The perennial morality problem that continues to beset our nation is being addressed only through curative measures. Instead of getting rid of this menace, it is getting worse. Proposed solutions fail to consider the advantage of a bilateral approach in order to attain success: that is through curative and preventive measures. We have to admit that present solutions to the problem have failed, and if the Aquino administration should follow the same path; no matter how sincere and honest it is, it will not succeed in eradicating corruption.
As a preventive measure, I suggest that children in the formative years (six years and under) be reared properly in order to become better children of God and better citizens of tomorrow. In doing so, when they grow into adulthood, they will not succumb to temptations to do wrong. Since values formation starts in the home, I believe that “Ang pag-aruga ng bata sa tamang paraan ay susi sa maayos at payapang sambayanan” (Proper child-rearing is key to a decent and peaceful nation).
In order to attain success in this undertaking, I formed a movement called “Crusade For A Better Youth Of Tomorrow” and wrote a book titled “The Pinoy Child” to serve as a guide for parents in rearing their young children the right way. The Filipino child in our view is no longer just a mouth to feed nor just a soul to care for, he is also a mind to nurture.
It is indeed lamentable that many people in both government and private sectors whom I invited to support my advocacy which is of national interest did not even give me the courtesy of a reply. In my opinion, fighting corruption should not just be government’s concern; it should also be the people’s as well. We cannot fight corruption without enlisting the people’s support, and we can’t get the people to our side without changing their culture. If we can have a culture of corruption, we can also have a culture of honesty.
If you believe in this cause, you are welcome to join this movement for the good of our country.
—NESTOR A. LACEDA SR., MD,
161-A Shaw Blvd. cor. JB Vargas St., Mandaluyong City