by: Jesus V. Sison, PTRP
​Deputy National Director, CRFV

“You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be My very own.”

For whom do we live and have our being? Could we still live our lives to the fullest during these challenging times?

Saint Paul once wrote that in the last days perilous times will come, that dangerous and difficult days will be experienced. Why? Because men and women will deviate from that which they were created according to the image and likeness of God. For men will be lovers of themselves and lovers of money. People will become utterly self-centered and greedy for the things of this world. They will become boasters, contemptuous, and proud. They will start to scoff at God and become blasphemers.  There will be those who would be disobedient to parents and have no regard for what their parents taught them as they fail to listen. There are those who are unthankful and utterly lacking in gratitude, unholy that purity is absent, and unloving that normal human affections are missing. There will also be people who would be unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, cruel, brutal, despisers of good or unprincipled, traitors, headstrong, haughty, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. People will be having a form of godliness and façade of religiosity, but their conduct denies its validity and rejecting the power that could change them to be godly. These things became prevalent and left unchecked through time that led to various social illnesses like graft and corruption, patronage and abused politics, immorality, lack of patriotism and loyalty, poverty and mendicancy, substance abuse and gambling, apathy and passivity, juvenile delinquency, factionalism and division; and rebellion and insurrection.

Is there hope and a way to turn things around so that we could live our lives to the fullest?
As mentioned, these situations came into being because the man and the woman changed their nature, diverging from the image and likeness of God. But we can go back to who we really are and reverse the effects of decay and decline in our society. If we start to respond to what the True Almighty God is saying, that we be holy as He is holy, and embrace godliness.
Being holy means to live our lives in a way that reflects who God is and His glory, rather than conforming to the ways of the world. God calls us to be holy; to be set apart for Him. We live in contact with society but not contaminated by the prevailing negative norms. When we follow His commandments and rules, earnestly seek Him, and live in His lovingkindness, we certainly stand out in the world. Through the resurrected life of Jesus Christ in us and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are led and empowered to live an extraordinary lifestyle - a holy and godly life. We manifest in our thoughts, words, and actions the divine qualities of godliness and holiness. We express the nature of a changed life, be it in our respective homes, communities, and workplaces, that truly pleases God. To simply put it, we can say that holiness refers to our being or who we are on the inside our character; and godliness refers to our “doing” or our conduct and actions. These two can never be separated from each other. We cannot say that one is more important than the other, that we neglect to behold either one of them.

As God declared that we are His, and indeed we are. For in Him, we live and move and have our being; we should only live our lives for Him in holiness and embrace godliness. We only have one life to live, let's live it in holiness. We have a society and a nation to build, let’s accurately build it in godliness.

Charles Spurgeon, known as the "Prince of Preachers," said, "By perseverance the snail reached the ark." While we may not know for certain if a snail was actually on the ark, the point about perseverance is clear. As one of the slowest-moving creatures, the snail's journey required perseverance, and God, in His wisdom, allowed enough time for it to board the ark before the rains came and flooded the earth. Perseverance is defined as "the ability to keep doing something in spite of obstacles," and the snail's story beautifully illustrates this virtue.
 
The Scripture says, “Let us also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope”. The passage implies that even when we are surrounded by difficulties, we must continue to trust and thank God, knowing that these trials build perseverance within us, shaping a strong and resilient character, and preparing us for the best things God has planned for us.
 
A perseverant person typically displays the following characteristics: First, determination - they stay focused on their goals, even when faced with challenges. Second, patience - they understand that progress takes time and are willing to wait without giving up. Third, resilience - they bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward despite difficulties. Fourth, self-discipline -  they remain consistent in their efforts, even when motivation is low. Fifth, optimism - they maintain a positive attitude, believing they can overcome obstacles. Sixth, adaptability - they adjust to changes and find new ways to achieve their goals. Seventh, a strong work ethic - they put in the necessary effort and hard work to accomplish their objectives.
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Undeniably, these characteristics are essential for us as people of perseverance. As we live them out, let us remember to trust God and not try to figure everything out on our own. We'll find in the book of proverbs by King Solomon, "Listen for God’s voice in everything we do and everywhere we go."
 
Finally, in his poem “Columbus,” Joaquin Miller describes Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the so called “New World.” A section of the poem that speaks to perseverance reads:

Brave Admiral, say but one good word;
What shall we do when hope is gone?
The words leapt like a leaping sword:
"Sail on! sail on! sail on! and on!"

