Wednesday
Saturday
Sambaga and Singcoy: Their Similarities
The passing of the late Mayor Aida Singcoy is a great lost to the constituents of Malapatan. In her short but bighearted term as a communal servant, great changes are evidently shown to her people, especially to those who believed in her competence as an administrator. Aside from indoctrinating discipline to work, physical progresses were also given precedence, granting the fact that it was so far her first term as a mayor.
Conversely, her successor Mayor Jorge T. Sambaga, is trying his finest to absorb the town’s highest political spot. Unmistakably, he exhibits his own style of governance which most people find worth appreciating. Of course, it’s not his first era to become a political chief. Before becoming a mayor, he was overwhelmingly voted by the people as municipal councilor, after which, set into the throne of vice mayor, the position he occupied prior to the passing of the late mayor. His experience as the former Provincial Peace Officer of Sarangani also honed his talent as politician. Clearly, his capacity is unquestioned.
Now that the 2010 election is drawing near, the towns’ constituents are again challenged intellectually .Obviously, former Mayor Alfonso Singcoy Sr. is determined to park himself back. People cannot help but recognize the value of his fruitful nine-year experience as the town’s mayor.
Would Sambaga maintain his expedition as the town’s mayor or Singcoy once again return to his throne that depends on the voters’ assessment. For sure, both are equally eligible. Seasoned by time. Two things I’m certain of: both family names are compose of seven letters and start in S. And this S could also mean SUCCESS and SERVICE.
Thursday
Colong, Manlunas bag awards in journalism
Colong was proclaimed Best Female Anchor in the Radio Broadcasting, a group contest, while Manlunas got the Second Place in the Editorial Cartooning.
The said journalism event was participated by the different schools, both elementary and secondary, from the seven municipalities of Sarangani Province.
Manlunas will qualify for the Regional Schools Press Conference in General Santos City on November, 2009.
Sunday
Bigotry, Not a Call For Peace!
People behind the advertisements “Call for Peace” promote discrimination instead of howling for peace.
I am just flabbergasted. The fact that only the Muslims are the instruments for their calls. A Muslim who speaks Tagalog and explains the reason why he came out from being a rebel, a Muslim who speaks in his dialect and tells as his good kismet after he had received the award for telling the militaries the where about of a felon, a young Muslim who appreciates the endeavor of the government in giving them the water facilities and some educational benefits. These are just among the many advertisements routinely aired on national televisions, done to promote the battle cry of the government for peace.
The intention is very clear. And anyone is aware of the reality that the government needs to initiate these moves. It’s just that the call is so irony and exaggerated.
Real Muslims love peace. We renounce war. Granting the verity that some had chosen to take the murky roads, to live on top of the law, but it doesn’t mean that Muslims are the only ones capable of doing such criminalities. Like what these television ads are showing to us. Wouldn’t it possible that a non-Muslim act on one of these advertisements and tell us that he want peace that’s why he chose to come out from being bandido, tadtad, NPA member and the likes. I mentioned these groups not because I revile them. They have their own reasons, their dogmas as what they call it. It is just that I want to emphasize that most of them are non- Muslims.
Religion is not the main issue here. Visibly, this television ad is bolstering this insult to the viewers. Any person, regardless of his status in life, religion and language, can be an instrument in the endorsement of peace. Not only a Muslim!
adw/blacksimon
03/02/08
I am just flabbergasted. The fact that only the Muslims are the instruments for their calls. A Muslim who speaks Tagalog and explains the reason why he came out from being a rebel, a Muslim who speaks in his dialect and tells as his good kismet after he had received the award for telling the militaries the where about of a felon, a young Muslim who appreciates the endeavor of the government in giving them the water facilities and some educational benefits. These are just among the many advertisements routinely aired on national televisions, done to promote the battle cry of the government for peace.
The intention is very clear. And anyone is aware of the reality that the government needs to initiate these moves. It’s just that the call is so irony and exaggerated.
