Yes, we are Tayabasin.
Tayabas was the old name of Quezon before it was changed in 1946. But we don’t stop being just promdi or from the province. We grow and we widen our horizons to serve a bigger public. Not just our communities but outside. It could be in Metro Manila or any other city in the country or outside the country. And when we do, it enriches our experiences in dealing with other people, in nurturing relationships, in learning about life, in knowing better about what lies outside our hometowns. We improve ourselves and we get smarter.
I do not mean that not leaving the hometown does not make one smart. It does as well, but getting exposed to various situations and problem-solving schemes are more challenging outside our comfort zones. So we learn and learn, and learn, then go back to where we are from.
When we go back, we see things from different perspectives. We look at what used to be ordinary with a different lens. Because we have changed. We grew. Then we are no longer the same probinsyano or probinsyana that cared only for those in proximity. We take responsibility for God knows what we can take. We become Filipinos that care for our country as much as we do for the world. We participate in global issues. We take part in solving society’s problems. We lead, we follow, we become responsible citizens of the world.
However, these ideals do not apply to everybody. There are people who just would not care even how far and wide they have travelled, even how wealthy they have become, even how high their education have taken them. Being educated is not even as assurance that a person would be of help to the community.
What do we do? We talk to them and encourage them to join our advocacies or any other advocacy that they would prefer. If they refuse, never mind. Do not stress yourself into asking someone to be a better citizen if he or she does not want to get involved. We continue with what we do and let those who take notice emulate or take their own paths of development as individuals who take active part in nation building. We can only be responsible with our own lives so if you want a better country, do something to make it better by beginning with what you can contribute. It is also true that not all people are born leaders. Some are better as followers, so just do what you can, beginning in your household.
The use of social media cannot be set aside. Use it to your advantage as a citizen who cares for the Philippines. The country needs us today. Do not ignore this fact. Do what you can. Do not give up. Do not be distracted by the foolish things that some celebrities or influencers do. Do your own thing for the country. Trust yourself. Begin today.