
When I was a soldier, as long as people felt they were not in the direct line of fire, they never left their abode. In fact, even if they were in the line of fire but could safely hide in surrounding areas, they would rather stay.
The reason? Economics. They do not want to transfer to places where they cannot go on with their livelihood and not be able to provide for their families.
Even when typhoons and calamities strike, a family or families will not leave their residences if there is even a slight chance that they will survive the calamity, be it a storm or volcanic eruption.
This trait is worse abroad when our OFWs are willing to go through any manner of hardship, including threats to their lives, if it meant that their livelihood is not disrupted and they can continue to send money back home.
Compare the Filipino who will hang on to the beams of his house during a flood and stay there until the waters subside to the American who will immediately vacate an area with the mere threat of flooding.
Perhaps we have become so used to strife and calamities that any challenge is just an opportunity to prove one’s bravery and resiliency which will form the core of gabfests during drinking sessions, trips to the palengke or other social gatherings. Of course, after one has survived a calamity.
This is a Filipino trait that I cannot explain although I can understand.
We smile through our misfortunes and national mishaps are reduced to jokes and jibes. We complain, accuse, and judge but somehow we find ourselves forgiving those who once wreaked havoc on our lives.
We can reduce the worst of circumstances to a test of survival and faith in God. And come out none the worse for it.
And we can go through a gauntlet of tragedies and misfortunes just as long as we can make sure our children are provided for.
The Filipino, in whatever circumstances he finds himself in, is resilient as the bamboo.
Frustrating, yes. Admirable, double yes
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