Filipinos are often praised for their resilience—the ability to endure hardships with a smile and an unwavering spirit. From natural disasters to economic struggles, this enduring quality has become a defining trait of the nation. However, while resilience is a powerful virtue, it can also be a double-edged sword. When resilience turns into passive acceptance, it risks masking systemic problems and hindering meaningful social change.
This phenomenon, sometimes called “toxic resilience,” enables Filipinos to adapt to difficult circumstances, often rooted in cultural values such as utang na loob (debt of gratitude) and pakikisama (harmonious relationships). While these values foster unity and solidarity, they can also discourage individuals from challenging unfair systems or demanding accountability from those in power. Instead of pushing for change, many Filipinos find ways to cope, accepting substandard services, corruption, and economic inequalities as part of life.
As Benel D. Lagua notes in his article “Address Toxic Resilience Now,” “Filipino flood victims are admired in the media for laughing while walking through waist-deep muddy waters. Instead, shouldn’t they be asking what government ineptitude and corruption contributed to the floods?”
To transform resilience into a force for progress, Filipinos must embrace critical thinking and active citizenship. Education and awareness play a crucial role in shifting mindsets from mere survival to empowerment. By making informed choices and electing ethical leaders, individuals can help reshape the country’s future.
Balancing resilience with proactive engagement ensures that Filipinos are not just surviving, but thriving. It is time to move beyond enduring hardships and start addressing their root causes. True resilience lies not just in the ability to recover but in the courage to demand and create lasting change for a just and equitable society.
Inspired by: Lagua, B. D. (2025, February 7). Address toxic resilience now. BusinessWorld Online. Read the full article here.
