Last week I received word of an award winning author from the Philippines coming to National City to give a talk. I was intrigued not some much that a Filipino author was coming to town as I was in knowing more about his book, now in its 9th printing, entitled 12 Little Things Ever Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country. The same author also wrote the passionate award winning poem I am Filipino.
In breaking with Filipino tradition, I showed up early at Kalusugan Community Services in order to get some candid photos and catch up with folks I’ve not seen in a while. As I was watching people come and fill the room, I found myself standing next to a quiet gentleman, similar in size and age who looked oddly familiar. I started making small talk, mainly in hopes I could remember where I’ve met him. Well, about 2 minutes into our conversation, it hits me where I’ve seen him. His name is Alex Lacson, the author that everyone was coming to see that evening. By the way, his photo on the promotional flyer is exactly what he looks like in person.
Having personally organized dozens of these types of events, Alex came across as one of the most down to earth speaker I’ve had the honor of meeting. His words were soft yet heartfelt and he didn’t talk about himself or try to impress me with his accomplishments. His demeanor reminded me of another countryman, the former Philippines Ambassador, Albert de Rosario whom I had the pleasure of bringing to San Diego just before he retired.
Moments later, after the customary singing our national anthems, a prayer by Dr. Cudal and introduction by Tony Olaes, Mr. Lacson took hold of the mike and began a most captivating of speeches aimed at explaining our need to take care of Filipinos; not only here in America but Filipinos worldwide. He laid the groundwork by giving a brief history lesson about how the Philippines, in just under 40 years, went from being the number one country in Asia to being number seven. He went on to further discuss the current outlook of the Philippines and how we are now seen as having one of the most corrupt governments in Asia. Additionally its people are seen and portrayed as servants, objects of sexual ridicule or uneducated people – as seen in last year’s controversial show “Desperate Housewives” and on BBC’s show Paul and Harry Show.
Alex then went on to talk about the current state of affairs in the Philippines, referring to the November 24th, 2008 Time Magazine article entitled “The Motherless Generation” which showed that in the Philippines almost 10 million kids, 1 one 4, are growing up without a mother or father. Because the government cannot provide job for the parents, one or both parents are forced to seek work abroad. With so many Filipinos abroad, the lack of parental supervision and income has resulted in over 11 million school age children who are not able to attend school to get an education. It is this lack of education, Mr. Lacson purports, which prevents many Filipinos from being able to become good leaders and stewards, a basic component of any progressive society.
To overcome this disparity, it was suggested that Filipinos abroad, not only in America, but in other places such as Canada and Australia consider adopting a child and sponsoring their education. If 100,000 families sponsored just one child, imagine the potential of 100,000 more Filipinos being educated and going on to provide for their families and their country. With more people being educated comes the potential that a better selection of leaders can emerge to rise above the corruption and, by providing good stewardship, return the Philippines back to its former glory. No matter where we live, we are still One People, One Nation and mustn’t forget that what happens in the Philippines, either for the good or for the bad, affects us all. Each and every one of us is born a part of the whole, as part of the answer to the question, as part of the hope to our people. We are part of the SOLUTION, wherever we may be in the world.
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that “There is no right time to do the right thing. Now, today, is the right time”. As a community, now is the time for all Filipinos to come together and be united for our motherland. We must come together as one Voice and demand our leaders here and in the Philippines be accountable. We need to vote for honest leaders who, given the power, can prove their worth. In doing so we will also benefit by become stronger since we will be voting out the corrupt leaders who feed their selfish needs at the expense of our people. As Jose Rizal is often quoted as saying “It only takes for good men to do nothing, for evil people to succeed”.
So how can each and every one of do our part to make the solution work? According to Alex, there are 12 simple things one can do, they are as follows:
1)Follow traffic rules. Follow the law.
2) Whenever you buy or pay for anything, always ask for an official receipt.
3) Don’t buy smuggled goods. Buy local. Buy Filipino.
4) When you talk to others, especially foreigners speak positively about us and our country.
5) Respect your traffic officer, policeman and soldier.
6) Do not litter. Dispose your garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve.
7) Support your church.
8) During elections, do your solemn duty.
9) Pay your employees well.
10)Pay your taxes.
11)Adopt a scholar or a poor child.
12)Be a good parent. Teach your kids to follow the law and love our country.
Alex Lacson is a lawyer by profession. He finished law at the U.P. College of Law in Diliman. At present, he is a partner at the Malcolm Law Office in Makati. He was a former legal counsel of the United Nations Development Programme (or UNDP) in the Philippines for 7 years. He is a champion debater and a sharpshooter. He is an awardee of the Galing Pilipino Award for 2005. He is also an awardee of the Young Filipino Achiever’s Award for 2006 given by Global Pinoy. Mr. Lacson is married with 4 children.
Special thanks goes out to Gawad Kalinga – San Diego for bringing Alex Lacson to National City, to Goldilocks and Maharlika for providing food for the guests, to Tony Olaes & ODM and Eric Elagado & Associates for their sponsorship as well as Kalusugan Community Services for hosting the venue.