YPS

For the first time in my "oh-so-many" years, i was part of this year's national population census. The census taker (officer?) knocked on my door, respectfully requested a few minutes of my time then proceeded to take down information that would place me, i suppose, into statistically convenient categories. He asked for my name, age, birthplace, educational attainment, college course, religion, current job, civil status, whether i was head of the family and if there was an overseas Filipino worker in the family.

Peering over the questionnaire, I tried to ask a few questions of my own. Does it ask if I am an indigenous person or not?
"Sorry" he said, it does not. Is there a question there that asks if i voted in the last election or not? None either.
Finally I asked does the questionnaire ask if I intend to stay in the Philippines or not? "Hindi pero gusto mo ba dito?" he asked out of curiosity. "Sana.." I answered. "Ikaw?" I asked.
"Gusto kong mag-abroad, mahirap kumita dito" he candidly shared.

After the few minutes interview, he stuck a bright fuchsia census sticker on my door. COUNTED! it colorfully proclaimed to all, i guess. I am now a statistic in the 2007 Philippine population figure.

What struck me most in those few minutes is that the way we are defined may not always reflect what we value most in our identities. We constantly balance between how we are defined by others and how we define ourselves.

I value my identity as an indigenous person but this is not easily, it seems, reflected in the census questionnaire. Other things I value are the right to vote and the hope that more Filipinos make the informed choice to stay in the Philippines and are rewarded for this choice. But these, it seems, are not statistically measurable information of who make up the Filipino population.

The gift of identity is given in part by ascription by others, in part by self-ascription, and most importantly by choice. We chose the identities we present to others and we chose to affirm or challenge the identities that are imposed on us. The gift of identity enables us to assert our stake in the community, the nation and for ideals we believe in.

But what of those times and circumstances where a most important pillar of identity - choice - is curtailed? Where we find ourselves unable to define ourselves beyond the circumstances that bind us? Poverty, corruption, inequity, apathy, indifference, armed conflict, violence, and terrorism to only name a few.

Aren't we all challenged by the poverty and inequity we see around us? Aren't we all affected by the armed conflicts that rage within our shores. Shouldn't we all despair at the apathy and indifference we perceive from our peers? How do we give ourselves and others the gift of identity under these circumstances?

Unfortunately, it seems that the word "gift" has nowadays become synonymous with bribery and secrets among our leaders. We cringe each time we listen to more news of bribes being given as "gifts" to our local leaders. We sadly read justifications from all sides on the propriety of all actions, both of the givers and the receivers. Our identities as leaders, citizens, nation-builders and Filipinos suffer from the sheer onslaught on the integrity of our institutions and the credibility of our leaders.

We have indeed entered the season of gift giving. In a country that celebrates this season the longest, why not, just this once, don't we take pause and give the gift of identity instead?
Reaching out to give as many as possible, the space to be what we value the most.

I am Filipino, Baguio-born, Ibaloi, Ifugao and Bontoc by heritage. I am a Young Public Servant, a reform advocate and a nation-builder.

How about you? Who are you and what gift of identity do you want to give?