Letter to the Editor — Do we have freedom from poverty and want?

It was on June 12, 1898 that Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo declared our country's independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite.

Before this historical declaration, so many lives of our heroes and martyrs were lost just for the sake of freedom and independence.

Many died in the far-flung battlefields - from Mactan to Balintawak and from Ilocos region to Tirad Pass.

Freedom is the eternal heritage of our heroes and martyrs. It has been the dream of centuries of our forefathers before our time. It was the vision of everlasting hope from Mactan to Bataan.

Freedom is our exquisite passion flower for it arises in the auroral beauty of our soil enriched by the blood and flesh of the immortal heroes of our race.

Freedom is our eternal treasure and we should cherish it forever in our hearts and minds till the passing of time.

We may ask: Do we have freedom from poverty and want nowadays? The answer is an emphatic "no" because a vast majority of the masses of our people are wallowing in poverty and misery to the extent that by going abroad someday could alleviate their plight.

We are waiting for the very bright morning to shine over our horizon after the long nights of poverty and misery.

How many of us across the archipelago are struggling for survival while others are indulging in comfort and luxury where travel to foreign countries is their usual habit and attitude?

Another thing: How many students in our midst were not able to enroll this school year due to hardship and poverty?

Records and statistics revealed that only 10% of our populace are rich and well-to-do, while the rest of us are living below the poverty line.

In this context, it stands to reason that we do not have freedom from poverty and want but only freedom from colonial control and domination.

Jenner S. Lobedica
San Remegio, Cebu