A Dream for a Better Philippines

The first 100 days of President Aquino in Malacañang was heralded with the not so good news that happened in our country.  Yes, we are now in the new chapter in the history of our country, yet seemingly no remarkable changes are happening.  We have been bombarded almost every day as we listen to daily news with bad news happening around despite the call for change amid the youth’s theme , “Ako ang Simula.” 

Last August 23, 2010, we shocked the world with the hostage-taking by  the former police officer Rolando Mendoza, who was removed from office due to his alleged involvement in extortion, which ended with the death of  8 Chinese nationals and the hostage taker himself.   A few weeks after that, a strong blast was reported in La Salle, Manila on the last day of the Bar Examinations held in the said university, which injured some law students.   To add to the list, during the demolition of houses in a squatters’ area in San Roque, Quezon City, violence erupted when the residents wrestled with the police in trying to stop them from destroying their shanties.

With these scenarios in our country,  we cannot help but be desperate and may even ask, “Is there really a good future for us?”  or “Is  it just an illusion to hope that there will still be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?”

After the May 2010 elections, most of our countrymen heaved a sigh of relief, believing that may be with P-noy’s leadership, we may have hopes for the future.  In fact, right after the elections, an SWS survey was conducted measuring the trust rating of  President Aquino.  Results of the survey nationwide reveal the highest trust rating of 85% obtained by the president so far compared with his predecessors. This high trust rating given to President Aquino entails high expectations too from his governance.  For how long would the people trust Aquino’s leadership remains in question. It all lies not only in the hands of P-Noy, but also of his cabinet officials.  Much has to be done.  With the current state of our country, it will be a Herculean labor for any president to push our country forward, especially if he is the only one pushing. 

As what John F. Kennedy said in his speech, “Do not  ask what America can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.”  It takes a joint effort of every citizenry to propel this country’s progress.  If we will not start from ourselves to manifest the change that our country needs, it will be hopeless to dream for a better Philippines.