I believe that the
strength of any nation begins at home. We cannot achieve a genuine peace and
prosperity if our homes are broken and dying. Leadership and obedience starts
at home. The parents are the leaders of the smallest institution which is the
family. We are the source of strength of our children. They look up to us for
support and protection. As parents, we are committed to ensure that we provide
the best for our children. If we fail our home, we fail our country too.
From
birth to our children's first cry, first smile, first laughter, first words and
first steps, we are there to share these first achievements. If we fail to see
and appreciate these first achievements, it will scar their minds and might
bring negative effects. Remember that we are helping them to build their
confidence and it usually starts at this early age. We have no right to expect
and demand for more achievement if we fail to nurture them while they are
babies and helpless. I can compare it with what we do with plants. We need to
prepare good soil with enough fertilizer to grow seedlings. We need to ensure
that it receives the light and water that it needs. We also protect it from
threats so we provide nets and pesticides. We help it survive rains and
typhoons by creating protective shields. By doing so, we could expect a strong
plant and a good harvest. If we religiously follow the same concept, this would
make us good farmers of men.
If
every leaders of every home are good farmers, a bountiful harvest will be
expected. We won't need so many leaders and we won't need too many rules. The
society and the nation as a whole is a reflection of the families within its
boundaries. We don't need so many scientific programs and statistics to gauge
it. In my view, as ordinary Filipina mom, our society of today is a reflection
of a lost and dying home. This is because we almost disregard the very
foundation of this society, the family. At a quick glance, we will be able to
see the rampant dislocated families both in the cities and in the provinces.
Over population, poverty and starvation are often blamed at the doorsteps of
families with many kids. They call it irresponsible parenthood and they
introduce artificial "solutions"
in different forms of drugs both for internal and external use.
I
cannot grasp the significance of these "solutions" of repairing and
strengthening the foundation of a collapsing home. For me, an increasing number
is never a weakness but an advantage. This must be the strength of every nation
and thus, must be protected upon, not destroyed. We just need to maximize and
utilize this "increasing number". In reality, to repair the house, we
must usually check its very foundation, the pillar that is supporting the
house. The roof, windows and other parts are just minor repairs. The pillar
represents the father of every family. Most of them are staying home, JOBLESS.
Not because they are lazy. Not because they are not qualified. How many
qualified graduates we have that are unemployed? This is the culprit.
Unemployment.
Our
nation had failed to create employment for its people which causes poverty and
starvation. Even if we reduce the number of children, it won't eradicate
poverty and starvation. It won't change the fact that the father cannot feed 10
kids and even if we use these artificial "solutions" they will not be
able to feed 2 kids or even themselves.
Look
around you, you will see a lot of developments, urban developments, buildings,
communication, transport and technology. We perceive that progress is
represented by these developments. We are so amazed of robotics and automation
and call it success and progress. Yes, for the employers, it is a great
advantage. They can maximize production, reduce manpower and increase their
profits. Look at the buildings, its not the way it used to be. The people
within the production areas had decreased in numbers because of these
"developments". This alienates the people who created them. It
replaced them and took their jobs. Now tell me, does these "developments"
really serve its purpose?
I
can say that these developments just serve the owner of these businesses but
not the country as a whole. A nation's progress must be measured by the number
of employment that it can create to its citizenry. That every pillar of every
house can provide a strong foundation and sustainable income. To ensure that
every family is promised a job security will totally eradicate poverty and
starvation. But look at the norms of our society, there is no job security. Job
seekers have very slim chance of landing a job.
An
idle mind is a devils advocate. This is very true. Now, we wonder about the
increasing rate of crimes? prostitution, resistance movements? and so on... and
yes, over population... These are just the end result.
For
me, looking for somebody to blame is already a tiring activity. I can no longer
depend my children's future to these nation's leaders. I am now calling to the
parents and every family of this nation. Let's overtake the leadership and run
our homes. Lead your children and don't let other institution take care of
their growth. Schools are necessary but it must not stop us parents from
teaching our children the reality of life. The ways of surviving and
responsible parenthood. Let's teach them to be a God-fearing person, to respect
and protect life because it is a gift and must be nurtured. Let's show them all
the greatness that our mother nature offers but we fail to see instead we
embrace these lifeless inventions which will eventually harm humanities. Let's
bring back our beautiful culture and values, the respect for our elderly, the
love for our children, the concern to our neighbors and the cooperation with
our communities. Let's show them the beauty of honesty and the significance of
loyalty. Let them hold the infinite fulfillment of the fruit of perseverance
and lastly, let's enforce discipline and obedience that our children will not
end up in a cold cage fit for harmful animals. This is our lost home. The lost
paradise.
If
you are no longer contented with our economy and governance, then stop
complaining but look for possible measures to improve your life using your own
skills. Yes, you can still change your flight. Even prisoners and criminals
turned into a changed man inside prison cells then why can't you when you're a
free man? Look for other promising opportunity. If the city can no longer
accommodate you then don't allow yourself to be stuck in that miserable
situation. If you had the chance, go back to your barrios and provinces. If you
have land, don't abandon it, till it instead and reap what you sow. That
is where our roots begins. We just left the country life looking for much
"greener pasture" but most of us seekers, failed. There is no
"greener pasture" instead, we found a dried and barren land. I don't
believe that the key to progress is always moving forward. We can go back. Yes,
we can stop and go back. If you took the wrong turn and the wrong path, you can
still change your direction and go back. Remember the old saying that no matter
how far you are, there still no place like home.
Pinaykeypoint.org
will organize individuals and families for this purpose. Come, join us and be farmers
of men. There is still hope in the barrios and provinces. A brighter future
awaits us there. God provide us lands and bountiful natural resources so we
won't die of hunger. Let's harness it. I am calling to all families and
professionals who are sharing the same sentiments and hope. Let's join hands
and build a strong pillar for our homes. Let be the light of every home
overpower the darkness that we may be able to walk without fear of stumbling.
Let's forget politics and run your organization. Be a home leader and lead your
children to achieve the change that you want to see. Now is your chance to lead
and prove your worth. Stop talking. Walk your talk and put it in action.
This
is a call to push for a republic with strong families.
JULIET CORPUZ
FOUNDER
PINAYKEYPOINT.ORG
FOUNDER
PINAYKEYPOINT.ORG
