#18 Chua, Patricia Andrea L.

2A-MT Soc-Ant 09/03/2014

A MORAL RECOVERY PROGRAM: BUILDING A PEOPLE BUILDING A NATION
By: Patricia Licuanan
Synopsis:
The Philippines marks EDSA People Power Revolution every year in February. Even
though it was 26 years ago, it is evident that this bloodless revolution is one of the core
contributors of our identity as Filipinos. It is considered as a milestone in our history because it
toppled a dictatorship of the Marcos regime. All of a sudden, our country was in the map again.
The rich and the poor were together, there were distinctions. Hopes were high for the country.
For the first time in 20 years, we are free! An ordinary housewife then, former President
Corazon Aquino took over our country and as they say The rest was history.
Filipinos in general are family oriented and kind-hearted. We are hardworking, flexible,
creative, religious and most of all, we see humor in even the most serious situation. Good traits,
I may say. For we have showed in countless ways that in unity there is strength. Our faith in
God has always carried us through. Prayers have always been our tool in the most difficult
times of our lives. We have the ability to adapt and accept changes, therefore making us
flexible in welcoming new challenges. Filipinos are also known to be joyous and positive people,
no matter how many ups and downs our life has to offer, we always get to look at the glass
half-filled and not half-empty. Too bad enough, our strengths can sometimes be our
weaknesses. At times we tend to overlook things or situations because of wanting to please
other people. This is very evident especially in politics, where political dynasties are formed by
giving preference to our relatives. By wanting to please people within our family, we forget to
think that the common good of the people, thus leading to graft and corruption. We need to
separate work from personal relationships. More often, we lack the discipline and drive to give
our best in our endeavours as we have the attitude of Bahala na si Lord Pwede na rin.
Because we were under the rule of different countries before, it is inevitable that we were able
to adapt to their lifestyle. It shows in the way we dress, the love for imported goods and even in
our manner of speaking. We use English as a medium of instruction in our own country. Sad,
but true.
If we have our ancestors as our roots, then so do our characteristics. Namely, the home
and environment, social environment, culture and language, history, educational system,
religion, economic environment, political environment, the mass media and leadership and role
models. Having said the different characteristics and their roots, Ms. Licuanan also indicated
some of the goals and different strategies we should develop. We should have a sense of
patriotism and national pride, alongside with that is to look beyond selfish interests and think
about the consequences of our actions. We should also have integrity as well as accountability
to avoid graft and corruption. In addition to this, we must value discipline and hard work since
these are the tools for a peaceful and better future not only for us but also for our country. In
order for us to be able to achieve these goals, we must practice different strategies. The
strategies must be able to emphasize change not only in the power-holders but also in the
masa. Strategies must be holistic, they should not only take the objective viewpoint into
consideration but also the subjective perspective. And most importantly is that, these strategies
must be interconnected to the daily lives of the people in which it involves the act of will and
self-sacrifice.
Building a people, building a nation, thus said by Patricia Licuanan. This statement
implies that in order to build a strong nation, we must have a strong foundation, the people.
We should eliminate our weaknesses and develop our strengths by analyzing, understanding
and appreciating them. And by doing so, it will easier for us to build a strong nation through
economic recovery, reestablishment of democratic institutions and to achieve the goals of
peace and genuine social justice.
Critique:
The article was too broad, covering almost if not all aspects of a Filipino. Most of those
pointed out were true, but we have to understand that ours is a nation of mixed cultures.
Whether we like it or not, our colonizers play a very big part of our culture. What we are now
was also influenced by them in a way. True, we must patronize our own, but do we get quality
products from our own country? Are the people in position doing their part in ensuring that our
products are marketed properly? With regards to patriotism, we want to use our own language
as a medium of instruction in school, and yet we complain when we are not at par with other
Asian countries, thus adapting the K12 system of education. We want to excel in sports, and
yet, our athletes get no support from our government? Private sectors are the ones funding our
athletes, worse, the athletes themselves have to pay for their own training.
The only permanent thing in this world is change. If it is for the advancement of our
nation, then I see no reason for it as a hindrance. A single person can make a difference. We
cant expect the government to do all of these. It has to start somewhere. Let us support
community projects which aim to promote our local products. Help people in position by
reporting irregularities within our place. Organize small groups which help sports development.
We need to understand that in order to love our country and people, we need to love
ourselves, to understand our duties and responsibilities as a person. Learn to value our self-
worth, believe that we can initiate change. Remember to always speak our native tongue.
Choose good leaders. Be proud of your heritage for we can only move forward if we learn from
our mistakes.
Let us not put to waste what we have fought for 26 years ago. If we need to go to the
streets every year to remind us of our legacy, so be it!