Real Muslims love peace. We renounce war. Granting the verity that some had chosen to take the murky roads, to live on top of the law, but it doesn’t mean that Muslims are the only ones capable of doing such criminalities. Like what these television ads are showing to us. Wouldn’t it possible that a non-Muslim act on one of these advertisements and tell us that he want peace that’s why he chose to come out from being bandido, tadtad, NPA member and the likes. I mentioned these groups not because I revile them. They have their own reasons, their dogmas as what they call it. It is just that I want to emphasize that most of them are non- Muslims.
Religion is not the main issue here. Visibly, this television ad is bolstering this insult to the viewers. Any person, regardless of his status in life, religion and language, can be an instrument in the endorsement of peace. Not only a Muslim!
adw/blacksimon
03/02/08
Understanding
If God created us equally, then I do not see any explanation why this classmate of mine seems so unfairly treated by the people in school.
“Had the water system personnel prohibited you to take a bath?”, “Next time, bring with you your mat and pillow so that you can enjoy sleeping while I’m giving my lecture”. I always hear these words from our high school teacher in English who is considered as our second parent. Laughter inside the classroom follows next. Sometimes, it hurts him a lot, but as they say, reality bites.
I admit that sometimes he fails to take a bath and comes to school in crumpled uniform. He looks untidy. For this, he owes an explanation for this undesirable attitude and appearance. Yes, my teacher and my classmates always ask for an explanation. Yet for him, he also needs something – understanding.
When he was in grade three, his teacher told him that "education is as precious as diamond. Everybody should have it. If you have it, no one can take it from you". The advice inspired him a lot. That’s why he was able to finish elementary.
However, as they say, nobody knew what comes ahead. His father had suffered form tuberculosis and died several months after brought to the hospital. That turned his world upside down. He didn’t know what to do, where to ask for help. He wanted to look for his mother. My mother told me that his mother left them when he was five months old. She was rumored of having an affair with another man while her husband was out for fishing.
At an early age, he became a fisherman too, the legacy left by his father. He is the youngest among all the anglers in our barrio. They sail during the night and return home the morning after.
That’s it! His daily catch supports his needs, including his studies. Though it’s too meager yet he manages to make both ends meet. He fishes at night, goes home at three in the morning because he must sell his catch before sunrise. After taking a nap, goes to school, with crumpled polo and pants, and sometimes forgets to take a bath.
This is his story. And this is his reason. A very simple reason but only few had tried to understand.
Until now, he’s still guided by an inspiration. “Education is as precious as diamond…” “Therefore, I must get it” he said. He has to finish high school and pursue college. “I don’t care about what they say, my teacher, my classmates. I want to become a teacher”.
A teacher who will understand a student who is a fisherman, at same time. Like Jose.
Note: This article was written by the author when he was in second yer high school.
“Had the water system personnel prohibited you to take a bath?”, “Next time, bring with you your mat and pillow so that you can enjoy sleeping while I’m giving my lecture”. I always hear these words from our high school teacher in English who is considered as our second parent. Laughter inside the classroom follows next. Sometimes, it hurts him a lot, but as they say, reality bites.
I admit that sometimes he fails to take a bath and comes to school in crumpled uniform. He looks untidy. For this, he owes an explanation for this undesirable attitude and appearance. Yes, my teacher and my classmates always ask for an explanation. Yet for him, he also needs something – understanding.
When he was in grade three, his teacher told him that "education is as precious as diamond. Everybody should have it. If you have it, no one can take it from you". The advice inspired him a lot. That’s why he was able to finish elementary.
However, as they say, nobody knew what comes ahead. His father had suffered form tuberculosis and died several months after brought to the hospital. That turned his world upside down. He didn’t know what to do, where to ask for help. He wanted to look for his mother. My mother told me that his mother left them when he was five months old. She was rumored of having an affair with another man while her husband was out for fishing.
At an early age, he became a fisherman too, the legacy left by his father. He is the youngest among all the anglers in our barrio. They sail during the night and return home the morning after.
That’s it! His daily catch supports his needs, including his studies. Though it’s too meager yet he manages to make both ends meet. He fishes at night, goes home at three in the morning because he must sell his catch before sunrise. After taking a nap, goes to school, with crumpled polo and pants, and sometimes forgets to take a bath.
This is his story. And this is his reason. A very simple reason but only few had tried to understand.
