Hope and Unity

By Gonzales and Santocildes

Years passed yet I still look back to that same places of my early years. I’ve shared a bed with an orphan, asked for alms on the street along with the other kids, toiled the land to help provide my family’s needs. I’ve hated the fact of witnessing how injustice took the life of my innocent father, accused of drug use, and the death of my sick mother because of the incapacity of sending her to hospital. I grieve for abandoned children, abused and taken for granted, for women and this country’s aging citizens.

I always believe that my story is a story of the people and that we all share the same story. I am one of the people. I am one of those ordinary people who took the chance to change my life, and now taking a step to help others to change theirs and this nation’s.

I’ve provided public service, not because of my profession nor because I am a politician. I serve because I have the willingness to serve, with or without a government position. Yet, I believe I have a lot more to give than public service alone. I am taking this step to set as an example for the unfortunates to lift their spirit and find hope amidst all the injustice taking place.

Let’s end this drug trade, this numerous drug-related operation deaths where we don’t compromise human rights. Let us rebalance the economy where the poor rises and nobody is left on that silver lining, where our pockets worry less in providing our needs.

Let’s build this country through hope and unity, no Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao, no Christians nor Muslims, just one Philippines. This is a Filipino people’s story not just my story. And I am telling you, I am with you.