Corruption is the enemy of development, and of good governance. It must be got rid of. Both the government and the people at large must come together to achieve this national objective. ~ Pratibha Patil
Importance of cultural competency
Few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to join Barangay Health Workers (BHW) on their field clinic. The purpose was to observe how they carry out the health programs of the Municipality of La Trinidad to different barangays. I was really surprise how they skillfully talked to the people. For instance when we dropped by the house of one kidney patient, their voice was sympathetic. They asked how’s his dialysis going, if his taking his medicine regularly, how he feels these days then gave advice on what he should do in cases he feels something’s wrong. Then with while on our way to Purok 4, we passed by 2 senior citizens at the store. Knowing that they hadn't got their flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine, they courteously asked told them they have to. One of the senior scolded them and said, “Hey, would you like us to die early? Why would you put those medicines on us?” But instead of getting discouraged, the BHW explained to them the importance of the vaccine. That they are lucky because the government is giving them priority by giving those vaccines on them instead of giving it to the children. The way the elders talked to them, I’m definitely sure should have embarrassed them. If I were in their shoes I would have shut my mouth and said nothing. In Purok 2, the children were waiting by the store and said,
“Auntie, if you are to give us injection will you give us another candy again?” Then the BHW said nicely, “Of course, as long as you will not cry and be good girl/boy.” Did you notice they have various approaches to different group of people? Why? Because different people has different personalities, beliefs and also in different situation. The ability to serve and interact with people in an appropriate way is called cultural competency. It is being sensitive and respectful of the values, beliefs, traditions, customs, race and styles of an individual or group of people. It entails an open mind and heart and the willingness to accept the views of others. Being culturally competent means leaving you own beliefs at home for a moment and be prepared to practice cultures that may be uncomfortable or unfamiliar to you. And so, why is cultural competency important? It is very significant not only to the development communicators but also to everybody. Cultural competency helps us understand people better and provide us an idea on how to deal and communicate with them. Cultural competence permits us to feel comfortable and be effective in our interactions with others whose cultures are different from our own. It enables us to feel good about our relationship with family, friends, neighbors, company, community and even with stranger. Hence, how do we become culturally competent? We should learn about ourselves and our cultures. We should learn our flaws and strong points.
We should educate ourselves on the cultures of people we are working with to avoid creating problem and making other feel bad. For example, we Filipinos are known to be in our appointment most of the time while six years ago after meeting Koreans I found out that they are always on time. So because my clients don’t want to waste time waiting, even if I’m used to delays I have to make sure to meet them on time. That is being aware of our culture and other’s culture increases our acceptance to differences.
A development communicator is not able to implement a program in a community without doing research on what the community really needs, their way of life, beliefs or traditions. Therefore, does cultural competency makes difference? Absolutely! There was a story I heard once that a certain government agency aiming to educate elementary pupils
in the mountainous area of Mt. Province set up computers. In that school, there was no electricity. Three teachers teach two classes at a time and not even a computer literate. As a result, the computers were just set up as decorations; the pupils see it all the time but don’t have any ideas how to use it. Should they have made research and asked the teachers what the school really need, the government fund should have never been wasted and put into proper use. An equipment use for canning, a livelihood program somewhere in Mountain Province. So what food do we preserve in can? Maybe vegetables like tomato, asparagus, corn or garbanzos. Fruits like pineapple, peach, strawberry or apples then fish. According to the Department of Trade in Industry of the Philippines, the OTOP (One Town one Product) of Mountain Province is eco-cultural tourism. Coffee production, wine making and weaving are secondary. Judging from the information given, do you really think that Mountain Province needs the canning machine? In my opinion, it’s a big NO! Again, that machine was just left somewhere to rot. These are results of cultural incompetency. In other words, they lack knowledge about cultures of a community, their products and livelihood. They failed to provide the outmost need of the community and
the goal to achieve genuine development was unsuccessful. In the case of a husband and wife, I’m so certain they have different culture. Although they are either or both Ibalois or Kankana-eys, they still have differences such as their upbringing, personalities, behaviors and way of life. And these differences sometimes cause misunderstanding and separation for some couple who aren’t competent enough about each other’s culture. In order to have harmony in their marriage, they both do their best to understand and adjust on each other’s differences. Same when they have children. Having a baby isn’t that easy as a pie, the couple has to learn to take care of a baby and has to understand his changing behavior in order provide him the appropriate care that he needs. As well as when the baby grow up and they decide to have 2 or 3 more children. Again, they have to understand that even these are their children, each children has unique characteristics and behavior. The husband and
wife who turned to be parents should learn how to deal with each child to avoid showing unfair treatment and jealousy among the children. These are some examples to show the difference a cultural competency can make. It is a skill that we should develop to get along with others in this crazy world. A skill we need to survive in our work, relationship and our life. After all , no man’s an island right?
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