CRITICAL COMMENTARY 3: Indigenous Filipino Theories

Sikolohiyang Pilipino:

"Ningas Cogon"

In light of "Sikolohiyang Pilipino" being part of Indigenous Filipino theories and "Ningas Cogon" being a Filipino value that is a part of foreign constructions of the Filipino identity.

Ningas Cogon

"The popular Filipino phrase "ningas cogon" refers to the unnerving attitude of starting an initiative but fails to continue it, or the lack of a follow-up" (definition taken from here).

Have you ever noticed when scandals, whether showbiz-related or political in nature, start off with practically the whole country being "buzzed" about the issue, and then suddenly forgetting about it when the issue dies down? Take, for example, a political scandal with corruption allegations or a high-profile murder case, were such issues actually resolved? was justice served in both situations? and even if justice was actually served, are we actually fully aware about it?

The idea of a god start and a bad finish has always plagued the Filipino mindset. The fact that it is inherent in the filipino identity to lack that element of "following up" has had its own implications and consequences to major political events in Philippine history. Edsa Revolution is a classic example. Before I go further, I hope i do not offend anyone by my opinion on the Edsa revolution; it is, after all, just an opinion. 

Going back, the Edsa revolution has proven to become a classic example of this "Ningas Cogon" Filipino trait. We have started that trend, the surge of democracy that is from within, one that is brought about by the people trhough peaceful, non-violent and of course, democratic means. It is part of my pride of being Filipino that we are known for such an event (even if i was not alive to see it). but taking a step back and evaluating where Philippine democracy has gone from that point, what have we accomplished as a democracy, really? 

At the end of the day, that "follow up" which is ver much lacking in Filipinos is what brought us down. "We are good starters, and bad finishers"--I beg to disagree. We are good starters, and we do not finish at all. true change (especially in Philippine Politics) will only happen if Filipinos have that initiative AND follow up to stand for what they believe in, most especially in the context of a supposed functioning democratic society such as ours.

P.S. Whatever happened to Heidi Mendoza's testimony? It has hardly been 2 months and we almost already completely forgot about her and the issue at hand. ---this is EXACTLY MY POINT. Ningas Cogon.