National aspirations 2025

The world will not wait for us. We must instead catch up and use all available resources and focus on what we can do best to be amongst the respected nations whose people enjoy the abundance of nature, economic wealth, political stability, full personal growth and the promises of new technologies.

- ARIEL NEPOMUCENO

Many of our countrymen still struggle for survival and the seemingly endless pursuit for financial well-being. I have constantly written and repeatedly discussed the vicious cycle that entrapped our nation to an economy that hardly liberates around 20 million Filipinos from poverty. They have no access to decent housing, basic education, health care and proper nutrition. Usually also, they are the most vulnerable to natural calamities because they dwell in houses that are constructed from weak materials and located in hazardous areas.

If we were to identify the New Year’s national resolutions, then these major aspirations must be included. As we are told, it’s free to daydream.

This is an election year. We must therefore elect candidates with proven integrity. Skills, competence and knowledge can be learned or contracted out. But the GMRC that has been taught to us is either deeply ingrained and practiced, or practically ignored. Good manners and right conduct is the shield that would equip our political leaders with the courage to always place premium to the welfare of a nation that has been long deprived of real inclusive growth. Rationalizing mistakes tend to be the norm.