Restore the word 'Ilokano'

There was a time when the word “Ilokano” spoke volumes about good character. An Ilokano represented a hard working individual. Someone who loved education and learning, who often spoke good English, understood good nutrition and the benefits of eating vegetables. Ilokanos were among the first to appreciate the need for proper attire particularly when attending Sunday service.

They represented cultural frugality, stewardship and most especially thriftiness. They did not spend money unwisely but instead saved it in order to invest on their lands, their homes and their education. They were lenders, not borrowers.

Sadly, we Filipinos, particularly those in Metro Manila and in media have a bad habit if not a recurring sin of demeaning and subjecting to ridicule the good traits that we don’t possess or don’t appreciate.

Instead of appreciating and taking pride in the frugality and financial responsibility of Ilokanos, we made fun of it by maligning the word Ilokano to represent “cheapskates”. We used the term “Ilokano” to insult or humiliate people who do not spend money as recklessly and foolishly as we do. In other words we gave Ilokanos a bad name.

It’s no different from the term “Dutch treat” which now connotes going out on a date but expecting your date to pay for his or her food or expense. My wife who is Dutch points out that the Dutch are so “correct” about social conduct that they don’t expect other people to pay for their food, movie or anything else that they can pay for themselves. The Dutch value their self-reliance and ability to make a living and consequently frown upon being an unnecessary burden to others or to be made dependent on others especially the opposite sex.

So as far as twisting meanings, I personally am done with that. We all go along with a joke but in the Philippines, many of our jokes have ended up as a national curse. I am currently labeling myself as an “Ilokano” in the financial sense of the word.

Gone are the days of “Mr. Galante”. I have not become an overnight cheapskate but I have discovered the need to be responsible with our hard earned money especially if you have many people depending on you. I openly declare that the bill will be shared or split by all partakers. Just because someone is willing to foot the bill does not mean you should simply let him. The “Ilokano” in us must share the responsibility but also remind him to nurture wisdom in money matters.

Corruption bigger than Gloria

If life were a play on history, our legislators would be the embodiment of Emperor Nero and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo would be the fiddle Nero played while Rome was burning.

All the time and focus on the alleged sins of President Arroyo is a demonic distraction that prevents everyone from focusing on the biggest collective corruption in the Philippines, which is transportation and traffic.

PGMA should refocus her sights on the problem because it is the area wherein we have so many departments, bureaus, commissions, mayors, barangays, police and other law enforcement agencies that independently make laws, interpret laws, and burden Filipinos from bureaucratic corruption on registrations, fees, franchises, licenses, penalties, laws, arrests, kotongs etc.

Millions upon millions of pesos are stolen or pocketed by big and small officials, both local and national, both cops and false cops. Millions of Filipinos are victimized and endangered by public transport operators, especially tricycle operators and drivers, yet no one lifts a finger because of the curse of local government autonomy.

Let us put the cops back on the streets, lets keep the tanods inside the barangays! Keep the tricycles in interior areas and off national roads and major highways! Put an end to this long ignored National Corruption.