Until now, he’s still guided by an inspiration. “Education is as precious as diamond…” “Therefore, I must get it” he said. He has to finish high school and pursue college. “I don’t care about what they say, my teacher, my classmates. I want to become a teacher”.
A teacher who will understand a student who is a fisherman, at same time. Like Jose.
Note: This article was written by the author when he was in second yer high school.
Friday
Thursday
To All Filipinos
(Adapted)
I was very much touched by the letter below. We should try to send it out and push others to think about what is happening to our country. However I cannot forward it without adding my two cents worth
In particular, I would like to respond to the questions asked in the fourth paragraph - where did all these vermin come from? I am 47 years old and today's crooks were my teachers, my classmates, my friends. We played basketball, golf and poker together. We went to the same parties. We were in the same offices or dealt with each other at work. I invited them to my wedding. They are me. What went wrong. We grew up in a very warped world. I got out of school in 82, the year before Ninoy was killed. Takot pa kami noon. We learned that the only thing worse than cheating is getting caught cheating. We figured we should just push the envelope and find out how much we could get away with. We were brought up in a very competitive environment where you had to charm, push, fight to get to the top and do whatever is necessary to stay there. Ganoon kami noon. Ganito tayo ngayon.
Jun Lozada told Dick Gordon yesterday that more than all the investigations, laws, appeals, calls for change in government, the first thing that has to change is us.
At the Jesu, in Ateneo, last night, the call was for an inner conversion within each person that would lead to change in society. We have to stop settling for "puede na" and shoot for the stars. We will fall short most of the time. But we will never get there unless we try. We have to do what is right, regardless of the cost.
It is no longer enough not to bribe the policeman who caught us. We should stop breaking the law that causes the policeman to catch us. We have to do what is right, regardless of the cost.
I am planning to import goods to start a business. Many people have recommended "very good Customs brokers" who "can bring in anything, anytime for the right price - pakyawan na". But I did not stop until I found one broker who told me she does everything above board. We have to do what is right regardless of the cost.
Two weeks after my son's 13th birthday, we are going on a trip. Looking over the costs, there is a 30 -50% price difference between children 12 and below and adults. We were talking about it last night and he suggested to pretend he was 12 ("anyway it is only two weeks and no one will know) to avail of the children's rate. I told him, "I would know". You cannot put a price tag on integrity. We have to do what is right, regardless of the cost.
I hate people who say "I told you so." But four years ago, I failed to convince a single person to vote for the best person to be president (Raul Roco) instead of voting against FPJ. "Sayang yung boto para kay Roco. Baka makalusot si FPJ." Whether it is one vote or a thousand, or a million votes - it would have made Garci work so much harder to cheat us if we could have voted for the best candidate rather than against someone we thought was unqualified. There should be no difference between voting for Roco in 2004 and voting for Martin Bautista and company in 2007. We have to do what is right, regardless of the cost.
Finally, I just listened to a very wise woman talking about 9/11 a few months after it happened. She said, "The truth must come out. Justice must be served.However we should never resort to violence. Because violence begets violence. If we start on that slippery slide, it can spiral out of control into barbarism."
We have to pray, not so much for GMA or Jun Lozada, but for ourselves. Let us ask for the grace of conversion, to change our hearts to do what we have to do but always out of love for the other. It is only when we have changed ourself that our community, our country can change. Amen.
On 02 19, 08, at 9:35 AM, Dina Sembrano wrote:To all Filipinos Everywhere:
I used to think that corruption and criminality in the Philippines were caused by poverty. But recent events tell me this isn't true. It is one thing to see people turn into drug addicts, prostitutes, thieves and murderers because of hunger and poverty, but what excuse do these rich, educated people have that could possibly explain their bizarre behavior? And to think I was always so relieved when petty snatchers got caught and locked away in jail because I never fully realized that the big time thieves were out there, making the laws and running our country. Can it get any worse than this?
Every night, I come home and am compelled to turn on my tv to watch the latest turn of events. I am mesmerized by these characters. They are not men. They are caricatures of men - too unreal to be believable and too bad to be real. To see these ╲honorable╡ crooks lambast each other, call each one names, look each other in the eye and accuse the other of committing the very same crimes that they themselves are guilty of, is so comicaland apalling that I don't know whether to laugh or cry. It is entertainment at its worst!
