Regardless of who wins, we as individuals need to create change

A protester holds up a placard during a Labor day rally in Sampaloc, Manila on Sunday
May 1 2022 A protester holds up a placard during a Labor day rally in Sampaloc, Manila on sunday. INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

Without a doubt, after the May 9 elections, there will be a seismic shift in the country’s political landscape. Regardless of who wins, I feel that Filipinos will celebrate too early, when there is still so much work to do. As the campaign season comes to a close, we need a better mindset on what the country needs. We need to help out as well.

In the past administrations, there was always a cycle of hate and love for the elected leader. We express love and admiration for the president-elect at the victory party, but that soon disintegrates to hatred and loathing once a mistake is made.

BBM UNITEAM IN LANAO DEL NORTE / APRIL 26, 2022 An estimated 30,000 supportes pack at the Mindanao Civic Center Sport Ciomplex in Sagadan, Tubod, Lanao del Norte during the camaign grand rally of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., UNITEAM and Team Quibranza – Dimaporo Tuesday April 26, 2022 at 10:30 o’clock in the monring with Seven Senatorial aspirants Mark Villar, Migz Zubiri, Win Gatchalian, Harry Roque, Robin Padilla, Gibo Teodoro and Jingoy Estrada. (Photo courtesy of PGO/PIO Lanao del Norte

It is not wrong to criticize the government for their errors, especially if there is proof of wrongdoing. However, with over a hundred million Filipinos, it is just impossible for one person to satisfy all of us throughout a president’s six-year term.

This is not to say that we should not elect a good president. With over half of the electorate made up of millennials and Gen Z, we play a big role in the May 9 elections. Despite the surge in youth volunteerism, I fear that the excessive celebrations for the winning candidate will make us forget about the problems that we’re facing.

LENI-KIKO CAMPAIGN RALLY ALONG MACAPAGAL BOULEVARD / APRIL 24, 2022 Supporters attend the campaign rally of Presidential aspirant and Vice President Leni Robredo along Macapagal boulevard in Pasay City. The rally coincided on her birthday. INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES

The never-ending focus has always been on winning while long-term strategies in fixing the country’s problems are being forgotten.

Symbolic statements on our social media feeds, like changing our profile picture frame in support of our candidate, is not ideal. Not that it is wrong, but there should be more attention in improving oneself, as that is something that will help lead our country to the promised land.

MANNY PACQUIAO PRAYER RALLY SAN JUAN CITY / APRIL 24, 2022 Supporters of presidential candidate Senator Emmanuel “manny” Pacquiao gather for a prayer rally on Saturday, April 23, 2022 in Pinaglabanan Shrine, San Juan City. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

As individuals, we have to create that change ourselves, regardless of who wins in the elections. It is something that we can control. To wait for the day when all of your candidates win is a recipe for disaster. Creating change despite the hurdles is the way to make our country a better place for all. —CONTRIBUTED

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