MANILA, Philippines - The Filipino revolutionary — The phrase conjures images from our Araling Panlipunan lessons and textbooks or even from paintings of old depicting the history of the Philippine Revolution toward Independence. We see Andres Bonifacio shouting “Sugod mga kapatid!” We see bolos raised to the sky, angry faces, charging toward the enemy. We see the KKK flag in its red glory being waved among warring forces, mimicking the dramatic sway of torn-apart cedulas that have been ceremoniously thrown to the air. We see the revolution of the past.
Some would say that the time of the revolutionaries has passed. They argue that we have already gained our independence. But if you ask a streetchild who loiters our streets in search of food and change, or a farmer who bears the brunt of the sun all day for produce whose value he cannot fully claim, or a public school teacher amid a sea of students who tries with all her might to at least have her voice heard: I’m not sure whether they will agree that we have gained our independence.
The legacy, after all, of our independence is to dedicate the independence we now enjoy to liberate our country and people from all that still ensnares and shackles; from all that prevents true freedom to soar. Only by being an instrument of independence can we truly celebrate Independence Day.
So as we celebrate Independence Day, here’s a simple question: Would you ever consider being a Filipino revolutionary?
But take note: Being a revolutionary in this day and age might not be as dramatic as before. It does not involve being rallied by and forging a compact through the signature of our blood with charismatic and inspiring supremos. It also does not involve a big event, akin to the execution of a national hero by a firing squad, that will make the ground beneath our feet shake.
Instead, being a Filipino revolutionary now demands daily commitment to ask ourselves the following: What right action can I start doing today, from where I am? That question demands an answer and it will come from how we will revolutionize the very way we live, every single day, to make room for these right actions.
Today’s Filipino revolutionary volunteers generously in times of disaster.
Today’s Filipino revolutionary follows traffic rules, even at the cost of inconvenience.
Today’s Filipino revolutionary has the discipline to cross the street properly.
Today’s Filipino revolutionary segregates his trash properly and does what it takes to minimize wastage.
Today’s Filipino revolutionary not only holds government officials accountable; he shares in this accountability by participating in the best way he can to making things happen.
This is the revolution of the present. And it starts from our response, one tama at a time.
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Visit www.onetama.com for more concrete ideas on how you can be a Filipino revolutionary today.