I have never seen so many criminals roaming around unfettered and looking smug until now. These criminals wear suits and barongs, strut around with the confidence of the rich and famous, inspire fear and awe from the very citizens who voted them to power, bear titles like "Honorable", "Senator"¡, "Justice"¡, "General"¡ and worse, "President"¡. Ironically, these lawless individuals practice law, make our laws, enforce the law. And we wonder why our policemen act the way they do! These are their leaders, and the leaders of this nation Robin Hoodlum and his band of moneymen. Their motto? "Rob the poor, moderate the greed of the rich."¡
It makes me wonder where on earth these people came from, and what kind of upbringing they had to make them act the way they do for all the world to see. It makes me wonder what kind of schools they went to, what kind of teachers they had, what kind of environment would produce such creatures who can lie, cheat and steal from an already indebted country and from the impoverished people they had vowed to serve. It makes me wonder what their children and grandchildren think of them, and if they are breeding a whole new generation of improved Filipino crooks and liars with maybe a tad more style but equally negligible conscience. Heaven forbid!
I am an ordinary citizen and taxpayer. I am blessed to have a job that pays for my needs and those of my family's, even though 30% of my earnings go to the nation's coffers. Just like others in my lot, I have complained time and again because our government could not provide enough of the basic services that I expect and deserve. Rutty roads, poor educational system, poor social services, poor health services, poor everything. But I havealways thought that was what all third world countries were all about, and my complaints never amounted to anything more.
And then this. Scandalous government deals. Plundering presidents pointing fingers. Senators associated with crooks. Congressmen who accept bribes. Big time lawyers on the side of injustice. De Venecia ratting on his boss only after his interminable term has ended, Enrile inquiring about someone's morality! The already filthy rich Abalos and Arroyo wanting more money than they or their great grandchildren could ever spend in a lifetime. Joker making a joke of his own "pag bad ka, lagot ka!"¡ slogan. Defensor rendered defenseless. Gen. Razon involved in kidnapping. Security men providing anything but a sense of security. And it's all about money, money, money that the average Juan de la Cruz could not even imagine in his dreams. Is it any wonder why our few remaining decent and hardworking citizens are leaving to go work in other countries?
And worst of all, we are once again saddled with a power-hungry president whose addiction has her clinging on to it like barnacle on a rusty ship. "Love (of power) is blind"¡ takes a whole new meaning when PGMA time and again turns a blind eye on her husband's financial deals. And still blinded with all that is happening, she opts to traipse around the world with her cohorts in tow while her country is in shambles.
They say the few stupid ones like me who remain in the Philippines are no longer capable of showing disgust. I don't agree. Many like me feel anger at the brazenness of men we call our leaders, embarrassment to share the same nationality with them, frustration for our nation and helplessness at my own ineffectuality. It is not that I won't make a stand. It is just that I am afraid my actions would only be futile. After all, these monsters are capable of anything. They can hurt me and my family. They already have, though I may not yet feel it.
But I am writing this because I need to do something concrete. I need to let others know that ordinary citizens like me do not remain lukewarm to issues that would later affect me and my children. I want to make it known that there are also Filipinos who dream of something better for the Philippines. I want them to know that my country is not filled with scalawags and crooks in every corner, and that there are citizens left who believe in decency, fairness, a right to speak, a right to voice out ideas, a right to tell the people we have trusted to lead us that they have abused their power and that it is time for them to step down. I refuse to let this country go to hell because it is the only country I call mine and it is my responsibility to make sure I have done what I could for it.
Those of us who do not have the wealth, power or position it needs to battle the evil crime lords in the government can summon the power of good.
We can pray. We can do this with our families every night. We can offer petitions every time we celebrate mass. We can ask others to pray, too, including relatives and friends here and overseas. And we can offer sacrifices along with our petitions, just so we get the message to Him of our desperation in ridding our nation of these vermin. After all, they cannot be more powerful than God!
