Sense of Responsibility: A Must-Have Filipino Value

“Bear one another's burdens”

#WeHealAsOne is a famous hashtag nowadays. This is our version in bearing one another’s burdens. However, how can we heal as a nation if not all of us have a sense of responsibility? In a war against an unseen, cruel enemy, people need to be responsible in all areas of life not to compromise their personal health and eventually everybody’s safety.
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In this COVID19 stricken society, living with a sense of responsibility is a must. This is because a person is living not only for himself but for the people around him, his family, his community and his nation as a whole. What happens to him affects his areas of influence, immediate and adjacent. A joke on Facebook even says, “It’s so touching nowadays if one acquires a cold because the whole community is concerned. In the past, no matter how sick you are, no one in your neighborhood cares.” This only means that the impact that a person has is extended to his immediate surroundings and even to the adjacent ones. Therefore, it is necessary that one should be responsible for his own actions, his choices and their consequences.

Many acquired the disease just because of irresponsibility. Looking closely on the cases of those who are infected with COVID19, many acquired the disease by reason of their jobs like those who belong to the front lines. Because they are responsible enough to do their jobs, their health was compromised. However, it’s sad to note that many acquired the disease just because of irresponsibility, particularly their unwillingness to follow protocols and orders. Even during the pandemic, many still made their way to different places, ignoring protocols, just for the sake of tourism or drinking spree. Some even refused to wear masks and observe social distancing in public places. As a consequence, they became culprits in spreading the disease. Aside from violating the orders of the government, their irresponsible acts caused danger to people around them.

If we really desire to heal as one people, we have to observe a sense of responsibility over the following areas:

1. Health – everyone is responsible for his own health. Keeping healthy, washing hands, wearing masks and observing social distancing are some of the things that one should do. Most of all, keeping one’s immune system strong is not an option. Taking vitamins is recommended for immunocompromised ones.
2. Environment – Cleanliness prevents the spread of diseases. It is quite practical to keep the surroundings clean if one wants to avoid the spread of diseases.
3. Family – One should be responsible for the needs of his family. Make this pandemic an opportunity to spend time with family and foster a peaceful relationship with each member.
4. Community – “No man is an island.” We live and survive as a people. That’s why lockdowns are effected once one is infected.

Having a sense of responsibility can save us from any disease, hunger and any negative effects of this pandemic. Thus, be responsible and bear the burden of this nation! (JBB, CRFV)