Moving forward
Published Jun 04, 2022 00:05 am
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Updated Jun 04, 2022 00:05 am
PAGBABAGO
Dr. Florangel Rosario-Braid
We are starting another chapter in our history, so to speak.
A hundred twenty-four years ago, our forefathers, our heroes, risked their lives in the pursuit of freedom and better lives. Theirs was an uncompleted task and those who followed did the same. Several popular movements and a revolution followed, but today, we still find ourselves a country waiting to become a nation. With each turnover in leadership, we discover something amiss as we saw our neighboring countries, some beneficiaries from our tutelage overtake us. This, despite our rich natural resources and an educated workforce. We simply were unable to sustain whatever gains we had made. The tragedy is that our country today finds itself at the bottom of the pit in several economic and social surveys.
After a divisive presidential race, we continue to remain divided. In the process however, we rediscovered our strengths. Volunteerism, the capacity for self-sacrifice, to share, to cooperate. This was a miracle, our friends outside the country would say after learning that it was a campaign funded by people themselves.
The latter lost, but in the process, they had gained confidence, and greater resolve.
This is where the country now finds itself. The people want peace, unity, and want to be reassured that their voices would be heard. And that the new administration would welcome critical collaboration. I think that the many volunteer organizations that supported the Pink Movement would like to continue with their advocacy for reforms by becoming “bridges” between the people and their communities, and the government.
Thus, they are watching with vigilance, moves by the new administration. It’s pronouncement of policies, and appointment of new officials. We hear applause on the choice of its economic team which they recognize as seasoned officials known for their competence, integrity, and of proven ability to negotiate with international partners. But some sectors had questioned the choices of heads of some critical agencies.
Of all government agencies, the poor and marginalized had looked up to the social welfare department which they regard as a responsive partner especially during crisis times. In fact, the agency does not merely respond; it also anticipates. Indigenous communities today represent some 10 to 20 percent of our population. They do not only suffer from poverty but have also been victimized in the anti-terror war. They will require a supportive government agency to protect them. Since we are still a country at risk from Covid-19 and and from future pandemics , it is important to have the top health official who is acceptable to all sectors.
In our multicultural world where multilateralism is the key to diplomacy, we need a foreign affairs department that is sensitive, and forward looking in a world that is continually being challenged by conflict, and global changes.
We hope to see an effective justice system. I remember hearing the story of a poor man who was asked about what he preferred – food or justice, he said he preferred justice for if he had that, he would be assured of food on the table.
We hope to see an effective collaboration between government, and advocates in the promotion of arts in the task of unifying as well as enriching our cultural diversity. As well as ensure that disinformation, and the continuing proliferation of fake news would be addressed adequately.
Thus, we cannot overemphasize the need to involve the people through their representatives in the consultations on choices of officials to head these critical government offices. These consultations could also assist in the promotion of mutual trust, and unity in goals and visions, and especially that of love of country.
My e-mail, Florangel.braid@gmail.com
Dr. Florangel Rosario-Braid
We are starting another chapter in our history, so to speak.
A hundred twenty-four years ago, our forefathers, our heroes, risked their lives in the pursuit of freedom and better lives. Theirs was an uncompleted task and those who followed did the same. Several popular movements and a revolution followed, but today, we still find ourselves a country waiting to become a nation. With each turnover in leadership, we discover something amiss as we saw our neighboring countries, some beneficiaries from our tutelage overtake us. This, despite our rich natural resources and an educated workforce. We simply were unable to sustain whatever gains we had made. The tragedy is that our country today finds itself at the bottom of the pit in several economic and social surveys.
After a divisive presidential race, we continue to remain divided. In the process however, we rediscovered our strengths. Volunteerism, the capacity for self-sacrifice, to share, to cooperate. This was a miracle, our friends outside the country would say after learning that it was a campaign funded by people themselves.
The latter lost, but in the process, they had gained confidence, and greater resolve.
This is where the country now finds itself. The people want peace, unity, and want to be reassured that their voices would be heard. And that the new administration would welcome critical collaboration. I think that the many volunteer organizations that supported the Pink Movement would like to continue with their advocacy for reforms by becoming “bridges” between the people and their communities, and the government.
Thus, they are watching with vigilance, moves by the new administration. It’s pronouncement of policies, and appointment of new officials. We hear applause on the choice of its economic team which they recognize as seasoned officials known for their competence, integrity, and of proven ability to negotiate with international partners. But some sectors had questioned the choices of heads of some critical agencies.
Of all government agencies, the poor and marginalized had looked up to the social welfare department which they regard as a responsive partner especially during crisis times. In fact, the agency does not merely respond; it also anticipates. Indigenous communities today represent some 10 to 20 percent of our population. They do not only suffer from poverty but have also been victimized in the anti-terror war. They will require a supportive government agency to protect them. Since we are still a country at risk from Covid-19 and and from future pandemics , it is important to have the top health official who is acceptable to all sectors.
In our multicultural world where multilateralism is the key to diplomacy, we need a foreign affairs department that is sensitive, and forward looking in a world that is continually being challenged by conflict, and global changes.
We hope to see an effective justice system. I remember hearing the story of a poor man who was asked about what he preferred – food or justice, he said he preferred justice for if he had that, he would be assured of food on the table.
We hope to see an effective collaboration between government, and advocates in the promotion of arts in the task of unifying as well as enriching our cultural diversity. As well as ensure that disinformation, and the continuing proliferation of fake news would be addressed adequately.
Thus, we cannot overemphasize the need to involve the people through their representatives in the consultations on choices of officials to head these critical government offices. These consultations could also assist in the promotion of mutual trust, and unity in goals and visions, and especially that of love of country.
My e-mail, Florangel.braid@gmail.com