As a Cebuana, growing up in the heart of the Visayas, I've always felt a deep connection to my roots, my community, and this beautiful country we call home. The Philippines has always been a place of resilience, culture, and strong values, but lately, there's been a growing sense of uncertainty that lingers in the air—something many of us feel, though we may not always speak about it. It’s an uncertainty about where our country is headed, given its current political state.
For many Cebuanos, we’re known to be tough and pragmatic. We’ve weathered storms—both literal and figurative—throughout history. But even with our resilience, there's no denying that recent political shifts have left many of us feeling uneasy. The promises of progress and development often clash with the realities on the ground. Rising prices, corruption, and a seeming disconnect between the people and those in power have made it difficult to feel secure about the future.
A Culture of Hope, Tested
Traditionally, we Cebuanos are hopeful people. We work hard, take pride in our communities, and hold on to the belief that better days are always ahead. But in the face of divisive politics, where it feels like we’re more polarized than ever, this hope is often tested. Every day, conversations among friends and family shift from daily life to questions of leadership, governance, and what’s next for our country. For many, the answers aren’t clear.
It's not that we expect perfection from our leaders—far from it. We understand that no administration is without its challenges. But it’s the transparency, or lack thereof, that makes us question if we’re really moving forward or if we’re being led down a path of more hardship. Decisions made at the national level feel distant from the realities of life in the provinces. Here in Cebu, where we pride ourselves on local governance and entrepreneurship, we often feel left out of the larger conversation.
Struggling with Mixed Emotions
There are days when I wake up optimistic, reminding myself that Filipinos have survived worse. After all, this is a country of survivors. But on other days, the weight of uncertainty presses harder. The economy’s instability, the threats to press freedom, and the constant political bickering create an environment where it feels like stability is slipping from our grasp. And while we continue to work hard in our jobs, businesses, and homes, there’s a nagging thought that maybe, just maybe, our efforts are being overshadowed by something larger—something we can't control.
It’s this feeling of helplessness that worries me the most. What can an ordinary Cebuana like myself do to influence the bigger picture? Is our voice being heard amidst the noise of political agendas and self-interests? And if not, what future are we building for the next generation?
Moving Forward in Faith
Despite the uncertainty, one thing that has kept me grounded is my faith. Like many Cebuanos, I turn to prayer and reflection to find peace. The uncertainty may not vanish, but faith gives me strength to continue pushing forward, to keep working hard, and to remain hopeful that things will improve.
As a Cebuana, I also find solace in my community. We Cebuanos are not easily shaken. We will continue to adapt, to find ways to thrive in adversity, and to support one another. There’s comfort in knowing that even if the bigger picture feels uncertain, we can still make a difference in our local lives, through kindness, hard work, and solidarity.
A Call to Stay Engaged
In times like these, it’s easy to disengage from politics altogether, to simply resign ourselves to the belief that nothing will change. But now, more than ever, is the time to stay informed, to voice our concerns, and to hold our leaders accountable. The uncertainty may remain, but our voices—especially from the provinces—are crucial in shaping the direction of this country.
As Cebuanos, we’ve always played a key role in the country’s history, from revolutionaries to present-day trailblazers in business, culture, and governance. Let us not lose sight of our ability to influence change, no matter how small our contribution may seem.
While uncertainty still clouds the horizon, I hold on to the belief that we are not powerless. And as a typical Cebuana, I choose to remain hopeful, grounded in my faith, my community, and the resilient spirit that defines us.