I implore mothers out there to raise your children the best way you can. Do not smother, pamper, or lavish them with too much of the material comforts of life even if you can well afford them. Teach them that there are more important things in this world. I beg all fathers to spend time with their children, to teach them the virtues of hard work, honesty, fair play, sharing, dignity and compassion "right from the sandbox" till they are old enough to go on their own. Not just in your homes, but at work, in school, everywhere you go. Be good role models. Be shining examples for your children so they will learn to be responsible adults who will carry and pass on your family name with pride and honor. &nb sp;
I call on educators and teachers, we always underestimate the power of your influence on the minds of our youth. Encourage them to be aware of what is happening in their surroundings. Instill in them a love of their country, inculcate in them the value of perseverance in order to gain real, worthwhile knowledge, help us mold our children into honorable men and women. Encourage our graduates, our best and brightest, to do what they can to lift this country from the mire our traditional politicians have sunk us into. The youth is our future and it would be largely because of you, our educators, that we will be able to repopulate the seats of power with good leaders, presidents, senators, congressmen, justices, lawmakers, law enforcers and lawful citizens.
I ask all students, young people and young professionals everywhere to look around and get involved in what is happening. Do not let your youth be an excuse for failure to concern yourselves with the harsh realities you see. But neither let this make you cynical, because we need your idealism and fresh perspective just as you need the wisdom of your elders. YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU! Let your voices be heard. Do what you can for this land that gave you your ancestors and your heritage. Use technology and all available resources at hand to spread good. Text meaningful messages to awaken social conscience. Try your best to fight moral decay because I promise you will not regret it when you become parents yourselves. You will look back at your past misdeeds and pray that your children will do better than you did.
Remember that there are a few handful who are capable of running this country. You can join their ranks and make their numbers greater. We are tired of the old trapos. We need brave idealistic leaders who will think of the greater good before anything else. I voted for Atty. Martin Bautista and his team and I sure hope they will run again. Do your utmost to excel in your chosen field. Be good lawyers, civil servants, accountants, computer techs, engineers, doctors, military men so that when you are called to serve in government, you will have credibility and a record that can speak for itself.
For love of this country, for the future of our children, for the many who have sacrificed and died to uphold our rights and ideals, I urge you to do what you can. As ordinary citizens, we can do much more for the Philippines than sit around and let crooks lead us to perdition. We owe ourselves this. And we owe our country even more.
Ma. Cecilia Tuazon-Dela Cruz, CPAFinance and Administration OfficerThe Asia Foundation - PhilippinesTel. (632) 851-1466 Fax: (632) 853-0474Email: maricel@asiafound.org
I was very much touched by the letter below. We should try to send it out and push others to think about what is happening to our country. However I cannot forward it without adding my two cents worth
In particular, I would like to respond to the questions asked in the fourth paragraph - where did all these vermin come from? I am 47 years old and today's crooks were my teachers, my classmates, my friends. We played basketball, golf and poker together. We went to the same parties. We were in the same offices or dealt with each other at work. I invited them to my wedding. They are me. What went wrong. We grew up in a very warped world. I got out of school in 82, the year before Ninoy was killed. Takot pa kami noon. We learned that the only thing worse than cheating is getting caught cheating. We figured we should just push the envelope and find out how much we could get away with. We were brought up in a very competitive environment where you had to charm, push, fight to get to the top and do whatever is necessary to stay there. Ganoon kami noon. Ganito tayo ngayon.
Jun Lozada told Dick Gordon yesterday that more than all the investigations, laws, appeals, calls for change in government, the first thing that has to change is us.
At the Jesu, in Ateneo, last night, the call was for an inner conversion within each person that would lead to change in society. We have to stop settling for "puede na" and shoot for the stars. We will fall short most of the time. But we will never get there unless we try. We have to do what is right, regardless of the cost.
It is no longer enough not to bribe the policeman who caught us. We should stop breaking the law that causes the policeman to catch us. We have to do what is right, regardless of the cost.
I am planning to import goods to start a business. Many people have recommended "very good Customs brokers" who "can bring in anything, anytime for the right price - pakyawan na". But I did not stop until I found one broker who told me she does everything above board. We have to do what is right regardless of the cost.
