Sense of communal belongingness

It is a recognizable sight in rural places that town folks in practically different places, in the neighborhood or public places, converge and share food, stories, including gossips. This practice cements their being part of the society, outside their families, where they share dreams and aspirations. The bond that is being created by this practice is key for activities that require forming of alliances, and although this can also be a trigger point for bad intentions and activities harmful for others.

This sense of belonging is a manifestation to the need for affection between people, the need for positive regard from others, affiliation motivation, and the need for relatedness. The need for relatedness encompasses a person’s striving to relate to and care for others, to feel that those others are relating authentically to one’s self, and to feel a satisfying and coherent involvement with the social world more generally. It involves feeling connected, or feeling that one belongs in a social milieu.

For our young, this sense of belonging reflects the extent to which they feel personally accepted, respected, included, and supported by others in a given social environment.

In a community, a study by Clarence M. Batan of Dalhousie University considered social or relational behavior as a istambay phenomenon, which is a manifestation of the interrelated problems in the educational system and the labor market of the Philippines. The consequence of inactivity these groups is found to be mitigated by the culture of care provided by Filipino families combined with solace derived from the church. However, they are also found to express disconnection from the state because of the government‘s inability to provide employment for them, resulting in their quest for employment abroad (overseas) as an alternative. Youth inactivity, although moderated by a familial-faith dynamic, highlights how complex forms of inequalities in the Philippines marginalize these groups from gaining legitimate active status in our country.

The study brings us to important points. For one, that such istambay phenomenon is deeply rooted in our culture. This is supported by our economic need to rely on the family and the extended society for help. This is due or aggravated by the lack of opportunities and support from the institutions that have not fully satisfied or responded to crucial needs.

The recent government’s anti-tambay campaign can best be approached in all-inclusive ways—understanding of our culture, respect for the basic human rights and the opportunities for people to maximize their potentials. And for as long as authorities are true to their commitment that no abuses will be committed as they carry out the campaign, the real intention of keeping the environment free from bad elements would prevail. And so it becomes imperative then that our police personnel are equipped with knowledge on basic police operational procedures and awareness training on human rights laws. If only this culturally rooted group bond would translate to productive undertaking and would not end up to self-destruction or detrimental to others, we can have a safe community and prolific members of the society.

‘… Istambay phenomenon

is deeply rooted in our culture. This is supported by our economic need to rely on the family and the extended society for help.’