Br. Armin Luistro’s messages for the nation

On Dec. 7 Br. Armin Luistro FSC was awarded the Bukas Palad Award by the Ateneo de Manila University at its Traditional University Awards. The award is significant and appreciated because Br. Armin is from De La Salle University, which is considered Ateneo’s  premier academic and rival competitor.

Br. Armin is the 28th Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He is the first Asian to hold this position. For the layman, this means that he is the head of all the La Salle Brothers around the world.

He has more than 34 years of experience in both the private and public sectors. He was secretary of the Department of Education from June 2010 to 2016. Previously, he led De La Salle University, where he was president from April 2004 to June 2010.

Although Br. Armin’s speech was quite serious, there was humor as he began. He obviously referred to the age-old rivalry between the La Salle Green Archers and the Ateneo Blue Eagles. He referred to the recent basketball game when La Salle won the UAAP championship. “What a wonderful feeling, last night as you lit up the Gesu in green, you proved that brotherhood shines brighter than competition. But let’s not talk about basketball. This Green Archer comes today in peace with arrows secure in his back quiver, cap withdrawn in fraternal obeisance and heart profoundly grateful for this uplifting recognition.”

He delivered his acceptance speech in Filipino which we loosely translated for the purpose of the readers of this column.

The meat of the speech was divided into three messages, which are especially relevant in today’s times. The first message was centered on one for the youth. The second was a plea for the motherland. The third was a reminder of God’s message for all of us. 

Maging bukas palad para sa kabataan (Be generous to the youth).

The message in this section is that caring for the youth is inherent in the hearts of Filipinos and yet, Br. Armin relates the heartbreaking story of Kian Loyd de los Santos, who was shot while kneeling and pleading. 

This reminded me that we have not brought proper closure to the infamous war on drugs. 

Br. Armin talked of the violence against the youth globally, including the babies and children who are experiencing violence and war in Palestine. His plea to the Creator is simple: “Turuan mo kaming magbigay ng ayon sa nararapat, na walang hinihintay mula sa yo (Teach us to give according to what is right, without waiting for anything from you).”

Maging bukas palad para sa bayan (Be generous for the country).

Here Br. Armin reminds us that we once showed the world that change can be achieved without violence. He asks the question that many of us are asking ourselves. While many of us stood up for the nation, dreaming of reviving heroism, now we ask, why does it seem like all the efforts and sacrifices were wasted? We look at the winners in elections and it seems we are more interested in the gossip about the intrigues of politicians.

Why do we allow some of us to twist the truth or squander the nation’s wealth or manipulate the laws established for the country? He continues for us to ask ourselves why former senator Leila de Lima spent almost seven years in prison. How many times have we heard the complaint that it is so hard to love our country? This is the new challenge for the Katipuneros among us who have fought for the country. Do not surrender the flag of heroism. Make this part of the world heaven again. Pray and fight. Ora et laban!

“Turuan mo kami makibakang ‘di inaalintana mga hirap na dinaranas (Teach us to fight without fearing the difficulties we face).

Maging bukas palad sa Diyos (Be generous to God).

Br. Armin says our perspective is lacking, our dreams too narrow. It is difficult to open our eyes to God’s dreams for the world and for all of us. Reach out to the remote homes and shake hands with those at the margin of society. Listen before preaching. Love before judging. Let us work together to establish the kingdom of God. Justice, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Have faith that God is not sleeping.

He also talked about his favorite prayer when he was young in his religious life, when he used to sing “Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas Palad” (Prayer for Generosity).

In this last message, he ends: “Turuan mo kaming sa twina magsumikap na ‘di naghihintay kundi ang aming mabatid na ang loob Mo’y sinusundan (Teach us to strive always without waiting but knowing that what You desire is followed).”

These are messages that everyone must read as we celebrate the birth of Christ and prepare for the coming new year.