Two weeks after my son's 13th birthday, we are going on a trip. Looking over the costs, there is a 30 -50% price difference between children 12 and below and adults. We were talking about it last night and he suggested to pretend he was 12 ("anyway it is only two weeks and no one will know) to avail of the children's rate. I told him, "I would know". You cannot put a price tag on integrity. We have to do what is right, regardless of the cost.
I hate people who say "I told you so." But four years ago, I failed to convince a single person to vote for the best person to be president (Raul Roco) instead of voting against FPJ. "Sayang yung boto para kay Roco. Baka makalusot si FPJ." Whether it is one vote or a thousand, or a million votes - it would have made Garci work so much harder to cheat us if we could have voted for the best candidate rather than against someone we thought was unqualified. There should be no difference between voting for Roco in 2004 and voting for Martin Bautista and company in 2007. We have to do what is right, regardless of the cost.
Finally, I just listened to a very wise woman talking about 9/11 a few months after it happened. She said, "The truth must come out. Justice must be served.However we should never resort to violence. Because violence begets violence. If we start on that slippery slide, it can spiral out of control into barbarism."
We have to pray, not so much for GMA or Jun Lozada, but for ourselves. Let us ask for the grace of conversion, to change our hearts to do what we have to do but always out of love for the other. It is only when we have changed ourself that our community, our country can change. Amen.
On 02 19, 08, at 9:35 AM, Dina Sembrano wrote:To all Filipinos Everywhere:
I used to think that corruption and criminality in the Philippines were caused by poverty. But recent events tell me this isn't true. It is one thing to see people turn into drug addicts, prostitutes, thieves and murderers because of hunger and poverty, but what excuse do these rich, educated people have that could possibly explain their bizarre behavior? And to think I was always so relieved when petty snatchers got caught and locked away in jail because I never fully realized that the big time thieves were out there, making the laws and running our country. Can it get any worse than this?
Every night, I come home and am compelled to turn on my tv to watch the latest turn of events. I am mesmerized by these characters. They are not men. They are caricatures of men - too unreal to be believable and too bad to be real. To see these ╲honorable╡ crooks lambast each other, call each one names, look each other in the eye and accuse the other of committing the very same crimes that they themselves are guilty of, is so comicaland apalling that I don't know whether to laugh or cry. It is entertainment at its worst!
I have never seen so many criminals roaming around unfettered and looking smug until now. These criminals wear suits and barongs, strut around with the confidence of the rich and famous, inspire fear and awe from the very citizens who voted them to power, bear titles like "Honorable", "Senator"¡, "Justice"¡, "General"¡ and worse, "President"¡. Ironically, these lawless individuals practice law, make our laws, enforce the law. And we wonder why our policemen act the way they do! These are their leaders, and the leaders of this nation Robin Hoodlum and his band of moneymen. Their motto? "Rob the poor, moderate the greed of the rich."¡
It makes me wonder where on earth these people came from, and what kind of upbringing they had to make them act the way they do for all the world to see. It makes me wonder what kind of schools they went to, what kind of teachers they had, what kind of environment would produce such creatures who can lie, cheat and steal from an already indebted country and from the impoverished people they had vowed to serve. It makes me wonder what their children and grandchildren think of them, and if they are breeding a whole new generation of improved Filipino crooks and liars with maybe a tad more style but equally negligible conscience. Heaven forbid!
I am an ordinary citizen and taxpayer. I am blessed to have a job that pays for my needs and those of my family's, even though 30% of my earnings go to the nation's coffers. Just like others in my lot, I have complained time and again because our government could not provide enough of the basic services that I expect and deserve. Rutty roads, poor educational system, poor social services, poor health services, poor everything. But I havealways thought that was what all third world countries were all about, and my complaints never amounted to anything more.
And then this. Scandalous government deals. Plundering presidents pointing fingers. Senators associated with crooks. Congressmen who accept bribes. Big time lawyers on the side of injustice. De Venecia ratting on his boss only after his interminable term has ended, Enrile inquiring about someone's morality! The already filthy rich Abalos and Arroyo wanting more money than they or their great grandchildren could ever spend in a lifetime. Joker making a joke of his own "pag bad ka, lagot ka!"¡ slogan. Defensor rendered defenseless. Gen. Razon involved in kidnapping. Security men providing anything but a sense of security. And it's all about money, money, money that the average Juan de la Cruz could not even imagine in his dreams. Is it any wonder why our few remaining decent and hardworking citizens are leaving to go work in other countries?
