Moving Mountains

Mindanao – someone not from Mindanao would not think much of the island. And in truth, a lot of people from Mindanao would think this too. There are those who dream of studying, working, traveling, and living outside Mindanao. Maybe they would like to work in Cebu, then Manila, and settle in the US. I say that is understandable. People do not have to stay loyal to their roots. People can detach and be free to go wherever they want to. But if there is an ounce of doubt in them that is nagging them to come home to Mindanao, this is me begging them to. 

Brain Drain – this is not just endemic to Mindanao, but the entirety of the Philippines. The Philippine education system is an unforgiving one. And in result, it trains professionals to endure the most challenging of requirements and environments. Abroad, Filipinos can easily be on the honor roll, employee of the month, and adjust anywhere. People flee because there can be a lack of appreciation and opportunity. This can be said for everyone underpaid and overworked. I will not go by this and ignore that. 

There is a mountain to move. It is absolutely not easy; there is a lot of risk; and results will show in decades and as far as a century. But being here and moving with or against systems, means you are part of history in the making. Be part of the story that comes home with new ideas that make the changes that matter. There is opportunity here; and a whole lot more opportunity to be better. No one is asking one person to move that mountain. Although it has been literally done. 

But why not let Mindanaoans move the mountain? There are people who look into our home and see a life here – people from all parts of the Philippines; even abroad. In Davao City, there are foreigners from India, South Korea, and the west. What do they see that we cannot? What makes them stay? Who says only they can move our mountains?

11/11/2020 

Mindanao Class