All over the world, every history book is replete with nationalistic writings – of heroism, gallantry and patriotism.
There are struggles, deaths, sacrifices – even betrayals.
Sadly, these harrowing experiences, although they left scars, did not amply teach the Filipinos the real meaning of peace, unity, freedom and independence.
Today, skepticism envelops the entire length and breadth of the nation. Every Filipino citizen is reeling in a confused mind-set and psychological chaos.
Most Filipinos are left in the dark as who and what to believe in. Their choices are not independently-made because they are hounded by half-truths that are spread by sectors and interest groups who have been trained to do black propaganda.
I am sure we are all agreed that we need to have peace in the land; peace that is enduring, peace that will transcend language, ethnic and cultural borders; peace that will teach the young generation of Filipinos today and the next to say: “you are my brother whoever you are and wherever you come from.”
The good news is that currently the Moro secessionist movement and the incumbent regime are in principle agreed to mutually map a peace plan in Mindanao that is inclusive, with both parties agreeing to a cessation of armed activities against the other. It seems to be working.
There is a feeling of confidence in the air (particularly in Mindanao), even if the Bangsamoro Basic Law begun by the previous administration did not see full fruition during its six-year term. The BBL was, unfortunately, overtaken by events (as its’ forerunner suffered the same fate in the GMA government) because the skepticism was much too much to contain from sectors who felt the endeavor was too political in sheer thought that it became exclusive.
In reality, it hurts to say that the truth being peddled then was only the truth that is being seen from the periscope of those involved in the transaction. Many people sensed that the peace document was being run roughshod over the protestations of other parties that were also fighting for the same principles but were nevertheless ignored if not given the cold shoulder treatment.
The question now arises: Will we Filipinos from all walks of life choose to subordinate our will in favor of other people’s opinions, preferences and approval regardless if these are against our collective desires and growth?
Oliver Goldsmith wrote: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling; but in rising every time we fall.”
This, in effect, reminds us anew of the sacrifices of our heroes who fought and fell, who dedicated their lives that this nation might be free.
Unity is not a strange word that is odd to our vocabulary. We displayed it when the Katipuneros organized by Gat Andres Bonifacio wielded even just their bolos and crudely-carved weapons against the abusive Spanish conquistadores. The Filipinos took up arms against the hegemonic Americans with unity as a patriotic theme. They parlayed the same heroic attitude against the Japanese invaders.
But against their own fellowmen, unity seemed a strange bedfellow. It is Greek to many Filipinos.
We lack the discipline to stave off the evil forces that divide us. We don’t possess the courage needed to drive away the negative monsters that overrun our ranks and disperse us. We simply retreat because we don’t know who we are and what we ought to achieve. We cower in fear because we did not have the faith and trust in our elected national leaders.
Yes, skepticism is killing us all.
The idea of federalism has not even taken a step beyond its portals and yet it is now subjected to critical violence in the media, absorbing a barrage of incredulous punches that have left it severely mangled and in disarray.
Yes, skepticism in the form of fear, doubt, uncertainty and lies is keeping the country from taking a bold step forward.
All things must be dealt with and Now is the time. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) God bless the Philippines!
