Accepting the problem of 2025

I virtually didn’t wish to write an article this week. The Christmas season, as marked by the standard calendar, ended with the Epiphany—what we used to name the Feast of the Three Kings. Over the previous few weeks, buoyed by reminiscences of my private historical past and the festive spirit of Christmas 2024 and New Yr 2025, I managed to elevate myself above the political chaos of the previous yr. However now, a way of foreboding about what lies forward weighs on me.

This apprehension isn’t about political partisanship—there’s no want for that. Most Filipinos who aren’t a part of the elite circles of immense wealth and affect share the identical anxiousness. Whereas the privileged few will not be utterly resistant to the challenges forward, their assets present a cushion to melt the blows of political and financial crises. For the remainder of us, preparation—each materials and psychological—is crucial.

We closed final yr with what I can solely describe as a weird nationwide price range. Professor Cielo Magno, an professional within the area, didn’t mince phrases and known as it “probably the most corrupt nationwide price range ever.” With out her degree of experience, I merely discover it laughable—however in a manner that makes you wish to cry. It’s a price range designed not for nationwide pursuits, however for politicians within the Palace, Congress, the Senate, their sycophants, the DPWH and its contractors, and the DSWD, the place huge sums of ayuda will move. Let’s not neglect the general public officers who cling to their confidential and intelligence funds. This price range serves vested pursuits, not the folks.

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In the meantime, questions in regards to the use—or misuse—of PhilHealth funds refuse to fade away. Our schooling system fares no higher. Studying poverty threatens the standard of labor and productiveness for generations to come back, but DepEd faces price range cuts. We want an actionable framework to reverse this disaster, and it can not hinge on instructor wage will increase alone. Increased pay is important however inadequate until it interprets to improved information and abilities amongst college students in public faculties.

After which there’s agriculture, a perennial horror story. For many years, small farmers and fisherfolk have struggled whereas importers and large companies thrive. Nationwide management stays woefully incapable of charting a unique course. The Masagana 99 program of the Seventies had potential, however corruption derailed it, almost bankrupting the agricultural banking system. Half a century later, nothing has modified besides ballooning budgets, rising corruption indices, and unchecked confidential funds.

As midterm elections strategy, the lingering questions surrounding the 2022 presidential elections forged an extended shadow. The Comelec and the Nationwide Authorities insist all is nicely, but easy requests—like opening poll bins to match bodily and digital outcomes—are denied. Why? What hurt is there in primary transparency? This refusal reeks of vanity and a deliberate lack of accountability.

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Talking of accountability, the identical requirements being demanded of VP Sara Duterte concerning using confidential funds ought to apply to everybody: the President, the previous President, and all different officers entrusted with public cash. Billions in confidential and intelligence funds should be audited to make sure they serve nationwide pursuits, not private enrichment.

Professor Cielo Magno has make clear how a nationwide price range could be twisted till it reeks of corruption. Equally, former COA Commissioner Heidi Mendoza might educate us on the primacy of accountability in public service. These two revered UP professors exemplify experience and integrity—qualities we desperately want in our leaders. Their insights might validate the substantial public funding within the College of the Philippines.

However at the same time as we glance to people like them, we should do not forget that the last word duty lies with us. We should be taught from their instance and try to embody the identical values. Leaders replicate the folks they serve. If we tolerate dishonesty, our leaders can be dishonest. If we’re too afraid to uphold our ideas, that worry can be weaponized towards us.

Final week, I wrote that heroism is the one factor standing between us and break—not the grand, life-risking heroism we affiliate with revolutions, however the quiet, on a regular basis sort. It’s the heroism of being extra productive at present than yesterday as a result of the stakes are greater now. It’s the heroism that makes us love our lands, mountains, seas, maintain them wholesome to allow them to feed and defend us.

It’s the heroism of caring for the aged and the weak in our communities, of rekindling the bayanihan spirit. It’s the heroism of caring for the younger and the poor, taking them out not solely from starvation however helplessness, the heroism of creating their capability to be robust and finally impartial.

It’s the heroism of straightforward honesty in thought, phrase, and deed—the sort our ancestors wove into the material of our tradition. It’s the heroism that won’t settle for compromises to integrity, and the heroism to reward good deeds and elevate the frequent good.

Allow us to embrace that heroism. It’s ours to say.