This is my first ever blog on a political and social issue. I just can’t close my eyes as the fate of Charter Change (Cha-cha) and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) hangs in the balance as the House of Representatives holds its last three session days before adjourning this weekend. I can’t help thinking, is it a choice between the future of the politics or the farmers? Well, we will see later on what is really the interest of our leaders. Is it for self-preservation or for right assertion?
Four days ago, I made a choice. It is a very momentous event for me— being part of Philippine history—sort of. I attended the Ateneo School of Government’s (ASOG) red carpet screening of Lupang Hinarang, a documentary of Award-winning Director, Ditsi Carolino. This by-invitation only event aims to gather different leaders from government, civil society, business, academe, media, youth and the Church in support for the passage of CARPER. Looking around that night, I may say that it was a success.
Viewing the 90-minute documentary, which is according to Ditsi Carolino is just “a working in progress”, I could say that she was able to capture all the emotions, passions and realities of farmers’ journey of assertion of their right. She was able to put across the message, loud and clear. Truly, lupang hinarang! It made me realize, what our city is doing in this area. Is being a city give us the leverage to shun away our priorities on food production, on farmers rights, food security? What are we doing to secure the rights of those who give us food security?
So, how can we change the world? What can we do? What can I do? Well, definitely, the change starts with me. Let this blog echoes through the net and let us speak up and let everyone know the urgency of passing the CARPER now. I maybe alone now but I am sure that there is a glimmer of hope in the remaining three session days just as the song goes, “it is better to light just one little candle that to stumble in the dark”…
I am crossing my fingers on you guys!
