What would you like to change for a better Philippines?

For as long as there’s tomorrow we can always make a lot of positive changes for a better Philippines. With the good and honest President Benigno Aquino leading our country, we can expect a brighter future ahead of us. Read on as some personalities share the changes they would like to see in the country.


Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, secretary general, Philippine Red Cross


People’s positive attitude towards progress: “What makes up its people, makes up its country.” It is always the people’s attitude that shapes a country’s character. If its people are lazy, expect a slow economic growth. If its people are industrious, expect progress. As for Filipinos, we have the best character in terms of morality and social interaction, which make us clearly the most hospitable. For our country’s international performance as a developing nation, we are not yet in a favorable position. Maybe it’s our political immaturity and disunity that hinders us. The big change starts from us — the people. We have to look inside-out to know who we are and the role each one of us plays as a citizen. We have to be united and give our best for our country and for our countrymen.

Senator Loren Legarda


My dream is for a green Philippines, with blue skies, clean seas and lush forests. I hope for equitable development where our communities are resilient against disasters and there is a green sustainable economy focused on agricultural growth and rural livelihoods. I will continue to work for government that firmly connects with our people’s needs and their aspirations for a better life for themselves and their children.

Caloocan Rep. Mitch Cajayon


Discipline is the key to solving many problems that beset our nation. Filipinos must learn to obey the laws no matter how inconvenient it may seem, like following traffic rules and throwing out garbage properly. If we can bring about this change soon, then the better it will be for us all.

Former Senator Nene Pimentel

I would like people to act out of love, not out of greed in dealing with one another. When that happens, this country will be a haven for peace, progress and prosperity for all because we’d be following God’s commandment: to love one another in our daily lives.

Rep. Freddie Tinga, 2nd District, Taguig


I would like to change our attitude of trading in our long-term future for short-term gains. We should aim higher, and not settle for immediate gratification at the expense of real and sustainable change.

Rep. Teddy Casiño


I will change how the government is run for a better Philippines. How? In my own little, yet forward-looking way — work for better laws that will help the majority of our people: genuine agrarian reform for our farmers; substantial wage adjustments and benefits for our workers and employees; protection to our agriculture and livestock; incentives to our local businesses to encourage our own growth first, before giving big foreign firms the same; recognizing and advancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs), children, teachers and indigenous peoples; the passage of the Freedom of Information, Security of Tenure and Anti-Dynasty Bills, among others, and the abolition of the pork barrel system.