The Economist called him the “thuggish mayor” of Davao City. But Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines’ new president, won over the masses precisely because of his tough, gangsterish image. Will the Filipino seaman factory, which has been hankering for the European Union’s stamp of approval, finally shape up under his rule?
The question is relevant for two reasons. Duterte has vowed to use a strong-fisted approach to crime and corruption. The recent killing of dozens of drug lords and drug pushers even before Duterte was sworn into office on 30th June gives Filipinos an inkling of the future. The second reason has to do with the country’s system of maritime education and training: it is mired in corruption. How else can you explain the unsolved glut of Filipino maritime schools?
There is only one problem. Philippine education in general has become exceedingly commercialised, and this seems especially true in the case of maritime schools. Hordes of young Filipinos dream of becoming seamen, not out of love for the sea and the nautical life, but to escape the tentacles of poverty. Many school owners are only too happy to exploit this collective obsession and dump the idea of quality education in the name of profit.
You can throw corrupt officials in jail. But how do you deal with the culture of materialism and greed that spawns the corruption? That culture continues to thrive for a number of reasons: the low value placed on diligence and hard work; the desire for instant gratification and quick money; the proliferation of malls; and, yes, even Hollywood films.
Those who have been victimised, in one way or another, by the corrupt educational system may be tempted to welcome authoritarian rule. They should be reminded, however, that unbridled power eventually creates a black hole that swallows both the rulers and the ruled. The Filipino seaman factory and the nation don’t need another strongman. They need strong-willed and enlightened leaders in all places in the land. ~Barista Uno
NOTE: Marine Café Blog originally called it the “Filipino seafarer factory”. The name has been changed in keeping with the blog’s new semantic policy.
