We join all Filipinos in celebrating genuine independence for our country once again on this day.
The continuing debates as to what date we should commemorate and remember our independence day (whether it is on the 12th of June or the 4th of July or even August, with the cry of Balintawak/Pugad Lawin) call attention to the elusiveness of or lack of clarity about genuine independence for our people and for our land.
What independence are we celebrating today and when should we celebrate our independence?
If independence is defined as freedom from foreign control, from the colonizers, then Philippine independence may fall within the above dates for the declaration of such cries or the raising of our own flag vs Spain and the USA.
Independence, however, surely means more than cries or flag-raising? Should not independence mean the affirmation of who we originally are or were before foreigners or the native elites who followed them created the thick wall of cultural, economic , and political inequality among our people?
We were then a very proud people, with our distinct cultures and lifestyles where everyone was treated as family members within social networks of support and assistance. There were no poor or rich, no inequality as glaring as now or during the colonial periods.
Are we celebrating that independence of our original peoples and continued by our indigenous peoples where they are in what is left of their previous vast territories?
Are we recalling the self-reliance and self-sufficiency of our ancestors, who prior to colonization, had enough food for all, and even had surpluses to trade with other nations as far as China and the Middle East?
Are we proudly celebrating the independence of our people who built the grand rice terraces that reverberate with so much pride for the voluntary work of love that created the sustainable food producing structures and for the love, respect, and partnership shown by the rice terraces builders for Mother Nature and for themselves, and for future generations?
Are we celebrating the independence of equal people, of children of God who are equal here on earth as well as before God?
Are we casting off the chains of bondage, the great gap between the rich and poor in our midst?
Are we calling and claiming, once again today, for genuine liberation of our vulnerable people from hunger, from poverty, from homelessness, from landlessness, from unemployment , and from sickness?
Are we raising the flag of hope and commitment that from this day forward, all of us will do our share to ensure that true independence, where children can run free, where no one is forgotten or ignored by people and governments, will become a reality soon?
Are we joining hands and show our support with those who will gather at Fuente Osmena this afternoon (from 130-5pm) for a Mass/Interfaith Rally to show support to all the groups in the country fighting the pork barrel scam and to continue pursuing the prosecution process of those charged?
Today, shall we demand the protection of freedom of speech and information and demand justice for those who gave up their lives in pursuit of freedom for our people and demand protection for all others who are still alive to keep the flame of freedom alive?
Shall we offer special prayers today, as well, for our children, that they will see before their eyes how their elders are doing their best to attain genuine independence from inequality, from hate, from abuse and corruption, from post-colonial control?
From this day onward, may our children realize the beauty of our ancestral identity and pride and may they relish the fruits of a proud, dignified, honest, independent people and country soon.
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Email: cherryb_thefreeman@yahoo.com