by Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
“I will always go back to Switzerland.”
We were invited to the housewarming of my husband’s former colleague here in Fribourg, Switzerland a few days ago.
We got to meet and converse with some of the locals. One lad who lives in Lausanne spent time speaking with us and learning about our lives.
When he found out that we’d been moving from one country to another, he shared that after he graduated from the university, he went overseas to pursue postgraduate studies.
After his PhD in the United Kingdom, he went back to Switzerland.
He said that his country is still much better when it comes to health care, transportation and other aspects. And he missed living by the pristine lake and the grandiose mountain views.
He added that going out of the country made him realize how privileged he is to live in Switzerland.
He concluded that he will always go back to Switzerland.
While he was saying these, my heart was struck.
Can I ever say these about my country?
I love the Philippines so much and I will always be proud to be a Filipino but will I ever be able to say that it is much better there in many aspects of life compared with other countries?
Having lived in South Korea for almost a decade and being in Switzerland for six months now, we have been privileged to experience the best of both worlds- a convenient transport system, and excellent health care service.
We enjoyed our time in South Korea and we are very grateful to be here now in one of the most beautiful countries on earth, Switzerland.
Though everything comes with a cost, the benefits for families, especially children, are commendable.
In this nation, we see where the people’s taxes go.
In public schools, children are entitled to a free world-class education. Infrastructures and public transportation are accessible to senior citizens and the disabled community. Urban planning is outstanding.
If we’ll be given a chance, we would love to settle in this country.
Many times I wish that the people in my country, especially in the crowded cities, get to experience better quality of life like what the Swiss people are enjoying.
In the Philippines, the leadership alone is problematic. Corruption is rampant. Government services are of inferior quality.
Just recently, a wheelchair ramp project by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) at an EDSA busway station went viral.
Citizens commented that because of its steepness, it would do more harm than good to persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Some social media users even compared the ramp to water slides and skateboard ramps because of it being too steep.
MMDA was quick to defend saying that the design is not perfect, especially for those using wheelchairs but it would still be a big help for senior citizens, pregnant women, and other PWDs instead of using stairs.
Why proceed with the project if the design is not perfect? Why waste taxpayer’s money on an endeavor that is not able to meet the needs of the people it was intended for?
Will we always choose to settle for substandard services or “pwede na yan”? Is this what the Filipinos are worth, “yung pwede na?”
This is just one of the many government projects that have not met quality standards. It is truly heartbreaking. Filipinos deserve much, much better.
If we are a people worth dying for like what Rizal said, our kababayans should expect more from their leaders who uttered promises of a better life.
I long for the day Filipinos overseas like us will be able to say that we will still choose the Philippines because life there is better.
It is my hope that those in the country will not want to leave because the quality of life is at par with or even better than the rest of the world.
May we be able to proudly say: “I will always go back to the Philippines.”
About Author
+ There are no comments
Add yours