The forgotten citizen

The Philippines has been blessed with all the natural wonders man can ever ask for. Her rich natural resources include fertile, arable lands, diverse flora and fauna, extensive coastlines, and rich mineral deposits. She holds the distinction of being one of the seventeen countries whose combined plant and animal species account for 70-80% of the world’s biological diversity. Thirty percent of her land area is also determined to be geologically prospective (by the Philippine Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau).

Many neighboring countries including the United States of America envy our strategic location in the Pacific realm, our marvelous biodiversity, rich mineral deposits and the magnificent beauty of our land. Indeed, God has given us a precious pearl. Instead of looking outward, it’s time to look inward. We need to take good care of our Philippines, love her and protect her from foreign invasion or traitors of the land.

The major problems we have in this country are all man-made. Corruption, ignorance, illiteracy and greed compound the sorrows of this troubled nation.

When I see all these presidential and vice presidential candidates speak to the people, my heart weeps. How many promises have we heard, yet unfulfilled? How many intrigues and demolition jobs to put each other down, instead of uniting their forces to save our nation? We’ve seen many political fence sitters with no loyalty to party – always wanting to be in the winning side. Do they realize that all these emotional roller coaster drama and tongue-lashing feats have gravely deepened the wounds of this nation?

At the end of the day, we need a president who will save this country. Who will protect everything we have. Who will protect and work for the “common citizen.” Who will unite us and bring back that sense of nationalism and patriotism in each one of us.

History has dedicated its most luminous pages to the great men of every age, to emperors and kings, to generals and conquerors, to heroes and sages. But equally important to our history is the paramount role of the common citizen in the life, strength, progress and greatness of a nation.

In much the same way that without the martial bravery of the common soldier no battle may be won by the ablest general and strategist, no national leader, however talented and patriotic, may build up a powerful and happy nation without the intelligent, civic-minded and active response and cooperation of the common citizens.

I watched Heneral Luna, the movie last week. Film director Jerrold Tarog successfully brought the celebrated Filipino leader General Antonio Luna back to life in a story that will surely stay in the minds of those who have seen it. Set during one of the darkest periods in the country’s history, Tarog turned a century-old story into a comprehensive contemporary psychological understanding of heroism and treachery in a crucial struggle. Filmpolice says, “Overall, Heneral Luna is not just a film but a wake-up call driving the ever reminder that some things never change. Its message – we Filipinos are our own worst enemies, lacking in resolve and torn by self-interests. It is a story representative of not just our current and still chaotic political landscape but of who we are and what we can do but don’t.  The film leaves us with the lingering question, bayan o sarili?

It is our supreme task to build the nation as we move the spirit of true democracy through patriotic philosophy and a civic ideology. We need to carve our culture and heritage in the hearts of the Filipinos (more so to the youth of this land). It is high time that we understand the true concept of patriotism.

Patriotism is love for country and the willingness to sacrifice for it. Patriots have always been associated with heroes and leaders who die for their country in the field of battle but there are many patriots out there who are equally noble and deserving of praise and honor – the common man. The patriotism of every common Filipino who in the routine of everyday life, as well as in the moving days of crisis and emergency, serves his country constructively, without any thought of the reward of fame or glory. And this patriotism of the masses is the foundation of democracy itself.

The Philippines is at the threshold of a new and great destiny. She needs more than ever before, the strong and brave phalanxes of her youth, glorious in their untarnished and shining armors, their noble minds unpolluted, their young hearts undaunted and courageous, their arms strong and invincible; because they are pure and they give us hope.

We should join hands in this noble crusade working with the young men and women who will shape and mold the future of the Philippines. I came across this written piece by Junep Ocampo, a hardworking, self-made man, a common citizen: I have a dream... I have a dream that one day our sons and daughters will no longer have to leave this country in search of greener pastures because they already have such in their homeland. I have a dream that one day every Filipino family will have a decent house to call their own. I have a dream that one day every Filipino youth regardless of creed, gender, or economic status, will have access to quality education that will allow him or her to have access to quality employment or business opportunities.?I have a dream that one day every Filipino businessman, big or small, will be able to do honest trade without fear and without resorting to bribery just to get by. I have a dream that one day the countryside will once again teem with farming activities, and farmers will finally enjoy the fruits of their labor with bountiful harvests that benefit not only their countrymen but those in other countries as well. I have a dream that one day every Filipino will be able to say that indeed, we live in a country blessed by God, and we have a government that is of the people, by the people and for the people. I have a dream that one day all Filipinos will live in harmony and peace, respecting one another, loving one another in a spirit of bayanihan and malasakit. These are my dreams... What’s yours?

What are the dreams of our aspiring government officials? Are their dreams for the common citizen, for the country, or for themselves?