As part of ReImagine Pilipinas Ugmâ, I am certainly blessed to taste another dose of a life-changing experience. The event was held Nov. 4 to Nov. 6 in Cordova town, Cebu, participated in by movers and change agents from Luzon, one from Mindanao and an intentionally predominant contingent from the Visayas.
ReImagine Pilipinas Ugmâ was a by-product of the fruitful, soul-enhancing collective visioning exercise called ReImagine Pilipinas Bukas held in Antipolo City, Rizal in January this year. It was convened by prominent reform-minded figures from various fields, such as Senators Francis Pangilinan, Sergio Osmeña III, Teofisto Guingona III, former Isabela governor Grace Padaca, Risa Hontiveros, Harvey Keh, Mae Paner, Jim Paredes, Marian Pastor Roces, Ronald Llamas, Noel Cabangon, Garth Noel Tolentino, Neric Acosta, Kay Bunagan, Leon Flores III, Jan Chavez Arceo, Bam Aquino and JJ Samuel Soriano.
The multi-sectorial, multicultural, multi-generational, multi-linguistic and multi-ideological composition of the participants in both ReImagine Pilipinas conferences gave the events the rich and unique diversity of ideas and consensus, bound by the participants’ shared determination to help move our country forward for the next 25 years.
What makes ReImagine unique and enriching is the use of a “cultural lens” in considering key social, political and economic challenges that have to be addressed if the nation’s future well-being is to be assured. This lens focused on 25 years from the present.
Participants, which included our distinguished san Francisco Municipal Vice Mayor Al Arquillano and Cebu City Councilor Nida Cabrera, were one in saying they were enriched and invigorated by the experience and the sharing of the experts. The chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Prof. Jun de Leon, illuminated our knowledge of our historically rich but not commonly known past, language, culture and monuments, and unraveled the myths and made us prouder as Filipinos.
Now, we know that the Rice Terraces of the Philippines, locally known as payew, is the only outstanding monument in the world that was not built by slaves, as the Taj Mahal and the Pyramids were. The Eighth Wonder of the World was built by the hands of our indigenous peoples in the community who owned the lots that they were tilling. Lore Tan said the payew was seven times longer than the Great Wall of China. “It is said that if the steps are put end to end it would encircle half the globe.” (Wikipedia)
As opening speaker, World Wildlife Fund’s Lore Tan gave a disturbing glimpse of a dark future due to climate change and stressed the need for preparedness and adaptation to the climate crisis. He is scheduled to present in December the result of a study on the vulnerabilities to climate change of four cities—Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao. This event hopefully will open the minds of those still in a state of denial that climate change is happening. It is—and at a rate faster than what was predicted.
As always, the exceptional and irrepressible Tony Oposa infected every one with his ferocious love for our sources of life—land, air and water, focusing specifically on the Road Revolution and the special role of Cebu in its launch. My dear roommate, Marian Roces, was pleasantly surprised to discover his deep love for Cebuano songs and dance.
ReImagine Pilipinas Ugma focused on four metaphors as take-off points for discussion on the challenges and the vision for the country 25 years from now. The threatened payew, gasang (coral reefs), manaol (popularly known as “haring ibon”) and reviving the lost balanghay can be seen as symbols of our rich heritage, our values and rekindling our faith in the possibility of a sustainable future.
Senator Pangilinan stressed the urgency of moving and acting now, or it might be too late. General Charles Holganza emphasized that the military is into peace-building and strengthening of partnerships with the community and various sectors.
The culture of sharing was highlighted by Prof. de Leon to fight the culture of poverty, the culture of power and the culture of wealth.
Padaca shared her experience of integrating a sense of history and culture in dealings with the barangays in Isabela. If there are funds for distribution, the same can only be released if a cultural mapping is done within the particular barangay. The new school buildings were also named after the local heroes. How distinguished and dignified she is compared to our traditional politicians who are obsessed with their names and faces, despite the law and the policy against self-aggrandizement. Surely, we all can learn from her love of our culture.
It was amazing to listen to the voices and wisdom-filled insights of the youth. They do not relish being called leaders of tomorrow, because, as articulated by Anna Raisa Oposa, it would only give the impression that they need not help shape society in the meantime.
Certainly, we cannot gloss over the fact that our youth are pro-actively sharing their time and knowledge and information technology-savvy skills, among others, with various stakeholders including their marginalized peers.
Judging from the inspiring convergence and plans for more collective undertakings among participants, the speakers, Pipol Power Institute and convenors, and the superb performance of the artists and chorale, ReImagine Pilipinas Ugma was truly a smashing success. We are grateful to everyone who made the weekend journey of rediscovery (of our collective unity and strength) possible.