June 12th – what a significant day this is. In the past – this day has just been remembered as a nice no-school, no-work day. But in the light of the recent events, progressive events that are afflicting the country, I could not help but reflect on what this Independence Day is all about.
When I think of this day, I no longer think so much about the defeat of the Spanish Armada by the mighty force shown by the American Navy General George Dewey. This time, so many questions on the things that we need to be freed from were percolating in my head.
Remembering the Independence day and putting wreaths on historical spots are good things – but when we just remember what this day is all about, then it just becomes a “day-0ff” from all the things that we seriously need to be freed from.
Yes we are a sovereign country.
Yes we are a democratic country. But there are so many things that are hindering us from enjoying what this independence is and must be all about.
I read from the papers what Chief Justic Puno said on his Independence Day speech “that the country is like a volcano, just about to erupt…” and it is as if we are all helpless, we are all just waiting for something to happen.
Next year is going to be an election year again and everyone is pinning their hopes on the new president that would be elected. But this early, there are already so many presidentiables who are making their intentions known (loud and clear) that they are aspiring for the top seat in the land.
On my way to the office with Jocer – as I was reflecting on Independence Day – I thought about writing my list of things that I am praying for as we celebrate Independence day.
Here is the list:
1. I pray that the whole country will be freed from our apathy toward the state of our nation.
2. I pray that we will be freed from the type of politics that just wanted to seek the personal interests of the very few, particularly those who do not know how to govern.
3. I pray that we will be freed from our elections that divide us more than unite us.
4. I pray that we will be freed from systemic corruption that destroys the hopes of millions and only advances the greed of those in powers-that-be.
5. I pray that we will be freed from the mindset that we need to be everything to everybody – BUT A Filipino.
6. I pray that our countrymen would be able to see the natural sights and wonders of this beautiful land without having to lose an arm and a leg because of the costs.
7. I pray that we will be free to establish businesses and flourish in our country, instead of being bought over by foreign nationals who stay in our country and get rich in the process.
8. I pray that we can be freed from the smallness of our perspectives in how basic services are given to the people.
9. I pray that we will be freed from the shackles of our learned helplessness…
10. I pray that we will be freed from anything and everything that hinder us from becoming a great asian nation.
11. I pray that we will be free from the mistakes we have learned as a nation – that political offices need to be positions of integrity. I pray that we start demanding integrity, credibility and accountability from our elected officials instead of sighing and smiling when they sing and dance over their pathetic campaign jingles during the campaign period.
12. I pray that we will vote intelligently and if our candidate lost cleanly, that we would join the winning candidate in pursuing what is best for our country.
13. I pray that we will be freed from our preoccupation with the prurient interests of the few in our midst.
Have you thought along these lines as well?
Let us pray for our country.
Let us pray that God would redeem our country from its downward path to moral disintegration.
Let us humble ourselves that God would deliver the Philippines from our past and our present.
God can redeem our country!