And worst of all, we are once again saddled with a power-hungry president whose addiction has her clinging on to it like barnacle on a rusty ship. "Love (of power) is blind"¡ takes a whole new meaning when PGMA time and again turns a blind eye on her husband's financial deals. And still blinded with all that is happening, she opts to traipse around the world with her cohorts in tow while her country is in shambles.
They say the few stupid ones like me who remain in the Philippines are no longer capable of showing disgust. I don't agree. Many like me feel anger at the brazenness of men we call our leaders, embarrassment to share the same nationality with them, frustration for our nation and helplessness at my own ineffectuality. It is not that I won't make a stand. It is just that I am afraid my actions would only be futile. After all, these monsters are capable of anything. They can hurt me and my family. They already have, though I may not yet feel it.
But I am writing this because I need to do something concrete. I need to let others know that ordinary citizens like me do not remain lukewarm to issues that would later affect me and my children. I want to make it known that there are also Filipinos who dream of something better for the Philippines. I want them to know that my country is not filled with scalawags and crooks in every corner, and that there are citizens left who believe in decency, fairness, a right to speak, a right to voice out ideas, a right to tell the people we have trusted to lead us that they have abused their power and that it is time for them to step down. I refuse to let this country go to hell because it is the only country I call mine and it is my responsibility to make sure I have done what I could for it.
Those of us who do not have the wealth, power or position it needs to battle the evil crime lords in the government can summon the power of good.
We can pray. We can do this with our families every night. We can offer petitions every time we celebrate mass. We can ask others to pray, too, including relatives and friends here and overseas. And we can offer sacrifices along with our petitions, just so we get the message to Him of our desperation in ridding our nation of these vermin. After all, they cannot be more powerful than God!
I implore mothers out there to raise your children the best way you can. Do not smother, pamper, or lavish them with too much of the material comforts of life even if you can well afford them. Teach them that there are more important things in this world. I beg all fathers to spend time with their children, to teach them the virtues of hard work, honesty, fair play, sharing, dignity and compassion "right from the sandbox" till they are old enough to go on their own. Not just in your homes, but at work, in school, everywhere you go. Be good role models. Be shining examples for your children so they will learn to be responsible adults who will carry and pass on your family name with pride and honor. &nb sp;
I call on educators and teachers, we always underestimate the power of your influence on the minds of our youth. Encourage them to be aware of what is happening in their surroundings. Instill in them a love of their country, inculcate in them the value of perseverance in order to gain real, worthwhile knowledge, help us mold our children into honorable men and women. Encourage our graduates, our best and brightest, to do what they can to lift this country from the mire our traditional politicians have sunk us into. The youth is our future and it would be largely because of you, our educators, that we will be able to repopulate the seats of power with good leaders, presidents, senators, congressmen, justices, lawmakers, law enforcers and lawful citizens.
I ask all students, young people and young professionals everywhere to look around and get involved in what is happening. Do not let your youth be an excuse for failure to concern yourselves with the harsh realities you see. But neither let this make you cynical, because we need your idealism and fresh perspective just as you need the wisdom of your elders. YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU! Let your voices be heard. Do what you can for this land that gave you your ancestors and your heritage. Use technology and all available resources at hand to spread good. Text meaningful messages to awaken social conscience. Try your best to fight moral decay because I promise you will not regret it when you become parents yourselves. You will look back at your past misdeeds and pray that your children will do better than you did.
Remember that there are a few handful who are capable of running this country. You can join their ranks and make their numbers greater. We are tired of the old trapos. We need brave idealistic leaders who will think of the greater good before anything else. I voted for Atty. Martin Bautista and his team and I sure hope they will run again. Do your utmost to excel in your chosen field. Be good lawyers, civil servants, accountants, computer techs, engineers, doctors, military men so that when you are called to serve in government, you will have credibility and a record that can speak for itself.
