By Ben Cal/PNA
MANILA — Unity is the key for the Philippines to attain economic prosperity.
This was stressed by former local government secretary Rafael M. Alunan III in his welcome remarks Friday at the launch of the book, “Silver Linings: The Continuing Saga of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution”, which he co-authored with Melandrew T. Velasco and retired Police Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco.
The book launch was held at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City in suburban Metro Manila to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the historic EDSA People Power 1986 revolution that ousted then president Ferdinand E. Marcos from power after ruling the country for 21 years.
“Unity is key. All the economic tigers in the region, led by China, were once way behind the Philippines after the Korean War. We were then Asia’s second strongest economy with a robust defense posture,” said Alunan, who is running for senator this coming May election under his party, One Philippines.
“Today, the reverse is true as these countries are united in common purpose, driven by patriotic fervor, to build their nations. Because we have yet to unite, we’ve been left behind,” he added.
He called on all Filipinos to put “national interest before self-interest,” saying that “common good instead of self-good. Public service, not self-service. Because of it, we remain unnecessarily separated by self-inflicted hardship and, consequently, divided as a people.”
“To this day we continue to wrestle with the never-ending problems of socioeconomic inequity, corruption, injustice, and poverty that spawn criminality and armed rebellion,” he said.
Alunan lamented that “after 33 years since February 1986, we have yet to transform our behavior, or “ugali”, that place national interest and common good ahead of selfish agendas. The cry of our national heroes – Rizal, Bonifacio, Luna, Malvar – continues to ring true to this day: Bayan bago sarili!”
At the same time, Alunan pointed out that “transformation is the desired end-state, and I’m grateful to have been part of history under the leadership of former president (Fidel V.) Ramos who continues to work indefatigably for unity, peace, justice, and development.”
It may be recalled that it was Ramos who popularized the phrase “Unity, Solidarity and Teamwork” or UST during his six-year term as president to move the country towards economic prosperity.
Alunan also said that “the high sense of public service and extensive experience I gained as a member of his (Ramos’) cabinet and of Team Philippines, is what I shall carry with me to the Senate with your valuable support to help President Rodrigo Duterte, who has the flag wrapped around his heart, lift the country to middle class status by 2040.”
“It’s not an impossible dream. Kayang kaya pag sama-sama! (We can do it if we unite),” he said.
Ramos was one of the key players of the famous 1986 People Power revolt. The others were then defense minister, former senator Juan Ponce Enrile, and then colonel and now Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan to name a few.
Alunan also said that although Ramos, fondly called FVR, has long retired from public service, he “continues to serve the country to this very day, guided by nine words that capture what our way of life should be – unity, solidarity, teamwork, care, share, dare, reform, perform, transform.”
“Those who sincerely love Inang Laya and Juan dela Cruz will instantly comprehend that prescription that President Ramos has elegantly demonstrated, through leadership by example, as the only way to build our nation and win the future for succeeding generations,” Alunan pointed out.
“Silver Linings: The Continuing Saga of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution” recounts the important events that occurred in the country during the past 33 years.
