A Vision for a Better Philippines (2)

The second side of the coin.

In the few months that I had been vocally expressing my views on the need for a vision, a seeming strong objection is our current political situation, particularly the ability of the various political groups to sit together and start talking about that vision. While at the onset I was growing more convinced that indeed it is difficult, a midnight caucus with Bam Aquino, Gilbert Remulla, Ayi Hernandez, Dennis Eclarin, Martin Lopez and Roby Alampay brought out the idea that if old politics would not be able to transcend present issues to define a desired state, we could make this as a "generation battle," one in which young societal leaders would sit down and, while passionately resolving immediate concerns (issues like the legitimacy of GMA presidency, land reform, globalization) a consensus will be drafted so that no matter whatever is the outcome of said issues, we should all agree that this should add up to the vision.

The question that I posed was: can Gilbert Remulla, Chiz Escudero and Mike Defensor sit together to agree on where we shoudl be as a nation in the next 20 years or so? This, of course, means that young leaders from various stakeholders, such as business, academe, culture and arts, military, civil society would sit with them in crafting such vision. When, in said meeting, I got a "YES" answer, then I think more concrete steps should be undertaken to attain this end.

What i think is needed therefore is upscaling and mainstreaming for past efforts towards a visionary Philippines. Upscaling by engaging wider constituency and working with similar groups espousing the same cause, and mainstreaming by making major institutions (more than leaders or representatives) buy-in to the processes and outputs.

The time has come therefore to start identifying concrete activities and taking steps to attain the goal. I would therefore request everyone to contemplate and thereon suggest approaches and processes that we can undertake to do this right. What easily comes to mind are models developed by Adam Kahane and his colleagues and a more recent initiatives to talk about conflicts in China and Tibet. Secondly, another next big thing is to find and channel resources to such initiatives. I can see brainstorm sessions, meetings and fora taking place to start the ball rolling.

Its never late.

A Vision for a Better Philippines (1)

I can feel that we are going there.

Over the last two years - at separate times and at different contexts, I was introduced to three groups separately working towards a better Philippines. Allow me to introduce first them to you.

First is Tindog Pilipinas! Sometime in 2004, Mr. Nicanor "Nikki" Perlas and I met in one of the fora on Sustainable Development in Tagaytay and in one of the informal chats during the forum, nikki shared their initiatives with Tindog! What he was saying during that time is that there is a need to share the good stories that are happening in our country, to inspire us to work more for the betterment of our country. True enough, for two years now, Tindog was instrumental in the conduct of the Karangalan Conference held at CCP. I browsed over Tindog's website and here' what I found

CALL TO ACTION
CREATING A VISIONARY PHILIPPINES
2004
Tindog means to "stand up" physically and also for one's principles. It means to be inwardly upright as a basis for standing up against abuses in society and a moral foundation for a better Philippines. Tindog Pilipinas! is the name of this national movement which seeks to transform Philippine society. The word "Tindog" is used widely in the Visayas, Mindanao, and parts of Luzon.

In almost the same year, I met a group of energetic fellows headed by Mr. Jay Tabaña who was spreading the same good news of a better Philippines. He was representing a group espousing the Pearl Principle. A year after, the person instrumental to the growth of the principle and the founder of the Center for International Education in Cebu, Prof. Nelia Cruz-Sarcol, visited Naga and addressed a gathering of people from various sectors to look at how we, as individuals, can play our role towards a better Philippines. The legendary, Mr. Onofre Pagsanjan of the Ateneo de Manila University also inspired those present with his 'walang-kupas' stories. Here is a quote from CIE's website on the Pearl Principle:

The Pearl Principle - Generative Leadership, Initiate Change From Within

...The truth of the matter is that solving the problems of our country is a Herculean task. This process of transformation will take some time. However, by accepting this fact, we would have won half the battle. If only we will accept such, then wa can plan better what to do next, so we can move up to the next step, instead of "band- aid" solutions will get us nowhere.

Own spheres

This truth led us to the Pearl Principle. To be able to solve the problems of our country, we need to individually take it upon ourselves to change for the better. And as we evolve and reach out to people within our spheres of influence, somethings will spark!

This concept must first be embraced by a good number of the middle class and must be led by the middle class. The elite and captains of industry of our society have been givenmultiple chances to lead this change, but it just won't take off. However, if all people from all strata of society will embrace it, well and good. However, I personally believe that the middle class must led- for they are still within reach by those from below and can trully feel for the great masses. The middle class have not lost their dreams (yet) and they can inspire others to hope. They can show how dreams can be fulfilled and that dreams can still be fulfilled. They can be the bridge to our future as a people.

It will only take one ordinary person to start the spark and spread the flame until it becomes big enough to tough others and move them to the same direction.

This is the mission of the Pearl Principle. To awaken the resolve from the majority that each has a hand in creating the true Philippines...

Thirdly, with my work with the Naga City People's Council, I had the chance to work with Dr. Jesus Estanislao and his team with the Institute for Solidarity in Asia. With their Public Governance Scorecard system, theyr were able to rally behind local government units and national sectoral groups to define roadmaps for 2030. The initaitives of ISA is the closest so far in putting faces to our ideals to where we want to be.

I am writing all these things because, going back to my first line, I can feel that the monent for our nation to be better is coming. I believe that my introduction to and participation in the various groups is providential.

I will be writing letters to said groups in the coming days to explore the possibilities of sitting together and looking at what we can all do to hasten the process of becoming the nation that we all want.

On the last note, let's envy South Korea. As early as now, they have already agreed what they want to see in 2030.

Let's dream. Let's act. It will happen.

Leadership and Vision

I saw a segment on television that featured "Pag-Pag".

The story talks about Filipino families eating left-over foods searched from dumpsites. And this is not a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience for them, but a day-to-day reality. I would not expound on the story but would tell you why its titled pag-pag: It's because they had to 'pag-pag' the food before cooking to remove the worms.

The story troubled me so much that I wanted all the Filipinos to know about it. I would share it whenever I am invited to speak about leadership and social change, and even share the story with friends.

The story is important because it pictures the kind of leadership we have at the moment: one that does not have a vision. Who would care of GNPs and GDPs when more and more Filipinos are living worsening lives.

Where is this country going?

I will write my reflections on this in the coming days.

Sana ay nagulo ko rin kayo... dahil sa ganitong paraan, ang bagong kaalaman ay tiyak na makakamtan.