A new hope :)

I just want to share the reflection paper that i was able to pass on time (for the very 1st time in a very long time) last week for our assignment in CD.

These are my thoughts about GMA, the progress(?) in our country,the new president etc :p

June 22, 2010

CD 11

Section B

Aaron R. Evangelista

2010-78552

I was only ten when Gloria Macapagal Arroyo took over the presidency from Joseph Estrada. That was when I started to care about current issues and politics. I was glued on TV, amazed by the so-called People Power, while dad patiently explained the events unfolding right before my eyes. Back then, GMA was EDSA Dos’ spare for despair. Take from that moment up to the time I went to college, I literally grew up with the Arroyo administration.

Now nearly a decade later, her well-liked support has all but gone—most polls have given her a miserably negative rating. According to her many critics, her reputation is tarnished beyond repair. Her term has been tainted with several graft and corruption charges, add to that, the alleged injustices.

Two EDSA Revolts in the last 22 years, yet we are still plagued by corruption and defective governance. This condition only aggravate the endless cycle of poverty. We are doomed to be always on top of the corruption list—which primarily weakens our institutions. Educational system, for instance is a great cause of worry. The probable reason behind this is the misallocation of budget. Does the government actually prioritize to provide adequate and equitable social services? Indeed, we only have to see the many faces of poverty in the Philippines to understand the real situation. In my own opinion poverty comes from poor education system that results to poor integrity of a community or a system of body. Up to now, corruption and defective governance continue to impede the Philippines' economic and social development.

That’s the reason why may Filipinos can't help being cynical about the future of our country as far as progress and development is concerned. Many fear that our country is not making any improvement, contrary to the proclamations of government. The rich are getting wealthier while the poor are getting deeper and deeper into the mud. Educate the poor, provide them the necessary social services and equal opportunity. They too shall contribute to the country’s progress.

Until now, I still believe that the sincerity and integrity of our leaders could play a significant role in to uplift our country. If our officials will still focus their attention on self interest, our country will never attain the progress and development we've been longing for.

We had the very first automated election last June. To tell the truth, my candidate did not win. But with democracy at work I am willing to give this administration a chance. We saw how the Filipinos trusted our institution with 75% voters turned out. We now have a new set of political leaders, including our new president, Senator Noynoy Aquino, some say that he won just because of his surname. But I’ve also heard again and again that he would be an honest and transparent president.

As his battle slogan is "walang mahirap, walang korap" I am still hoping not wishing that he will be able to deliver his promise and I am giving him a chance to help us. But I do hope as well that he would be able to keep his promise of higher quality education in the country, because I believe that an improved education system can lead the Philippines closer to progress.

Like what his father, Sen. Benigno Aquino said, given a good leader, Filipinos are good followers, I believe that there is hope for unity and progress in this country. Everything is possible as long as we would continue working with our government. The Filipinos should all gear towards this direction. This is not an over night reform, and absolutely, not in the hands of the president alone. The active participation of civil society and the collective action from the people should complete the ingredients to a better society.