It’s a source of wonder for the people of the world to see the firm resolve of the Filipinos to move on with their lives despite the string of tragedies and misfortunes that killed family members, ruined livelihood and obscured the vision of a brighter future.     

     Filipinos are really known for being strong in character and enduring in the face of sufferings. They never give up easily on worthy causes and goals. They don’t lose hope in spite of facing overwhelming odds. These are the qualities that constitute the body and soul of every Filipino; qualities built generations ago and have withstood the vagaries of time and nature.

Philippine events from the remote past and up to the present reveal that the resoluteness of the Filipinos is deeply-rooted in its culture and tradition.

      Our ancestors weathered stormy seas in wooden ‘balangays’ to get to the land of their dream and lived a life far better than what they used to. It wasn’t a hopeless journey after all.

When many Filipinos embraced Christianity and other religions, they believed in their promise of salvation, redemption from worldly sins and life full of challenges which would require strength of heart, fortitude, and unwavering belief to the Creator which were exemplified by Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Blessed Pedro Calungsod.

      Today, millions gathered for the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene, a testimony to the Filipinos’ belief that Christ suffered to redeem mankind from their sins. Such belief has shaped the Filipinos outlook in life where a greater good will only come if one endures the pains of struggles.

       Dr. Jose Rizal and other heroes, without any reservation, dedicated their lives  for the cause of Philippine independence from foreign rule. It was a commitment spelled out in their own blood. The specter of death did not discourage them from pursuing their noble goal.

The Filipino soldiers in Bataan during World War II who were battered and hungry, fought ferociously on the belief that the promised reinforcements were on the way. It was just a deception that worked wonder as the Filipinos gallantly delayed the enemy’s war time table. No matter how false this hope of support was, it lit up the waning spirit of the Filipino soldiers. 

       Today, more than ever, the Filipinos are confronted by monumental tasks of nation building and recovery from a series of man- made and natural disasters.

     The present situation, however, presents a daunting challenge for all the Filipinos. The political horizon is clouded by bickering of its leaders; the past “sins” of previous leaders are unresolved; disasters brought about by climate change have put to the limit and conspired to downplay the Filipinos’ resiliency and resoluteness to address the situation immediately.

It is the lesson in history that Filipinos can look up to now. The current predicament tells us to have the courage of our balangay ancestors; the fortitude of Rizal; the devotion of our Filipino saints and the passion of the World War II soldiers in our hearts and souls to rebuild lives, rekindle hope, and restore the glory of our nation.