The country has an extremely undisciplined population that has a complete lack of respect for any law, rule or common courtesy to others. It appears someone is trying to break them of that. There are going to be some growing pains that come with it. If this is the route they want to take (which I don't personally like, I prefer personal freedom over a nanny state that tells you how to act) they are going to have to be extremely strict on the rules and dish out harsh punishments to break Filipinos of their bad social habits. The only Asian countries I have been to that resemble anything to western standards are ones that have extremely strict, almost authoritarian, enforcement of the rules (Example: Singapore's $5,000 fine for smoking outside of a smoking area). Asians have a very different culture and way of looking at authority. I'm not really sure why that is, maybe because their governments have done very little to actually help those that need it most and are extremely corrupt...but it seems to persist all throughout Asia (minus a few examples where they have actively fought against that mentality).
I personally think educating through the school system while they are young will produce far better and quicker results. But maybe they are doing that...I have no idea what is being taught in the schools. Either way, you still have to try to teach those that are used to the old ways. Then, when the older generation dies off you will be left with a generation that doesn't need to be told as much to stop being such huge assh*les. What worries me is that once that younger generation takes over, will the government want to give up that control they have become used to. I believe history would say "probably not" and that authoritarian government will need to be replaced.
Best Posts in Thread: High Level of intollerance in Dumaguete and Lee Plaza
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Notmyrealname DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer
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A lot of issues on this thread. I have not lived here that long, but already have some observations. I came here, like many, for the warm weather, low cost of living and a people who almost always are friendly, nice and understand English (even if they don't speak it.) I was also hoping to be a help, or sorts, to the Philippines. I have been able to sponsor several young people in their quest to get a college education. Tuition is very low compared to the US, so through church and other charities I stepped up. I will continue that committment, but now wonder (based on many criteria, including personal observation) if a Filipino education is worth my investment. The young people certainly are worth any investment I can make. All people are "worth it" if the bottom line be told, but I am not Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffet, Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg. What I have I have earned from my own labor; I have never had employees.
But there have been several comments here about the far sub-standard (on a global basis) education that is offered in the Philippines. My first hint came many years ago when a good friend with a B.S. in Electronic Engineering from a prominent private university in Manila was unable to understand a basic D.C. circuit. I let it slide.
Then years later a person with a bachelor degree in nursing from Silliman was unable (twice) to pass a certification test to work in the US as a nurse after taking a rather expensive preparation course tailored just for that test.
Right now, I have a young man (28 years old) who returned to university to study business administration and is in his second year. I was stunned when he told me many of his classes at NORSU Dumaguete are rarely attended BY THE TEACHERS! Most days classes are cancelled. And in late November it was Founders' "Day" celebration for a week when nothing got done. They actually scheduled 5 full days of movies during what should have been classroom time in addition to dozens of other events which, I understand, were mandatory. He want to work overseas in his major area of study. It sounds like NORSU is totally letting him down as far as preparation is concerned. Tuition there for his second year was free, but I support all the nonsense projects that his teachers dream up as well as keep him clothed and fed since his family is unable to provide anything but a roof. (There are actually some "uniform requirements" at the college level in the Philippines.) So 1950s!
I have an expat friend who teaches part-time at one of the private universities in Dumaguete. He just shakes his head when I ask him about the experience. The students are not accustomed to be in a learning mode. Their elementary school and high school classroom experiences are (evidently as commented here) more about what would be extra-curricular and after-school activities in any other country, so when confronted with a Westerner teacher they can't cope with being asked to learn and study the course material.
Don't really know how I will proceed. I will see my current students through to graduation, but I don't feel there is any point in paying toward higher education here until a bachelor degree represents at least approximately the knowledge base for that degree throughout the world.- Informative x 3
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It has been a long time since I wanted to join Dumagueteinfo Forum and have my voice heard. I always postponed it, thinking, why do I need to post my complaints here and maybe spread negative vibes.
But finally I realized that it's important to tell and share my opinions with others so we can all learn new things and grow and improve together.
I live in the Philippines almost 19 yrs. and I have travelled all over the country and finally chosen Dumaguete 10 yrs. ago.
But now I am not satisfied about this city anymore for many reasons, one of them is the high level intolerance that I experience almost every day.
This is one of the many stories I want to tell.
Yesterday I was shopping at Lee Plaza and was going out. At the main entrance there was a Filipino couple in their 50's with a lot of boxes and bags (shopping items from Lee Plaza). The wife was sitting beside the boxes on the stairs and there was plenty of space for other people to access the entrance. The mall was not crowded at all at this time.
The guard approached the woman in a rather unfriendly manner and told the woman that she was not allowed to sit there. Looking at the woman she looked tired from the shopping and obviously with all those boxes she was just waiting for somebody to pick her up. For sure she was not planning to spend the whole day on the stairs.
But the guard insisted that the woman was not allowed to sit there.
I find this instance very annoying to a customer who has done extensive shopping, (maybe feeling tired) in the supermarket and just waiting to be picked up.
You might think, is this important, yes because there are many more episodes of intolerance at Lee Plaza and around the city, I will tell more stories in my future posts.
Note: By far the most customer unfriendly mall I have seen in 30 yrs. of travelling around the world!- Like x 4
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NYC DI Senior Member Showcase Reviewer Blood Donor Veteran Air Force
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- Ratings:
- +577 / 154
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DavyL200 DI Forum Luminary ★ Global Mod ★ ★ Moderator ★ Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer
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Last edited: Dec 2, 2018 -
NYC DI Senior Member Showcase Reviewer Blood Donor Veteran Air Force
- Messages:
- 560
- Trophy Points:
- 211
- Occupation:
- Retired Airline pilot
- Location:
- Valencia, NegOr
- Ratings:
- +577 / 154
- Blood Type:
- A-
- Like x 2
- Agree x 2
-
NYC DI Senior Member Showcase Reviewer Blood Donor Veteran Air Force
- Messages:
- 560
- Trophy Points:
- 211
- Occupation:
- Retired Airline pilot
- Location:
- Valencia, NegOr
- Ratings:
- +577 / 154
- Blood Type:
- A-
- Like x 3
- Informative x 1
-
- Agree x 4
- Funny x 1
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