August 4, 2009

Democracy was something the Filipinos worked hard for especially during the said dark days of Martial Law Rule. It was a concept and a dream that was so evasive.

So many events transpired like the death of then Senator Ninoy Aquino, the snap elections, people power and President Aquino assuming the presidency that restored democracy in our beloved country. For the much younger generations, democracy seems to be something for granted since it is just a given but for those who fought for it, it is a diamond that must be well taken care of. As they say, never again will they allow someone to deprive them of their liberty and freedom.

In the first day of August, the symbol and mother of the restoration of democracy, former President Cory Aquino, passed away. It might have been something people were expecting to happen due to her lingering illness and much publicized battle with cancer for over a year now but I was still left in a state of disbelief and denial. I couldn’t believe a moral leader who fought for each Filipino even as a citizen after her presidency would be taken away from us. I couldn’t believe that someone who is good and kind hearted who could still do so much for our country is now gone. She seemed to always think of the country first before her politics or herself.

It might take some time for me to accept that our former leader in yellow who took the reins of power when I was only 7 years old has left our world but as what a number of people have said her influence and leadership remains. Her battle for democracy has been revived in us due to the various media tributes for her. She will always serve as an inspiration to the Filipinos.

Let us honor her and all of the people before her who constantly fought for our country especially its democracy by being vigilant and participating in activities for the good of our country. Good bye Pres. Cory and thank you for everything.

As what I usually say as my battle cry or my usual spiel, Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

August 2, 2009

Our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal once said that the youth are the hope of our country. Today, the youth is said to be a strong force that can affect politics, business, fashion, music and other important things in life. The concern is if the youth nowadays go with their passion and idealism to be vigilant and make sure their voices are heard.

I always hear and see young people who wish for less traffic, better infrastructure, more employment opportunities, better housing options, excellent public service, more affordable communications, cleaner and better looking surroundings, and the like. There are also those who blame other people for the bad state of certain things in our community or country especially politicians. They feel that it is all the responsibility of people holding political offices.

Majority of the electorate is below 35 years old. These voters are part of the strong youth vote. The thing is we have to make our strong and collective voices heard. If we want improvement and change it should start from each of us. We should be part of governance and it should start with us choosing the right and best fit for the position leaders. Let us not stop their but also be vigilant and critical of the steps our chosen leaders take.

We have the biggest stake in what our leaders do today for they are working for our future. It is best that we start working with them by being involved and put in our idealism to make the world much better than it is right now.

As what I usually say as my battle cry or my usual spiel, Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

July 28, 2009

There is a saying that goes “youth moves and decides based on impulse and emotion like there’s no tomorrow while experience believes it knows everything and takes it’s time”.

When one is young, he is sometimes seen as an amateur and one who needs to get more experience to be taken seriously or be respected. When one is very experienced, he is sometimes seen as someone who might not be teachable or open to new things and might lack the energy needed.

There will always be pro’s and con’s on anything even on the topic of age. I would like to think that competence, skill, talent, preparedness and willingness are not solely based on age. It would be unfair to judge people solely based on the way they look, the way they dress up and based on their age. Sometimes, we even get surprised of young people who know a lot and who succeed in life quickly. Also, we can be amazed of how experienced people can still be so sharp and open minded.

Success is not based on age. Respect and chances should be afforded to anyone regardless of age. Whatever age one is, he or she can be successful, trustworthy and competent.

Thus, youth should not be put against experience but rather youth should complement experience and vice versa.

As what I usually say as my battle cry or my usual spiel, Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

July 20, 2009

About 10 months to go before the elections, the heat of the campaign has been steadily rising. We hear, read and know about people interested in running for local and national posts more and more through mainstream media and new media. It seems that election preparations are much earlier than the usual most probably because of the much earlier deadline of the filling of candidacy which is scheduled end of November this year. This seems to have forced those who are thinking of running for elective posts to prepare early and to finalize their plans before the deadline. For the first time in Philippine election history, there will be declared and official candidates for the upcoming elections for about 6 months before the day of the elections.

Aside from the change of schedule of the filling of candidacy, the biggest change for the 2010 elections and the reason for the early filling of candidacy is the automation of the elections. People now will have a different manner and way of voting. It is said that there would be ready ballot with all positions and names of candidates in alphabetical order there. The voter would just shade their preferences from the list given. After which, the ballot will be counted by the machine so that results will be known in an instant. Some say there will still be manual voting because of the shading of circles with the choices of candidates but there will also now be an automated counting of ballots/votes.

With such major changes and other minor changes, there is a need for candidates to change strategies and plan schedules, and there is also an important role of COMELEC and other cause oriented groups to do massive voter information and education.

Let us all grab the opportunity to register before the October 31 deadline and to vote well next year. Voting equalizes all peoples of different backgrounds. We all have one vote and the right to be heard. Let us make sure we entrust our country and localities to good hands.

I would like to end with my usual spiel or battle cry, para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.