"Filipinos are good in disfollowing instructions properly"

by Gefferson Curayag De Jesus

When will hard-headed Filipinos follow instructions properly?

There are many instances when we tend to deviate on certain rules or instructions in one way or the other. To some, it seems normal to commit minor offenses and they look pretty unaware that they are already violating a rule or unfollowing an instruction.

In Baclaran, Paranaque city, it is always a common scenario to see a bundle of commuters waiting for buses, jeepneys or taxi cabs outside the Metro Manila Development Authority fences positioned by the sidewalk. In the very upper portion of the fences are huge signboards pointing out clearly "BAWAL ANG TAO DITO" (people are not allowed in this area). If people were not allowed to stay there not even for a short while, then why would people still overcrowd the forbidden area? It is a droll absurdity how these huge signboards seem to shout out loud what the rule is about straight to the face of all who can read; but still, persistent commuters would resort to convenient alternative ways even if it means violation of the law. Don't they know how to read? Or they just don't classify themselves as "TAO"? Frivolity aside, only one thing is certain- many Filipinos don't know how to follow simple instructions.

Consequently, another absurd scenario is being showcased everyday in the center aisle of the road of Baclaran just behind the footbridge. A bigger pink-colored signboard warns everyone who passes by, its command in mad capitalized letters: "BAWAL TUMAWID MAY NAMATAY NA DITO" (do not cross someone already died here). The warning seemed very alerting yet hasty commuters would still find ways to cross the other side of the road when vehicles are far behind them. Many stubborn people have been killed in the vicinity because of being hit brutally by fast approaching vehicles and the number of casualties is still counting. These dreadful incidents are led by the pedestrians' oblivion to the traffic rules. Thus, one may assume that the victims may have died for not knowing how to read analytically and comprehensively.

Authority did not fail in constantly reminding and warning people regarding traffic rules in Metro Manila. As a matter of fact, big budget has been spent to finance the production of traffic signboards which are visible in all corners of Metro Manila. Needless to say, people are very well-informed by

traffic signboards but it seemed as though they can't process what the words mean in their resistant heads.

Almost every Filipino knows how to read but only a few could read between and beyond the lines. Reading means more than just assimilating symbols in our minds and deriving meaning from it. As we always discuss in our Academic Reading class,reading process is not as easy as counting 1-2-3. It requires understanding beyond words and symbols. If one does not apply comprehension and simple analysis to what he reads, it will be like a cross-eyed and a myopic person rolled into one, reading a sentence differently.

Discipline is one of the most essential attributes that must be exercised by everyone in the society. If a disciplined person is able to understand the implication of instructions and warning emphasized on huge signboards like"BAWAL ANG TAO DITO" and "BAWAL TUMAWID MAY NAMATAY NA DITO." then he is expected to conform to what is exhorted submissively.

Indeed, we must debunk the paradigm of negligence exemplified by headstrong citizens of our society by starting the improvement in ourselves. Begin by depleting our natural negligent attitude and folly little by little and by opening our consciousness to possible consequences that might occur in every stubborn insubordination we project. Moreover, it is important to take note that big things come from small beginnings. Therefore, ignorance and defiance of simple rules may unconsciously lead to grave crimes in the long run.

Finally, If I may borrow mayor Alfredo Lim's reminder to Manilenos, "The law applies to all; otherwise, none at all." Let us instigate our fair share in our society by being a follower of the rules rather than being the fire-starter of negligence. Our cooperation and conformity to the law in general is badly needed. If we can't follow simple instructions nor abide to traffic rules properly, then we do not have the right to complain in the miserable predicament our society faces today.