In Search of The Filipino “Juan”

Developing a strong sense of social responsibility, promoting governance guided by sound ethics and moral principles, and fostering a collective sense of contributing to the nation’s well being seem to be three of the biggest challenges of Juan dela Cruz in these times. I have been in search of Juan in the past six years, in an era devoid of civil society engagement amid so much abuse in power, human rights violations, and unethical governance. With the recent news on a member of the LGBTQ community portraying Hesus Nazareno while dancing to a rock and roll version of the Lord’s Prayer, thus offending the sensibilities of many- one may ask, where has our nation’s moral character gone?

Globalization, technological advancement and the age of social media may have their benefits, but they seem to have eroded the traditional Filipino values we have long held, and which the heroes and heroines of our country have lived and died for. What are we passing on to the young generation- our grandchildren and their own children in the future? What are we doing to their sense of pride as Filipinos and their cultural heritage?

Educational institutions, parents and families play crucial roles in the collective effort toward nation-building. With the complex issues facing us today, they are the most important duty-bearers in shaping the nation, and bringing it to a more positive direction.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“There is one dream that we all Filipinos share: that our children may have a better life than we have had. To make this country, our country, a nation for our children.”

- Jose W. Diokno

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14-15