A hopeful narrative on the aspiration of a people worthy of honor and respect

In the movie “Heneral Luna,” Gen. Antonio Luna (enacted by John Arcilla) said, “Ipakita natin na tayong mga Filipino ay kagalang galang.” Such inspiring words were especially fitting when Filipinos in the entire course of the colonial period were detested, despised, and viewed as inferior by our colonizers. General Luna and other great men of this country gave their lives so that Filipinos may have freedom and be regarded with respect. Today we have freedom, but do we have the image of a people that is worthy of admiration by others?

Assuredly, I answer this question in the affirmative not because Filipinos are without fallibility but because I believe that a greater number of our countrymen are decent, respectable people. I know that in spite of the limited, if not lack of, opportunity in our country many Filipinos manage to subsist on the little that they have and become successful in their endeavors because they have resourcefulness, resiliency, and admirable character. I also know that countless Filipinos, from all walks of life, reap accolades here in our country and all over the world for their diligence, honesty, and hard work. These fellow countrymen symbolize our country and portray an image of a people deserving of honor and respect.

Yet, some of our countrymen engage in less than noble acts. Driven by avarice, chicanery, and dishonesty, they deceive and take advantage of others. Incidentally, enormous amounts of money, (P700 billion, almost 20 percent of national budget, according to reports) are lost to corruption every year. Still, more than half of Filipinos consider themselves poor because of social and economic inequality. These do not portray a pleasant image of a nation of hardworking, diligent, and respectable people.

So again—do we Filipinos have an image worthy of admiration? It is imperative that we look at ourselves in the mirror and search our hearts for the answer. Certainly, no one knows us better than ourselves, and there is not a more meaningful answer than our own. We must therefore examine ourselves and answer this question with sincerity so that we may determine the root of our predicament and find the solution to our problems. If we do these not only do we fulfill our great heroes’ aspiration but also elevate our country and ourselves to greater heights. Then we can say we are not subjects to be detested and despised but noble people worthy of honor and respect.

Julius D. Turgano,

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