Good Morning, Pilipinas

Rise and Shine!

Today, we celebrate our Independence Day. I know some of you wonder, are we really, truly free?

I have been thinking of that too. I know we are not completely free as long as many of our people do not have homes of their own, are hungry most of the time and fear for their lives.

The recent events in our national government such as the sneaky passing of the resolution for a Constituent Assembly to change the constitution and the death of the hardworking and heroic Sumilao farmer Ka Rene, are enough news to break our hearts.

But you know what, I continue to have hope. There is always hope!

In Davao, a prominent landed family has donated several hectares of land to their farmers, built homes for them and provided them with livelihood.

In Nueva Ecija, volunteers cleaned and restored a school in the spirit of bayanihan (teamwork), now young kids do not have to study uncomfortably while seated on a floor of mud.

In Makati, companies and employees are pooling their resources to build homes for their poor neighbors.

In Quezon City, former street children who lived under the bridges and in cemeteries are back in school and living securely in their own homes.

In Sulu, a poor Muslim community is living in their new GK village after 200 brave young men and women came to build in Panglima Estino three months ago.

In Hong Kong, a Filipino overseas worker returned a large amount of money despite being in need and homeless too.

In America, Australia, the Middle East, and Ireland, Filipino immigrants are working hard not only for their kin but for building GK villages to care for the poor in their towns.

In Boston today, government officials are setting aside political agendas in lieu of development goals, seeking the best answer to the question: How can I best help my people?

Every day in GK communities, residents are building homes for their neighbors with the help of volunteers who give of their time and skills, setting aside competing school affiliations, realizing that their true identity is Filipino above all.

The youth in the GK villages are growing up witnessing living heroes in their midst, learning about age-old Filipino values like bayanihan and malasakit (genuine concern) expressed in concrete terms.

I have hope because every day I see the greatness of the ordinary Filipino making extraordinary change.

There is hope for the Philippines, I believe that with all my heart. Filipino talent is starting to leave a mark in the international scene. The boxer, the singer, and the director are but the tip of the ice berg.

Many more talents remain undiscovered and untapped like the recent softball player champ who hailed from Smokey Mountain, like the kids who are roaming the streets begging for your attention and love.

Let me share more good news! Today, we are planting the seeds of true freedom.

Today in the United States, the vision for a first-class, slum-free, healthy, abundant and progressive Philippines is going to be unveiled. Today, all sectors of our society from the government, business, academe, church, military, media, private citizens and the overseas Filipinos are represented, taking that bold step towards unity, honoring their commitment to help their countrymen.

Today, the greatness in the Filipino prevails. We are born to a country of heroes. Nobility is in our blood. Sure, there is weakness. But there is also strength and courage! Courage not only to stand against corruption and poverty; but brave enough to trust and believe in all that is good in the beautiful, talented, heroic Pearl of the Orient.

“They say I'm a dreamer,” John Lennon sings, oh, but I am not the only one! And I am pleased to share that the country of our dreams is steadily becoming a reality.

The GK Global Summit in Boston will unveil this day the emerging Asian model for development. With over 1,700 GK communities all over the country, addressing the needs of the majority of Filipinos, our hope for a bright future for the Philippines is well on its way.

Today Filipinos are standing tall, embracing their roots, recognizing their true worth, and reaching out.

Rise my country, for you are deeply loved. One day soon, you will be completely free and God's plan of prosperity and joy for you will be fulfilled.

This is reason enough to celebrate because we have hope and our hope is in our hands.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Maligayang Muling Pagsilang!

About the Photo: A poor Filipino family in Bicol whose house was destroyed by a raging typhoon has a new home because of the care of ordinary Filipinos. This picture was taken at dawn by Hyds Valencia, a GK volunteer. There is always hope. Bawat Pilipino Bayani!