OUR UP High 79 class has a Viber and an FB Messenger account that serves as our outlet for news, views and all other stuff we share to keep in touch.
Admittedly, sometimes the stuff we share is sad news — when a batchmate or a relative passes away or someone falls ill. But this allows us to circle the wagons, so to speak, with our batch president Judge Amifaith Fider-Reyes in the lead, raising funds and asking for prayers and any other form of help. And batchmates respond very generously.
Yesterday, someone posted excerpts from the speech of Danizza Fortuna, the UP Law Class of 2023 valedictorian. A fighting speech, it exhorted the batch to “not shy away from challenging the status quo, dismantling oppressive structures, and holding those in power accountable for their actions.
“Use our privilege and our knowledge to resist inequality even if, and especially if, it is the hardest thing to do,” she said. She noted that the very people who paid for her education were the same people “who are at the receiving end of the inequalities perpetuated by the system and the abuses and violations carried out by the very government that swore to uphold and protect their rights and interests.”
I think I triggered a mild storm of reaction when I posted this: “Sadly, I’ve heard those words spoken so many times before.”
‘… calls to serve the people are always applause grabbers and I myself would be one to applaud. But beyond being a great refrain in a speech, over the years I’ve seen the call fall on deaf ears.’
I was feeling naughtily cynical yesterday morning.
I need not detail the reactions my post provoked. Two of our batch who chose to enter public service reiterated their pride in the career path they have chosen (which we applaud); they also expressed joy in sharing the sentiments of those who still believe there is hope in the Filipino.
Others stated that they do their share in nation-building by making sure they follow the laws and rules and regulations of our country, lining up where it is required and not jumping lines except when you (we are almost all senior citizens now) are entitled to do so.
One batchmate was even more direct, saying that if Filipinos simply 1) followed the law starting with the most basic like traffic regulations; 2) stayed in queues except where jumping the line is allowed such as for seniors; and 3) arrive on time as a sign of respect and a way to honor a commitment, then ours would be a much better country.
All correct, yes? But the fact that all of the above are not yet givens in our country explains why I was naughtily cynical. These are supposed to be givens. But they’re obviously not. And if, as I enter my 61st year, these things remain aspirational and not givens, can you blame me for losing hope?
In fact, I posed a simple question to the batch. I asked them: are we better off at 60 than our parents at this same age? And is the country better off today than when our parents were 60?
Some of us will answer yes to both, some might answer no to both, and some will be positive for only one of the two. While ideally, our answers should be yes to both, the fact is I don’t think we can easily answer the second question positively.
This is why calls to serve the people are always applause grabbers and I myself would be one to applaud. But beyond being a great refrain in a speech, over the years I’ve seen the call fall on deaf ears.
We applaud those who selflessly serve the people. But if their tribe doesn’t increase by leaps and bounds then the problems of our society from 30 years ago will remain the problems of our society 30 years hence.
