HOW wonderful it is to be a Filipino, in these times.
These were the words left by President Benigno Aquino III on his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday, at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
“My bosses, let us remember: where did we begin? If you have doubts now, compare them with the doubts we all carried in 2010. Were we not happy enough then just to see the darkness end?,” President Benigno Aquino III reminded his audience on Monday, before the joint session of Congress.
Pres. Aquino delivered a detailed report of the Philippines’ performance in the past year. Through his SONA, Aquino presented statistics on how positive transformation transpired within his administration.
In a nutshell, Aquino’s 2013 SONA is a review of the many accomplishments that his government has made and a reiteration of the developments the nation has achieved in the past year.
Aquino also gave a stern warning to intransigent government officials and erring agencies who still hamper his goal of an inclusive growth.
“This is why, from the very onset, we have fought against corruption in all levels of government and pushed for the transformation of our institutions. The result: public service that truly benefits our countrymen,” Aquino said.
“Let us be honest: Even today, there are still those in government who seemingly refuse to change. It is disheartening to discover the depth and breadth to which they have branched out in the bureaucracy; the moment we look away, someone is sure to be taken advantage of and victimized,” Aquino explained.
Until his regime is over, more heads will roll and will be held accountable.
“My patience has run out. You were given three years to demonstrate your readiness to change; now, I shall pursue all of you and hold you accountable. No hard feelings,” Aquino said as his last warning.
Pres. Aquino prepared the groundwork. But, there is more to be done. The lasting solution for this country’s problems must come from within. From an individual’s sense of responsibility, each family’s structure, and the community’s sense of togetherness.
“The road ahead of us is long; and we never said it would be easy – or that we could tread this path free of challenge. But I do not doubt our capacity to overcome any obstacle. We did not achieve our current success by chance. Let us not allow this transformation to be temporary; let us seize this opportunity to make the change permanent,” Aquino said.
The Philippines is ready to ride the tides of progress. Aquino said he can’t wait until these achievements trickle down to every Filipino.
“If we begin to invest in our future today, no further problems will be handed down to the next generation of Filipinos,” Aquino said.
The fruits of these developments will only spread more equitably if all Filipinos join Aquino on his journey to a “daang matuwid (straigh path).” It is every Filipino’s turn to continue this job – of creating a palpable future that the coming generations of Juan and Juana Dela Cruz will enjoy.
“You are my witnesses: We have no plans to hand down problems to our successors. In truth, projects that were left to decay in the past are now truly benefiting the people,” Aquino further said.
And to those who criticize this positive report, Aquino has this question: “The government has been fulfilling its obligation to the people, but let us ask ourselves: How have I contributed to the solution?”
(AJPress)
