Happy New Year as we start to face the challenges of 2016. I pray that we all realize past mistakes and commit not to repeat them. One of the greatest challenges for us Filipinos is the election of worthy leaders to govern and lead our country into the future.
We should select those who truly serve the people with no other interest in their heart and mind except public welfare, and not himself and his friends.
Ideally he should be a person who loves God and believes the Rotary International motto “service above self”. I know this is not easy to do, so I ask everyone to continue to pray for guidance and assistance from God.
Now that we have experienced once again the tragedy of injuries and death caused by firecracker explosions to welcome the New Year, I think it’s about time to think of totally banning the use of all types of firecrackers nationwide.
Each year end, we get a litany of names of children and adults injured or killed by accidental firecracker explosions.
The revelry includes stray bullets of irresponsible gun owners.
Though the use of firecrackers is a tradition from our Chinese ancestors who believe the noise will drive away bad energy, it no longer serves its original purpose today by bringing bad luck to many families who are victims of irresponsible blasts.
The national and local governments should unite behind a complete ban of firecrackers to protect life and limb. This requires political will but the people should welcome it for the general welfare.
I would like to reiterate the call of Pope Francis for people all over the world to lead a a simple life in 2016. His call is very relevant.
Living simply without fanfare and complications, away from the pressure of expectations for material goods, will allow us to find happiness and fulfillment.
Let us also be vigilant in protecting the environment. We can all see the effects of global warming in floods and droughts in many parts of the world. Let us be part of the solution, not the problem.
In the local political front, I pray that we choose leaders who look after the development of Cebu City and province, with a positive approach to governance.
The incoming government leaders should look into a reliable mass transit system so that people can travel to work and home with safety and convenience.
I am also praying for a national government that would uphold the supremacy of local governments in the development of their localities, and to assist them without much partisan politics like we see today.
Let us choose political leaders who exemplify the Ignatian principle of being “men for others”, not those who think of the interest of a political boss and party above anything else.
And let us give more priority to health with many Filipinos falling sick from living stressful lives.
I also pray for a successful celebration of the feast of the Señor Sto. Niño and the Sinulog. This month Cebu is honored to host the 51st International Eucharistic Congress. I join the faithful in praying for its success.
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