Manifesto For Change

Today, as in the past, we Filipinos have been confronted with deepand sweeping political, economic, social, and moral crises- lack of sense for the common good; poor leadership and corruption ingovernment; crime; lawlessness, and insurgency; poverty and constantstruggle with the economy; deteriorating quality in education;inadequate access to health care; weakening of the family; and poorenvironmental protection.All these conditions plus apathy, indifference, and demoralization, aswell as fear, helplessness, and hopelessness, have inured us Filipinoswho have become jaded as we continue to face the daily challengesbefore us. Experience has taught us that the old ways and the oldsolutions will not work in bailing us out of these crises. To go down indisgust,discouragement, and defeat seems to be the only recourse.However, we need to look at our problems afresh and we Filipinosmust fix them, for only we can fix them, and set the course for asuccessful future. We have the power to shape our future anddetermine the destiny of our country. We must rid ourselves of ingrained habits, prejudices,cultural preferences, and our traditionalway of doing things. We must refresh our consciousness if we are torise to new levels in life.We need to do things, believe things, and think in new ways.It is timefor a new direction to bring our dream of a better life for ourselvesand for our country into reality - a dream deeply rooted in the dreamof a new Philippines, a Bagumbayan. To all of us who share thisdream, we must all courageously face the challenges of our times.Thus, in an act of union and cooperation, we declare:First, that we must be RESPONSIBLE for ourselves, for our fellowFilipinos, and for our country. We must change our attitudes, andtransform ourselves to become horizon-chasers with duty, dignity, anddetermination;

Second, that we can REINVENT GOVERNMENT to faithfullyperform its prime duty to serve and protect the people;Third, that we can fortify LAW AND ORDER through self-discipline,vigilance, and respect for the rule of law;Fourth, that we can build a STRONG AND GROWING ECONOMYif we all work, save, and invest in order to prosper;Fifth, that we must prioritize EDUCATION as the key to nationaldevelopment to compete and lead in the new global economy;Sixth, that we must provide adequate access to HEALTH CARE forall our people, especially the needy;Seventh, that we must create JOBS for our people, so that they willnot need to seek their fortunes abroad, but rather devote their talentsdirectly to their country and their families;Eighth, that we must assist our people in securing decent HOMES tolive in and LAND to work and build on, so they can be dignified andproductive citizens;Ninth, that we must strengthen and reinforce the FAMILY as thefoundation of our nation to develop proper values and virtues inindividuals and build solid character; andTenth, that we must protect and preserve the ENVIRONMENT forour posterity. We must have the Vision grounded on Values andempowered by Volunteerism to achieve Victory. These are the idealsupon which we lay the foundation of our movement for change. Weare the instruments of a movement dedicated to transform thePhilippines into aBagumbayan, a new Philippines.We invite every patriotic Filipino to join us in this shared struggle. Letus embark together on this grand mission to reclaim, rebuild, andreconsecrate what Rizal— 111 years ago today—bid farewell to as

“our Eden lost,” but which remains our birthright and ourredemption: Bagumbayan.Where our heroes have fallen, there shall we rise, reborn.RICHARD "Dick" Gordon