The first three months of this new decade has been filled with many misfortunes and hair- raising headlines. As we welcome a new month, three new senses have been well manifested in social media, in the news,and our everyday strife amid this COVID-19 Enhance Community Quarantine (ECQ). While these three senses are “normal” human traits, their manifestations in these trying times are sweeping our newsfeed.
Let me start with the light-hearted.
Sense of Humor
Our humor is why Filipinos are called “resilient.” From the great memes on work from home (WFH) or online learning of students, I would say these were a “breath of fresh air” to the mostly gloomy news. Filipinos are very creative in coping with this quarantine. From jokes on gaining weight after the lockdown to how we innovatively “travel” around the house as the President suggests, these memes are epic.
Businesses, too, took advantage of the ECQ in their marketing stunts. Catchy and original, these innovative ads tickled our sense of humor. From the Golden Arches social distancing to a sardine brand asking if we already took a bath (naLIGO ka na ba?), these amusing memes help lighten our moods.
On the flip side, there were these “rants” disguised as memes. While some might find it funny, when I reflect on their message, it makes me think: “wow, this is a PROBLEM for you?” Which leads to my next sense, and that is…
Sense of Entitlement
This is where things get a little messy. We have seen this sense of entitlement, from affluent “influencers” telling us to “shut up and wash our hands” to socialites calling the daily wage earners invectives to politicians getting tested despite the shortage of test kits. Not to mention a Senator who went on a strolling spree despite having symptoms and yet DOJ requests for our “compassion.” Netizens, young and old, are raging with anger and posting hashtags such as #notoVIPtesting, #KOKOresign and #yesforMasstesting.
Businesses, on the other hand, are quick to pay it forward because they believe it is part of their social responsibility. Big names in the food, retail, real estate and manufacturing rose to the occasion and are helping the front liners and poor during this global crisis.
So, we have seen the good, the bad, now let’s look at the ugly instances of entitlement. Remember our legislators holding a banner and comparing themselves to our fearless frontlines? Their sign said they “went to work” for us. Yes, all of you are public servants. You do and MUST work for us!
Because these elected officials feel so entitled, they lost this last sense, which is…
Common Sense
Despite the two rounds of “lockdown” disguised as community quarantine in Metro Manila, people defied these orders. Days after, it became ECQ that covered the whole of Luzon and still the same story.
In defying these orders, two types of people are identified: the “haves” and the “have nots.” The “have nots” have no choice but to leave home and find means to feed their family. The “haves” or those “entitled” and just wanted to leave home, so their IG stories are updated. Worse, they want to flaunt the lap of luxury they enjoy. Ultimately, Mr. Strolling Spree legislator missed this one, big time.
Why are these common-sense issues? First, if the President has one, he could have given people ample time to prepare. So instead of achieving social distancing, which is one of the end goals of the quarantine, people flocked to bus stations to make sure they leave Metro Manila sooner. Others made a mad dash to malls, markets and supermarkets to ensure they had enough food to eat. Second, LGUs were not quick to respond to the President’s directive, and this gave the common Juan something to worry about. Questions like, “If I don’t work for the whole duration of the lockdown, how will I eat?” “How will I feed my family?” troubled these “no work, no pay” workers. It took days before LGUs provided aid for them.
Speaking of “no work, no pay,” businesses on must also exercise this last sense. Before you flaunt your CSR and pay it forward initiatives, you must reassure your workers that they are going to be paid and will have jobs to return to despite being forced to work from home or not working at all. As Mother Teresa said, “Love begins by taking care of the closest ones—the ones at home.”
In the end, what have these three senses taught us during this 24/7 “house arrest?” To keep our sanity in check, make great memories with our family members. Laugh at the situation and hope for the best. Remember, “Laughter is the best medicine.”
We should check our privilege. Sometimes, we think this quarantine is a cause for boredom and complaint, but think of the people who do not have what you’re enjoying and have to deal with daily battles in this time of crisis.
Finally, let us use our common sense in 2022 as we choose our new leaders. Let us not forget how some leaders used up our limited testing kits and let others die untested. Let us look at our LGUs and who among them abandoned us and who rose to the occasion, with or without the media coverage.
I remain hopeful that this COVID-19 pandemic will bring out the best in all of us.
The author is an Assistant Professor of the Management and Organization Department of the Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business. He teaches Strategic Human Resources and Organizational Behavior as well as Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance. He can be reached at alvin.gutierrez@dlsu.edu.ph.
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of De La Salle University and its faculty and administrators.