DNL’s Speech during the Opening of the 17th Bohol Product
Showcase on July 20, 2005 at the Island City Mall.
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| ``A Call to Share`` |
There is no doubt that our country at present is sailing through rough waters.
Pounded by the political and moral crisis that beset our nation and compounded
by the plunging economy, hope has become a very elusive word to many.
Today, we open this product showcase which is a result of the joint efforts of
the Department of Trade and Industry-Bohol, the Philippines-Australia
Technical Support for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development, DTI-CARP National
Program Office, the Bohol Sandugo Foundation Inc., the Philippine Business for
Social Progress-People’s Organization Regional Trade Fair and Provincial SMED
council.
The theme for this market encounter is “Our town, Our products, Our pride”. A
very catchy and appropriate theme.
Without doubt, Boholanos are fiercely loyal to the land of their birth. This
is the reason why those who have migrated to the so-called greener pastures
continue to hold fast to their identities not only as Boholanos but
specifically of their towns of origin. Thus there are active Boholano
organizations in other places bearing the names of Boholano towns. They even
celebrate fiestas in time for the feast of the patron saints of their
hometowns.
There is no doubt about Boholano artistry and craft. We can be at par with the
best in the world in any industry that we put our heart into. Of course, our
people need to undergo training in the respective field of specialization to
be able to meet the quality control criteria but that is not a problem.
There is a limit to what training can accomplish. One does not become a
musician simply by studying notes. As the saying goes, an aspiring dancer can
learn the right steps but not the grace put into those steps.
And so, the question that begs to be addressed is this: what is keeping the
Boholano from turning this industry into a lucrative livelihood?
I believe this is more than just a matter of the economy, of supply and
demand. It is the third component in your theme, it is a question of pride. In
a world that has become increasingly material, the intangibles are often left
unattended. In the mindless race to make both ends meet, dignity and pride
take the back seat. As a result, quality and creativity suffer.
This morning, allow me to sincerely appreciate the efforts being poured into
all these endeavors. Somehow they reassure us that in the midst of a sea of
despair, you have insisted to paddle to the safety of the shore.
Like you, I am swimming against the tide of apathy and indifference. Our
people have grown tired of unkept promises. They would rather live one day at
a time and make the most of the situation.
Like the farmer who needs to sow if he intends to make a harvest, our people
need to be motivated to invest in livelihood opportunities to earn from it in
the future. This is what all our efforts are all about.
As our humble way of helping our people to keep them afloat, the city
government has freed them of the burden of medical and hospitalization
expenses. We have also provided for school uniforms and school supplies for
our elementary pupils.
It is my belief that unless the government takes to heart its task of
providing for the basic needs of those in the lowest bracket of the community,
it cannot expect people to be productive, let alone to be creative.
Oftentimes, we are tempted to throw up our hands in the air, to just float
instead of paddle not only to the safety of the shore but to the hope of a new
land. And yet, that is exactly what needs to be done.
Our people need to recover their pride, their dignity and self-esteem. They
must be convinced that regardless of the state of the nation, there are those
of us who will work to give them a better future.
That we are witnessing today some of the finest craftsmanship that the eyes
can behold is proof that there is still hope in our people and in our future.
Out there, some humble souls are still pouring their hearts into their craft.
In the process, they not only earn on the side but reassure themselves that
they are still productive and creative. This is proof of life.
Those of us who can still give, while others can only expect to receive, are
called upon to go the extra mile. The challenge that I make today is not so
much more on those who can hardly see beyond their next meal. It is for those
of us who still have the luxury to share.
In the final analysis, it is no longer a question of whether we are willing to
share out of the abundance of our hearts. It is a question of our own very
survival.
Sometime in the middle ages, the nobles of England were confronted about the
brewing rebellion of the poor. In a meeting to address the situation, one
nobleman gave a very chilling observation. This is what he said.
“We have to lose some of our privileges, otherwise we lose our heads.”
Indeed, as we reflect on our present problems, that nobleman could well be
speaking to us. One reassurance is that there are those of us who continue to
light the candle of hope while others are contented to curse the darkness.
As we marvel at the excellent craftsmanship of our people, we find enough
inspiration to work harder and keep moving forward. As the saying goes, hope
is the mother of success. I believe that given this resolve, we will encounter
success earlier than we expect.
Thank you very much and good morning. |
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