Elements of a successful coup

So many Filipinos have the mistaken belief that nation building is the sole responsibility of whoever controls the reins of power. Those military adventurists with messianic complex are among them. They placed the entire blame for the present dire state of the nation, like the failure to eradicate corruption or to lick poverty, on the ruling Civilian Authority and decided to topple it through the barrel of their guns. It never occurred to them that the task of nation building is the responsibility, not only of those in power, but of the entire citizenry, the people they are sworn to protect who put these politicians in power. Hence their delusions further brought us down the road to ruin.

Fortunately there are still enough Filipinos in the private sector who sincerely believe that they have a vital role to play in the task of nation building. They are the ones working outside the periphery of power towards the formation of a strong, stable and prosperous society. They fulfill their tasks as citizens silently and without much fanfare. They are staging a coup of some sorts by taking over some functions in nation building where the government seems to be ineffective. But unlike the military putchists, they carry out their objectives nonviolently and away from the limelight.

Specifically, I am referring to a group of professionals who put up an organization known as the University Center Foundation (UCF) Inc. because they fully recognized the vital role of the youth in nation building. They decided to help the State in its constitutionally mandated role of promoting and protecting the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well being of the youth and inculcate in them the sense of patriotism and nationalism as well as encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.

The main project of this Foundation is the establishment of Study Centers in strategic locations to provide college students the desired environment and means to foster their self-development in preparation for their professional and social responsibilities. Every Center has the informal atmosphere of a home with activities contributing to the cultural, spiritual, social and academic development of college students, not available elsewhere. The main idea is to assist those availing of its services, "to bend the human knowledge received at the university with both the doctrine that must guide their minds and the virtues that must direct their actions".

Sarangani Study Center is one such place located near the university belt in Dos Castillas, Sampaloc. It was established twenty three (23) years ago and has since then provided students in nearby schools, programs that have expanded their outlook both in the long term, by acquiring the skills and attitudes to be future leaders in the workforce of society, and in the short term, by taking an active role as leaders of the youth sector working directly on social development projects.

Among the notable social work activities of the center that give flesh and blood to the Church’s teaching of "preferential option for the poor" are: the "Klub Riles" for 7-12 year old boys living along the Sampaloc railroad tracks who participate in Christian Values talks, academic tutorials and sports activities; the "Asal Aral" where out of school youths in nearby barangays and in Manila City jail are taught values and good habits; the "Eskwela-Tulungan" for repairs of facilities and beautification projects of public schools and health awareness programs for public school students; and the "Learn to Read English" for students of Laong Laan Elementary School. The center also conducts a two-week social Work Camp in rural areas with projects addressing the specific needs of the community; visits to indigent families in nearby barangays and to charity ward patients in hospitals throughout the year and the Pasko sa Bata Christmas program of gift giving to pediatric patients of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

This year the Sarangani Center plans to replace its old dilapitated house with a three story building having facilities that include a study room with a library, a classroom, a chapel, tutorial and meeting rooms, living room and a staff residence area. This is one project that deserves the support of all those who believe that the youth is the hope of our motherland.

Even politicians are welcome to help. This is a much better way for them to fulfill their role in nation building. Donations can be made to the UCF Inc. which are 100% tax deductible. A development board has been has been formed to spearhead the fund raising and construction composed of successful professionals like Dr. Del De Sagun, the noted cardiologist with a big heart and a devoted social conscience. Incidentally, Del and his wife Rose recently marked their Silver Wedding Anniversary but they didn’t have a party and instead just requested friends to help in the project.

The spiritual direction of these study centers and other centers of similar nature housing social and educational projects, is entrusted to Opus Dei, a Personal Prelature of the Catholic Church. While most of those behind the projects are members, supporters or friends of Opus Dei, the Prelature itself founded by St. Josemaria Escriva is not directly involved in the establishment of these facilities and the purely secular aspects of their activities. Not because it does not want to be seen, but because it does not want to be involved in activities which, though perfectly legitimate, does not directly pertain to its spiritual mission.

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