MANILA, Philippines — "We must win our freedom by deserving it — exalting reason and dignity of the individual — loving what is just — what is good — what is great — even to the point of dying for it." — Dr. Jose Rizal

On this anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, let us recall how our nation was born. At a time when colonial Asia had barely began to dream of political emancipation, our founding fathers were already asserting their right to freedom.

113 years ago, a young and determined General Emilio Aguinaldo proudly raised our National Flag in Kawit, Cavite, accompanied by the spirited rendition of the original Marcha Nacional Filipina composed by Julian Felipe which is now our National Anthem. To arrive at that landmark in Kawit, a long line of generations — from Lapu-Lapu (and even before) to Jose Rizal — gave freely of themselves on the altar of nationhood.

Subsequently, at the Malolos Congress, our forebears manifested their collective will, thereby establishing the first constitutional nation-state in Asia, based on fresh ideas of freedom. Their concept of government emanated from the God-given equality of men, and the conviction that government’s purpose was to protect their inalienable and fundamental rights to liberty, fraternity, and the pursuit of happiness.

And since then, many more have offered life, fortune, and honor so that our nation might prosper, compete and achieve.

No greater gift than freedom

Those principles upon which our new Republic was founded are still relevant and paramount, and continuously animate the desire of peoples around the world for self-determination and independence.

Of all the gifts one generation can give another, none is greater than freedom — which every generation must expand. Freedom is a legacy we must enrich — and not abuse. It is also a call to duty for each Filipino.

If we are to extract the full meaning of Philippine Independence, we cannot be content with merely replaying our glorious past. It is not enough to eulogize our heroes. We must emulate them, and enhance their achievements with our caring, sharing, and daring for God, country, and people.

Plainly stated, we did not acquire Philippine democracy because of colonial benevolence. It was born out of our people's protracted struggles against foreign and homegrown tyrants.

Given the comparative advantages of the Philippines in terms of our talented people, vast natural resources, and our strategic geopolitical position in the Asia-Pacific, we ought to have succeeded much better by now in governing ourselves, and fostering our economic development and social cohesion. That we have not fully attained such desirable conditions is history's reproach to us.

It was Apolinario Mabini who remarked that the Filipino nation was born in pain. Much of that suffering was Mabini's own. He was the “Sublime Paralytic,” exiled to Guam for refusing to pledge allegiance to the U.S. after the semi-conclusion of the Philippine-American War. As the most prominent holdout against the American regime, he endured long periods of imprisonment.

Freedom exacts a high price

Freedom has always exacted a high price — which many Filipinos have not always been willing to pay.

Recall also, how — in the crucible of World War II and the trauma of the Marcos dictatorship — our people found enough strength in themselves to surmount adversity again and again. How, in February 1986, did we mobilize people power to expel a dictatorial regime? The answer is that, in the worst of times, Filipinos have always responded bravely to defend their freedom and dignity.

Today's circumstances are certainly different. The world has changed; so have people's needs and demands. Thus, it is no longer the force of arms but Filipino energy, intellect and determination that must be applied to bring about the better quality of life and higher position of respect in the family of nations that we envision.

If we are to overcome our problems and achieve our national aspirations, the same Filipino courage, resilience, and resolve of 1896 (Revolution), 1942 (Bataan/Corregidor), and 1986 (EDSA) are asked of us at this time.

Learning from our failures

Reflecting on the booms and busts in our history, our people seem to have repeatedly faltered during each new era. After brilliant triumphs, we appear to fall short again and again in the aftermath.

That is how we lost our headstarts in nation-building — in the 1950s by clinging to the illusion that self-government would effortlessly bring about development. Equipped with tools of earlier periods, we tried to make our way in the postwar world. By adopting unworkable models and copycat ideas, we missed the boat of modernization in the '60s, '70s, and '80s.

We can no longer afford these past delusions:

— That democracy without civic responsibility can insure development.

— That, while maintaining the unjust structures that have kept our economy stagnant, we can progress sustainably.

— That prosperity automatically trickles down from the rich few to the impoverished many.

Expectedly, we may fail again — if we content ourselves with flawed policies, unmeritorious bureaucrats and self-serving dynasties at this time of new opportunity under President Aquino III.

We cannot just pray for progress

Today, it is clear that there is hope for the nation only if there is hope for each Filipino.

There can be sustainable development only if there is peace and progress in every Philippine community.

Though we believe in the infinite mercy of Divine Providence, we cannot just pray our way to progress. We must also perform capably.

Nor can we beg or borrow our way to prosperity. We can attain development only if we produce quality Filipinos who can compete on equal terms with others anywhere.

We cannot improve government without eliminating corruption. We cannot have enduring peace and political stability without dismantling organized crime and terrorism. We cannot install efficiency in our economy without reforming the apportionment of wealth and power, and without releasing the energies and talents of ordinary Filipinos.

We have been enslaved by our complacency that bountiful Nature will provide our sustenance; our lack of pride in nationhood that emanates from a greedy culture of patronage; and mistaken notions that government must dole out and cater to our every need.

Developing as a democracy

Today, we must accept that developing as a democracy means reconciling interest groups and broadening consensus. It means coping with controversies and delays through due diligence and understanding, thereby rejecting instant gratification.

On one hand, we must take care that the steps we undergo do not transgress constitutional/legal limits. And, on the other, we must ensure those steps are not too tentative or too timid — as to exhaust people's patience and trust in our democratic processes.

In this modern world, we know freedom does not by itself bring about progress. We know how easily political power without accountability leads to impunity and plunder. And that, for the economy to move, there must be fairness and equal opportunity.

Fractionalism still dominate not just our politics but even our economy and social relations. For many, family interests often still count far more than people’s welfare and our nation’s integrity.

We know that in the real world, "work" must come before "success" — unlike in the dictionary. And we know change happens only if we dare to do the things that need to be done — over the objections of those who profit from our customary ways of mendicancy.

Nation-building still derailed

Even the democracy we assert so proudly is little more than a democracy of politics. If we Filipinos are to become a truly achieving national community, each must recognize that this nation is more than just an aggregation of clans, ethnic groups, and provincial clusters.

The work of nation-building — of transforming ourselves — is far from over. Independence consists of building a nation of Filipinos — a proud national society willing to stand up for its rights and, if necessary, of sacrificing for them.

We have yet to make democracy meaningful for common people, and to do this we need to meet two conditions:

First, we must attain an optimum of social equity, not only of income but also of opportunity — which enables individuals, families and communities to develop their full potentials, especially the poor.

Second, we must ensure every citizen effectively enjoys civil liberties not merely as a formal entitlement enshrined in the Constitution (that is more honored in the breach than in the observance), but as a day-to-day living experience.

We have already wasted too much national capital since 2000 vis-a-viz the mandate of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals.

Challenge to leaders

All these constitute the supreme challenge to our elected leaders, religious shepherds, and captains of industry – to mobilize our people so that they perform according to the call to duty, responsible citizenship, and teamwork.

The starting point is Malacañang.

Please send any comments to fvr@rpdev.org. Copies of articles are available at www.rpdev.org.