What is one thing you'd like to change about our country?

Manila sad but spirit remarkable” was the most apt headline by New York Times about our countrymen during the latest disaster that hit the Philippines. Foreigners are in awe as to how we can keep a smile on our faces even in the midst of hardship. If there’s one thing we should change in our country, it is the crab mentality and indifference to helping others during good times. The bayanihan spirit and concern for others should always be in our hearts at all times.

Incidentally, we sent out this question to our respondents before the heavy rains hit our country last week.

Vannee  Ocampo  San Juan, entrepreneur

All the good things about Filipinos seem to come out in full force during trials and adversities, like when our fellow men are besieged by natural calamities.  How I wish this was the daily norm — Filipinos radiating with good vibes and attitude every single day.

Rep. Rudy C.  Farinas, Ilocos Norte,

1st district

Discipline in the Filipino by obedience  to our laws — initially for vehicular  and pedestrian traffic. The rest would follow naturally or by habit.

Rep. Miro  Quimbo, Marikina , 2nd district

I’d like to change how our country gives too much unwarranted attention to negativity or criticism. We give more honor to people who destroy land and less to those who build. Mas malakas ang sigaw ng “ibagsak” kesa sa  ‘itayo.” Stop the negativism. It’s so ‘80s. We are in the new millennium, baby !

Mon Eugenio, businessman

The ability of our people to believe in themselves, and their capacity to change the way their community thinks and acts. If our people believe, they can be the best they can be, and bring this country forward. Become the change. On a personal note, I really wish government can provide a viable alternative to the banca. Our people deserve transport that is affordable and safe, no less.

Rory B. Quintos, TV and film director

 What I would change in this country — the lack of personal integrity and accountability in what seemingly has become a culture that tolerates corruption. A patchwork of change will not be enough. As people we must all be vigilant and consistently work together in pursuit of the quality of lives we truly deserve. Instead of blaming and finger pointing, we must first instead hold ourselves accountable for what we have allowed the state of this nation to become. Only from that position of awareness can we truly be able to make the changes that matter within ourselves.

Suzette Hahn Lopez, managing editor/Traversing the Orient magazine

I would want to instill strong discipline among our people. This is the key to solving many of our problems from corruption, traffic, garbage problem, population control, unselfish public service, improved education services, dedication to our jobs, etc. We were on the right track when disiplina was made the battle cry in the ‘70s.  Unfortunately it fizzled out

Michael Carandang, Emmy Award-winning producer, Tyra Banks Show and America’s Next Top Model

I would like to see how we perceive prosperity in our country. Many Filipinos dream of working outside the country which is fine but it would also be nice if we would also feel the same way about working in our homeland. As much as we want to prosper in other countries, wouldn’t it be great if we started believing that we can also prosper and be successful here in the Philippines?

 Pinky Marquez Cancio, stage and concert artist/motivational speaker

There are so many things I would like to change in our country, but to choose one, I would like to change all the slum areas and shanties and make them look clean and green, and not an eyesore. I would like to go on making my list but it would occupy all the pages of the STAR. But in order for all this to change, it starts from the change of hearts and minds of the people in the government, and all the people in the Philippines coming together to make it work.