Good news amid confusion

Finally, after being held hostage for so long, OFW Robert Tarongoy has been released. The whole Filipino nation joins him and his family lift prayers of thanksgiving and praise to the good Lord for his freedom. Freedom is such an elusive reality for our people and our nation. Yet, at one moment of our history, at EDSA 1, millions of us relished the true taste of freedom with the departure of the dictator. And one of the pillars of that unforgettable EDSA 1 was Jaime Cardinal Sin. While so many mourn his departure from this earth, there are also those who see his death as a very timely reminder about lofty, high moments of pride and integrity of our people, of our nation. We can redeem ourselves if we want to. We have at many moments shown our united strength. We can, therefore, as a people, rise beyond politics and claim our much-deserved leadership based on high moral ground and genuine service and truth. Yesterday's meeting of the civil society organizations of Cebu Province, collectively called the Partnership for Progressive Cebu (PPC), affirmed what real service means, what this country needs to move forward. As always, the PPC's elderly members outshone everyone else in terms of commitment and hope. Despite the heavy morning rains that kept so many participants from joining their colleagues at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol, they were there for the PPC General Assembly, actively participating and reminding everyone else with their zeal that there is still so much hope left for this country. There are people, like them, who have not ceased to work for the welfare of the elderly, despite themselves being at the sunset of their lives. Those from far away areas like Toledo also braved the rains, got on the 6:30AM V-Hire to be on time to for the assembly. The unity of the participants served as inspiration to all not to give up, even as the nation now stands divided, even as Cebu is being split. The attendance of the concerned civil society groups from all over Cebu served as inspiring reminder not to be dragged down by political turmoil or conflict. Despite the present prevailing political chaos and the search for truth and real service, here were committed people whose real power and strength is in their genuine service and love for nature, for their constituents, among the farmers and fisherfolk, among the urban and rural poor, all over the province. These are the committed who do not mind walking back to their office from the Capitol, like Luchie of Phildrra. These are those who travel hours, starting at early dawn and returning at late evening, just to be counted among those who spent time to finalize plans that will hopefully bring welfare and service to the most needy in their area, in their sector. There were also those in the Provincial Government who accepted the PPC offer to clear up the bureaucratic maze associated with government offices. Provincial Accountant Mr. Ypil was very helpful in patiently explaining the flowchart about how funds are approved, released, and liquidated within the financial route at the Provincial Capitol. The PPC also appreciated the gesture of PB Corominas, through her assistant Merle, to reach out to the PPC members to be accredited as required by the PB ordinance and COA guidelines. Engineer Quiroga and Raymund Branzuela of PPDO met the call of service by helping PPC with much-needed facilities for the PPC assembly. Of course, so many more challenges remain to be hurdled by the PPC that was constituted and recognized by Governor Gwen Garcia. Of course, the nation's political situation remains fluid. Of course, so much political and economic realities and challenges await resolutions. Yesterday brought good news however, no matter how few and sparse. Beyond the good news, yesterday reminded everyone to remain in hope, that freedom is possible in God's own time, people can go beyond politics, and real service can result from genuine commitment. Thank God for the good times and good news, despite the problems and the dark clouds still hovering in our political skies. We salute the PPC members for not allowing any political block to obstruct their sincere desire to serve and be real partners for real governance! Thank God most especially for people who do not give up and never lose hope and continue to serve others in their own simple, sincere ways.