Thoughts on P-Noy’s first State of the Nation talk

President elect Benigno Aquino III was scheduled to deliver his first State of the nation address (SONA) yesterday, 26 July.


I missed the event, although I managed to catch up today by reading the transcription online - you can read the English translation of the speech here.


Reading between the contents of the SONA, one gets the elated impression that Aquino might be the one to do the job after all. I personally am not for Aquino on the last election, as I was convinced that all though he has the right motivation, his qualifications to execute the responsibilities of a president is still premature.

I know though, that Aquino will not be corrupt – I know this because he's too keen on not letting his parent's image be tarnished in the eyes of the people. One bad-Aquino (Kris Aquino) should be enough anyway.


It's really not an easy job

Although the parallelism between the turnout of the last US and Philippine election was identical in some aspect (Change), I do believe that both presidents have truly got their job cut for them. Rebuilding the Philippine Political, Social, and Economic landscape is such a gargantuan task that you simply doubt that Aquino or whoever was up to the batting cage, could even make any substantial change.


I mean, realizing the eradication in government is one thing; it's just that rebuilding the nation from the ground up is simply not possible overnight.


The people and the nation have gone through a lot, during the past administrations – obviously, to the lay pinoy, this means that no "instant" formula or short cuts can mend the dilapidated persona that is our country.

If anyone still dreams that Noynoy will do this, please wake up and join the real world!



Government of the people


As I said, there is no magical incantation that will turn the country's situation overnight. We of all people in the world should've realized this already. There is however, the promise that tomorrow might be better after all.

But this is not a a one-man feat; we all have to put our butts to work if we want to make this country great again.


For as long as I can remember, I've heard people complain even the silliest things, attributing most of their woes to government, as if folks in the public service has nothing better to do but to plot against them.

The people have to realize that although government is essential to one's goals, it is only a miniscule part of the picture. We should "own up" to the fact that the situation we are all in right now is the net effect of all or actions (or should I say, "inactions"). We need to realize that government could only play a small part, and that ultimately, we ourselves are responsible for realizing our dreams.


Change starts from within all of us


If we all understand the fact that although the intentions of the current administration is to set all things right – it is up to us to make that difference for ourselves. Our own fate is in our own hands, one saying goes – implying that whether anyone else gives a rats ass at what you want, no one, not even your own mother, can do anything about it unless you yourself do it.


Imagine being shipwrecked in an uncharted island, and right before your boat capsizing, you managed to send out the distress signal, and you also received a response, saying that "help is on the way". Imagine being washed-over that island with just basic implements and yourself to survive until help arrives (if it ever would)… At that point, you have a decision to make, whether act and ensure that you survive until help comes, or just sit and wait around for others to rescue you (hoping that they would come sooner than later)…


Which brings us to the conclusion of this post - are you that kind of person who waits around to be rescued? Or are you going to do something about the situation now, and hope that tomorrow brings salvation? Either way, you're already on the island now - so what would it be?