by Jaeyoun Kim
(Ed’s Note: This is an essay written by a Korean student
he wants to share with us Filipinos.)
Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do you really think that corruption is the big problem in the Philippines? I don’t think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines.
Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my point.
After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because the entire country was destroyed after the Korean War. We had no natural resources.
Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envied Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father and brother also died of famine.
The Korean government was very corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination. However, Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their hearts burning with patriotism.
Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighbors and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.
Forty years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea. He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it failed to get loans and attract foreign investors because the economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through horrible experience.
In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundreds of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him. They cried as they saw President Park. They asked him, "President, when can we be well off?" That was the only question everyone asked of him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea.
The President of Germany got the strong impression on them which triggered the granting of loans to Korea. So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea. He always asked Koreans to love their country from their hearts.
Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to help develop Korea as they wanted their country to be well off.
Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea. They always aspire for their children to live in well off country.
My parents always bring me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic church was to love our neighbors as I am loving my neighbors.
Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country.
They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday. However, they do not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security compound. Both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said, they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines.
Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighbors. The owners of factories and companies distributed their profits to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and saved money for the future and their children.
When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith.
I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them every day. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed.
My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there are so many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pagsanjan Falls, I forced my parents to take a boat ride because it would be fun. However, they were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they sympathized the boatmen. The boatmen are very poor and had a small frame. Most of the people just took a boat and enjoyed it.
My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action.
She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are the same and have received a great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their neighbors and country as much as they love God, so that the Philippines will be well off.
I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody, in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love. Let’s put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes.
I discover, every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world.
Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do unto Him. In the Philippines, there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love.
If you have children, teach them how to love the Philippines. Teach them why they have to love their neighbors and country. You know, God also will be very happy if you love others.
Do not blame poverty on political leaders. Leaders are nothing without the help and cooperation of their countrymen. Stand up and be proud, Filipinos! /MP
No comments:
Post a Comment