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Name: Fernandez, Jallen Ross C. Section: 2COM3

Student No: 2020135719 Date: February 14, 2022
Essay #2. Urbana at Feliza: Two Letters
by: Modesto de Castro

“Honor usually comes with great responsibility…”

The novel Urbana and Feliza: Two Letters by Father Modesta de Castro is one of the
remarkable literary works in the Philippines; it discusses relevant issues, life values, and lessons
that are applicable in our lives, even up to this date. The novel provides a subtle way of teaching
people how to act accordingly through the sophisticated character of Urbana, who gives her
sister, Feliza, advice on how she can deal with life situations, create wise decisions, and acquire
good manners. I find this literary piece enlightening for people of all ages, especially now that
we are experiencing a lot of contemporary societal issues in our country like poverty, human
rights, politics, etc. Speaking of politics, Father Modesto Castro wrote a powerful yet
straightforward lesson about public service— wise words that probably people have already
heard, yet they still need to ponder more in life. In this piece, Father Modesto de Castro
emphasizes to his readers that public service and leadership are significant responsibilities that
one must bear once they attain them. Being a leader is not just merely a display or a job title.
Instead, it is a commitment to your constituents as well as to your motherland. It requires good
governance, wise decision-making strategies, economic knowledge, love for your fellowmen,
and pure intentions. The motive of a true leader is to bring their people to a brighter future rather
than making one’s self wealthier and more powerful.

However, our country’s current political state is the complete opposite of what Father
Modesto de Castro is portraying to everyone. Almost every one of them is corrupt and is driven
by their thirst for power and entitlement, which sabotages the progression of our country. Only a
few public officials remain true to their platform and fulfill their duty to our nation. What is even
worse about this issue is that such negative traits are so rampant to the point that it seems like
honesty and integrity are not the common traits of public servants anymore. Filipinos got so used
to letting dishonest, irresponsible, and greedy officials provide us disappointing service to the
point that the bare minimum would make us impressed and grateful. We accept the slightest
effort that we think we deserve, but in reality, these officials must actually offer us more. I
believe that our country will be just as flourishing as the other developed countries if there were
no corruption in the government and if people would stop electing unworthy officials. At some
point, we could also blame ourselves for allowing crime to take over our country—well, at least,
those people who support such horrible candidates. Knowing that one is a criminal, unreliable,
greedy, and anti-poor, and yet you still vote for them, reflects who you are as a person. How can
someone ignore and defend an official’s nonchalant attitude towards social issues that concern a
whole nation's future? Why would anyone justify these explicit wrongdoings and completely
reject facts that would testify how horrible their leadership and character are? I believe that the
only answer to this question is a lack of knowledge about the candidate’s history and credentials.
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Moreover, ignorance is a choice in this digital and information era. People who still
choose not to conduct background checks and research about the candidates running for a
position this upcoming election are both problematic and disappointing. However, I understand
that not everyone has access to the internet and educational materials that would enlighten them
about the person they are supporting. But it is still not an excuse to remain arrogant and in denial
about facts and history. This statement holds true to all officials and candidates in this upcoming
national election, not just about a particular person. Additionally, rather than insinuating
arguments, we must educate people who are unaware of such malpractices in the government
calmly and respectfully. Let us engage in healthy discussion and exchange of positions in an
open-minded and mature way to avoid misunderstandings. As Filipino citizens, it is our
responsibility to help and make other people aware of the reality.

In conclusion, we must be critical and analytical when it comes to choosing the people
who will lead us and our country. Voting is both a privilege and an obligation as a citizen that not
everyone possesses. All of us must keep in mind that the future of our country, our economy, and
the next generation lies in our vote this coming election. It is not a matter of pride nor who has
more supporters anymore; it is a serious situation that would either improve or worsen our
current economic state. Filipinos must realize that we should elect responsible, humane, and
integrity officials— it is now the time to oust dictatorship and corruption.