For love of this country, for the future of our children, for the many who have sacrificed and died to uphold our rights and ideals, I urge you to do what you can. As ordinary citizens, we can do much more for the Philippines than sit around and let crooks lead us to perdition. We owe ourselves this. And we owe our country even more.
Ma. Cecilia Tuazon-Dela Cruz, CPAFinance and Administration OfficerThe Asia Foundation - PhilippinesTel. (632) 851-1466 Fax: (632) 853-0474Email: maricel@asiafound.org
Friday
What Is Peace?
A favorite story that Grandfather liked to tell us was the story of an ancient Indian King who was obsessed with the desire to find the meaning of peace. What is peace and how can we get it and when we find it what should we do with it were some of the issues that bothered him. Intellectuals in his kingdom were invited to answer the King's questions for a handsome reward. Many tried but none could explain how to find peace and what to do with it. At last someone said the King ought to consult the sage who lived just outside the borders of his Kingdom:
"He is an old man and very wise," the King was told. "If anyone can answer your questions he can."
The King went to the sage and posed the eternal question. Without a word the sage went into the kitchen and brought a grain of wheat to the King.
"In this you will find the answer to your question," the Sage said as he placed the grain of wheat in the King's outstretched palm.
Puzzled but unwilling to admit his ignorance the King clutched the grain of wheat and returned to his palace. He locked the precious grain in a tiny gold box and placed the box in his safe. Each morning, upon waking, the King would open the box and look at the grain to seek an answer but could find nothing.
Weeks later another sage, passing through, stopped to meet the King who eagerly invited him to resolve his dilemma. The King explained how he had asked the eternal question and this sage gave him a grain of wheat instead. "I have been looking for an answer every morning but I find nothing."
The Sage said: "It is quite simple, your honor. Just as this grain represents nourishment for the body, peace represents nourishment for the soul. Now, if you keep this grain locked up in a gold box it will eventually perish without providing nourishment or multiplying. However, if it is allowed to interact with the elements - light, water, air, soil - it will flourish, multiply and soon you would have a whole field of wheat which will nourish not only you but so many others. This is the meaning of peace. It must nourish your soul and the souls of others, it must multiply by interacting with the elements."
"He is an old man and very wise," the King was told. "If anyone can answer your questions he can."
The King went to the sage and posed the eternal question. Without a word the sage went into the kitchen and brought a grain of wheat to the King.
"In this you will find the answer to your question," the Sage said as he placed the grain of wheat in the King's outstretched palm.
Puzzled but unwilling to admit his ignorance the King clutched the grain of wheat and returned to his palace. He locked the precious grain in a tiny gold box and placed the box in his safe. Each morning, upon waking, the King would open the box and look at the grain to seek an answer but could find nothing.
Weeks later another sage, passing through, stopped to meet the King who eagerly invited him to resolve his dilemma. The King explained how he had asked the eternal question and this sage gave him a grain of wheat instead. "I have been looking for an answer every morning but I find nothing."
The Sage said: "It is quite simple, your honor. Just as this grain represents nourishment for the body, peace represents nourishment for the soul. Now, if you keep this grain locked up in a gold box it will eventually perish without providing nourishment or multiplying. However, if it is allowed to interact with the elements - light, water, air, soil - it will flourish, multiply and soon you would have a whole field of wheat which will nourish not only you but so many others. This is the meaning of peace. It must nourish your soul and the souls of others, it must multiply by interacting with the elements."
Clic Officers
CLIC DIGITAL COMMUNITY BATCH 2 (RM 2)
Set of Officers
President: Amad Wahab
V-Pres.; Deo Santos
Sec: Julius D. Suico
Representatives:Sarangani: Edmund Aspera
Sultan Kudarat: Genaro Caballero
General Santos: Cornelio Rollo
Tacurong City: Alejandro Reginaldo
Set of Officers
President: Amad Wahab
V-Pres.; Deo Santos
Sec: Julius D. Suico
Representatives:Sarangani: Edmund Aspera
Sultan Kudarat: Genaro Caballero
General Santos: Cornelio Rollo
Tacurong City: Alejandro Reginaldo
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