THE TIME TO GIVE BACK

IN this season of graduations, graduates are enjoined to stay and serve the country. Yet, while there is an exodus of the best and brightest from our shores, students and graduates are not less of a patriot because they leave the country for a sounder financial future for their families.

We leave for many reasons. Some leave to get a better education, others for further education. Some leave for better professional opportunities, others to provide financial security for their families. Some leave for adventure. Some, for a better future.

The massive brain drain could result from the burgeoning number of Filipinos leaving our shores for jobs overseas. Today, it is no longer a theory. It is a reality.

But as much as our graduates leave, they should also be encouraged to come back. Leave home. Go out and learn from the best and the brightest in the world. But come back. And give back to the nation that has nurtured them from birth.

When graduates leave homes, their world becomes larger, their views become broader. In the process, some of them will become better and braver human beings. So leave home if they must— if they feel that leaving will make you a more competent and compassionate person. And then come back and be a better employee, employer, entrepreneur, executive, administrator, professional, community member, leader, citizen.

Every day, millions of Filipinos sacrifice life, limb and liberty to toil overseas under the threat of discrimination, oppression, sexual harassment, violence, terrorism and war. So hold your judgement for those who leave. You do not know their journey. Unless you’ve been there.

Those who leave are not necessarily disloyal as those who stay are not necessarily patriotic. If they stay and choose to do good then perhaps, they deserve to be called heroes. Otherwise, don’t give them credit for the status quo. And don’t lambast those who leave unless they had the opportunity to leave but chose to stay. Don’t give them credit either for winning by default.

It doesn’t matter whether you choose to stay or leave for good. What matters is that you never forget and you do good. If you cannot stay and serve, come back and give back to the land of your birth. — oOo— The author is Teacher III at Pampanga High School