The Republic and Manila Bay

In 2019, the DENR under the leadership of Secretary Roy Cimatu launched what was dubbed as the “Battle for Manila Bay” which brought together more than 5,000 participants including other agencies tasked by the Supreme Court to clean up and rehabilitate a bay known around the world for its beautiful sunset. This battle, as Secretary Roy described it, is one to be won not with force or arms but with the firm resolve to bring the bay back to life. The former Armed Forces chief, together with other agencies and the Republic Defenders, committed themselves to this rehabilitation project which, at present, has set the record straight in proving that community effort always wins.

The Republic Defenders, a nonprofit volunteer organization of both private and public individuals that supports government programs and projects to eradicate corruption, fight illegal drugs and criminality and promote good governance, patriotism and women empowerment, has been active in the said endeavor where change and love for country are at the helm of the mission, to secure the nation and protect the people.

The Battle for Manila Bay was my very first project as a member of the Republic Defenders and it was here that I learned even more how being a woman, coupled with my skills as a soldier, had value in nation building; moreover, taking part in the relentless vision of our President for change and ensuring a comfortable life for all. I recalled how in 2016, the Republic Defenders did their part in the hopes of unifying a nation amid the issue of the burial of the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Ever since President Duterte took his oath of office, unity, forgiveness and peace remain to be the driving force of this organization bringing together Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The most recent accomplishment by this administration, under Secretary Cimatu on the Manila Bay, should by now be crystal clear, that moving forward as a nation is all about putting first the best interest of our people. Perhaps for others beautifying a bay in the middle of a pandemic may not be, in their eyes, suitable; however, one must not fail to see the logic, more so the heart, behind a project where the intention is to simply provide Filipinos with a dignified place they can proudly call their own and enjoy the luxury that it brings while taking part in the responsibility to also preserve.

This right here is what love for country is all about. This is the new “Filipinism” as president Marcos once said in his address, where we Filipinos must not be afraid of innovation in our social, economic, political and cultural life. The Manila Bay represents each and every one of us and each and every one of us is an important player in the Republic, whether it be big or small.

COVID-19, the invisible enemy as President Duterte said at the 75th UN General Assembly, is the biggest test the world and the United Nations has ever faced since WW II. How we address this crisis will define our future. The Manila Bay Rehabilitation Project is certainly defining the future of the Philippines as it not only copes but thrives during a pandemic. It is a symbol of hope as well as a reminder of our commitment as a people towards a greater nation.

A 91 percent trust rating is certainly and once again, a pivotal moment under our present leadership and it must be noted that one of the issues which brought about this outcome happens to be the Manila Bay project. Therefore, whether anybody likes it or not, this administration is taking bigger steps toward a more formidable republic. Once and for all, it is time we cross the border. One step at a time.