We Filipinos still lack the main ingredient of nationhood—the sense of nationalism and true discipline. We have undergone all sorts of challenges—calamities, revolutions, disunity, destabilization, extreme poverty, heinous crimes, etc.—but always, we managed to survive. That makes us distinct from other peoples; we are survivors without peer.
We can be more. We can be more patriotic, take pride in our culture, and work to acquire discipline as a nation, but starting with ourselves. This is key to our unending quest to be true Filipinos.
We should also take a look at our history for it is rich with lessons. Our bloodline is that of heroes. The thought should inspire us more to do better as a people.
Times are hard and we face challenges more than ever. Let’s work for a better 2014. The success of any endeavor largely depends upon the cooperation of everyone.
—PRISCILLA B. ECHAVE,
priscilla_echave@yahoo.com