WE DON’T need politicians treating us like business ventures just so they can enrich themselves. But government is not the only party accountable for this dysfunction. We, the people, share the responsibility.
We must be smarter when voting. We must report corruption instead of turning a blind eye. Corruption is not merely a moral failure; it is a threat to livelihood, a threat to life. And let’s be honest: as long as corruption is allowed to thrive, the ordinary Filipino will find it nearly impossible to rise.
All of us, as Filipinos, hold the key to change. My four years working in the United Arab Emirates taught me many lessons—one of the most striking is what I call the “Breadwinner Trap.”
Being a breadwinner is deeply embedded in Filipino culture. The intention is good. But in practice, the income of one hardworking individual is often stretched to sustain an entire family—sometimes an entire clan—making it unsustainable.
Consider overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Many labor for decades abroad yet come home with little or no savings because their earnings are constantly remitted to support their families at home.
It is also difficult for a breadwinner to start a family or build a business because everyone depends on him. Whether the eldest or not, if you are the most responsible, people look to you. If you are the busiest and most hardworking, people rely on you even more.
Studies estimate that seven out of 10 young Filipinos become breadwinners right after graduation. The typical breadwinner is only 22 to 25 years old. Meanwhile, 65% of OFWs support not just their immediate family but also extended relatives.
Even when tired or barely earning enough, the breadwinner is the first to be called whenever the family needs something. And because of love, they give. Before they know it, their salary is gone. What makes it more painful is that while they help everyone, they themselves are unable to save—no savings, no investments, no promotions. And often, not even a simple “thank you.”
Taking charge is part of Filipino culture, and it has both admirable and damaging effects. It teaches courage in facing challenges. It helps us act despite uncertainty. But courage without planning is dangerous.
If the future of your family—and especially your children—depends on this pattern, then it is not a plan at all. It reflects poor preparation and an unquestioning acceptance of fate. It becomes surrender, not resilience, and leads to a sense of hopelessness.
In a world where planning and responsibility determine success, Filipinos must learn when compassion becomes an obstacle to progress.
Instead of budgeting wisely, many simply say, “Bahala na kung maubos ang sweldo.” We’ll just eat whatever is available. The result is a cycle of debt and an inability to save. Some young people even drop out of school because of a fatalistic mindset: “Bahala na. Wala man gihapon pulos ang magtapos.”
Without proper qualifications, they cannot secure better jobs. They remain minimum-wage earners. Instead of voting wisely, they rely on chance—“Bahala na kung sin-o magdaog.” As a result, the same leaders stay in power. Many lose motivation to strive because they believe nothing will change: “Bahala na. Indi man kita manggaranon.”
These words may sound harmless, but they slowly kill the hopes of countless Filipinos.
It is not true that this is all life has to offer. It is not true that our fate is fixed. The truth is: there is hope, and we have the power to shape our future. It is not a Filipino’s fault to be born poor. But we can control how we respond, how we plan, and how we move forward.
Remember: it’s not what happens to us, but what we do about what happens that defines our lives. In the long run, as Jim Rohn said, “Success is not something we pursue; it is something we attract by the person we become.”/PN
