As I celebrate my 74th year on this planet, my thoughts turn to what I would like to see during my lifetime. So, I’m going to make some birthday wishes and hope they come true while I’m around.

I wish for a healthy Philippines, where the children are well-fed and nourished, free from intellectual and physical stunting; where health care starts from the primary level of disease prevention; where Filipinos do not wait until their illness is far-advanced before seeking medical care; where all can access the same highest quality of care regardless of station in life; where the Department of Health is geared toward solving the health issues instead of being a lumbering and unhelpful bureaucracy; and where health care is fully paid for by PhilHealth, which we have been subsidizing our entire working lives.

I wish for a well-educated Philippines, where children don’t have to trek long distances and cross raging rivers to attend school; where the quality of education is the same high standard for all; where schools are well-built, well-equipped and well-maintained; where teachers are highly motivated, equipped with the proper learning tools, maintain the highest standards and are well-paid so as not to have to leave the country; where students can compete at the highest levels with other countries and not be a bottom-dweller in PISA scores; where all have equal opportunities to attend college without having to pawn the house; and where the Department of Education spends its budget wisely and not give it to a snack bar or treat.

I wish for a territorially-secure Philippines, where its boundaries are not threatened by external forces; where its armed forces are well-equipped and trained to defend the motherland; where its government officials do not kowtow to the enemy; where traitors are exposed and sent to jail or the gallows; and where all citizens are united in the face of external threats and will defend this country with their lives.

I wish for a beautiful and green Philippines, where forests are preserved and defended from further despoilation; where its native flora and fauna are protected and cherished; where the air is pure and fresh; where the rivers and lakes are pristine and clear; where the mountains are green and not denuded; where the seas are free from plastic waste; where government officials protect the environment rather than destroy it through greediness; and where all citizens recognize the value of a clean and beautiful Philippines.

I wish for a well-informed citizenry that gets its information from reliable sources, that doesn’t succumb to misinformation and disinformation; that doesn’t fall prey to all sorts of rackets and scams; that recognizes a good public official when it sees one; and that boots the corrupt and the incompetent out of government.

I wish for an orderly and safe transport system, where public transportation is free, clean and comfortable; where trains and buses run on time; where it can accommodate the riding public comfortably; where all can ride public transport regardless of station in life instead of squeezing into jampacked buses and trains; where accidents are minimized; where emergency care is available and arrives in time; where the roads are properly paved and maintained, where traffic is orderly and one can arrive at his/her destination on time rather than stew in traffic for hours; and where the Departments of Transportation and Public Works and Highways are rid of corruption.

I wish for clean, orderly and informed elections, where the well-meaning, well-equipped, honest and competent candidates are elected by the people who are not deceived by false promises and bought with money and goods good for a day or two; and where the corrupt, dynastic, incompetent and good-for-nothings are rejected at the ballot box.

I wish for the Filipino people to care about one another, regardless of station in life, religion, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation; and to treat each other equally regardless of regional origin, dialect, customs and traditions.

I wish for prosperity for all Filipinos, not just for the elite few who thrive on the backs of the suffering of the great majority; that all may have decent housing and jobs; that many will not have to leave their families to work abroad; that the farmers who feed the country are given their just dues and not be exploited by middlemen and businesses; that all are given the appropriate salaries commensurate to their educational achievements and competence, especially the nurses and medical technologists; that all are given the opportunities in life to make the best out of their capabilities; that the homeless and the informal settlers be given permanent and affordable homes; and that our ethnic minorities thrive and preserve their heritage.

So much to wish for, but I can dream, can’t I?