EDITORIAL - Dreaming of a new day

A recent survey by the Social Weather Station showed that nine out of 10 Filipinos are hopeful in 2010. Conducted from December 5 to 10 and published by national papers yesterday, the survey said that 89 percent of Filipinos will face the New Year with optimism.

With the country being battered by many problems in 2009, Filipinos can only hope for a better 2010 economically and politically. Their optimism stems from the fact that they want to erase the gruesome images of the present year.

Perhaps, 2009 is one of the worst years of the decade. It is the year of the death of an icon, natural calamities, mass murders and sea tragedies.

Millions wept when former president Cory Aquino died after a long battle with colon cancer. As the world mourned over her passing, Aquino left an indelible mark as Asian icon of democracy.

Typhoon Ondoy poured its wrath into Central Luzon, turning Metro Manila and nearby provinces into a virtual sea. It was the worst flooding in the capital in over 40 years.

As if it was not enough, Typhoon Pepeng followed and created havoc in Central and Northern Luzon. Flashfloods and landslides were everywhere, snuffing out hundreds of lives.

Damages brought about by the two storms were placed at P50 billion. As destructions were unimaginable, it would take years before those affected will return to live a normal life.

Manny Pacquiao and Efren Peñaflorida managed to steal the limelight. The boxing idol became the first boxer to win seven world titles in seven divisions while Peñaflorida was chosen Cable News Network Hero of the Year for his efforts to educate street children in Cavite.

But those proud moments courtesy of the two Filipino heroes were quickly erased by the Maguindanao massacre, which exposes the deadly political culture in the country.

Amid the seemingly insurmountable problems in 2009, Filipinos would naturally want a brighter New Year. With the country holding presidential elections in May and the economy back on track, our dream for a new day may finally come true.