In today's digital age, social media has become a ubiquitous platform for sharing personal experiences and causes. Charitable acts, from small donations to large-scale initiatives, are frequently showcased online, raising awareness of the needs of less fortunate individuals and inspiring others to give back. At its core, charity is a manifestation of our innate compassion and desire to help those in need. Whether it's providing material resources, offering kind words, or simply lending a listening ear, acts of charity are powerful expressions of love and empathy.

While the act of giving is undoubtedly important, true charity goes beyond mere performance. It is rooted in a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others, free from personal motives or expectations of reward.

Unfortunately, the allure of public recognition and social validation can sometimes lead to instances of insincere charity. Some individuals may engage in charitable activities primarily to enhance their own reputation or gain personal benefits. While such actions may appear outwardly commendable, they lack the genuine intent that truly defines charity.

This superficial form of charity can be particularly prevalent in today's social media-driven world. The desire for likes, shares, and followers can incentivize individuals to perform charitable acts solely for the purpose of self-promotion. This can dilute the true meaning of charity and undermine the efforts of those who genuinely care about making a difference.

True charity, as emphasized by religious and philosophical teachings, is motivated by a sincere desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. It is a selfless act that transcends personal gain or recognition. As the Apostle Paul once wrote, " Do everything in love.."

When we act out of genuine love and compassion, our charitable efforts become more meaningful and impactful. It is not about the size of the donation or the public recognition we receive, but rather about the sincerity of our intentions and the positive impact we make on the lives of others.

Empathy is a crucial component of genuine charity. It involves understanding the experiences and perspectives of others, and feeling a sense of connection with their suffering. When we approach our charitable endeavors with empathy, we are more likely to provide the kind of support that is truly needed and appreciated.

It is important to remember that charity does not always require large-scale initiatives or significant financial resources. Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the lives of others. Whether it's volunteering your time, offering a helping hand to a neighbor, or simply listening to a friend in need, even the smallest gestures can make a difference.

In addition to the immediate impact of our charitable actions, it is also important to consider the long-term sustainability of our efforts. This involves supporting organizations that are committed to addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, rather than simply providing temporary relief.

True charity is about more than just performing good deeds. It is rooted in genuine love, compassion, and a desire to make a positive difference in the world. By understanding the dangers of superficial charity and focusing on the importance of genuine intent, empathy, and sustainability, we can ensure that our charitable efforts are truly meaningful and impactful.

​“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
This week, we celebrate National Heroes Day. We pay tribute to all the sung and unsung heroes, known or unknown heroes, and dead or living heroes. Such iconic men and women who sacrificially perfected their craft and selflessly laid down their lives for the nation zeroes into having “National Pride.” It is not only motivated by collecting milestones or establishing their name for fame. We can only highly imagine the likes of Dr. Jose P. Rizal and Andres Bonifacio. They did what they have done for them to become famous, but we would rather not because we don’t think they did it for fame, money, or material rewards. The dream of freedom, lasting peace, and progress for their fellow people fueled them to act. They were inspired by national pride in the struggle for national identity and independence.
National pride triggers a strong will and determination to pursue a greater purpose and larger-than-life aspirations like the shared vision and dream for the nation. Under one God, one flag, and one name, it creates a strong sense of unity among citizens, bringing people together for an enduring relationship for a shared resolution. Just look at when we recently celebrated our Olympians and national athletes. The nation rejoiced as one beyond and above our diversified opinions, traditions, and ethnicities. The feeling of pride that we are Filipinos. National pride initiated an immense sense of national unity. Further, it became a catalyst for having a heart of greatness.  Filipinos and those with Filipino blood or hearts around the world embraced an unprecedented admiration of who and what our nation is.
National pride plays a role not only during times of triumph and festive mood but also during times of crisis and adversity. When difficult situations face us as a nation, the people turn to our country for comfort and care.  We find solace in the thought that we endure because we stand and believe in our nation’s continuing pursuit of a glorious future. More so, we harness the power of every shared Filipino value to support each other. This sense of shared value, identity, and culture comes with national pride. It provides a powerful source of strength and resilience. It helps in sustaining morale and keeps spirits stirred with hope.
Above all, national pride is derived from our national identity, which shows that we are a godly nation in this region. This nation was built on the foundation of values derived from the One and True Almighty God. These values identified us in Christ that a “Bagong Pilipinas” was born. We boast in God that we are His handiwork fashioned according to what He has declared concerning us as a people and a nation. A genuine national pride is not just a brand of government but our distinct character of who we are. We pride ourselves on being a nation with enduring values, and we are called a holy nation and His special possession.
Mabuhay ka Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang ang bawat Pilipino. At ang bawat isa sa atin ay bayani ng ating bayan.

Kamakailan lamang ay dumating ang ating mga atletang lumahok sa Paris Olympics. Karangalan, saya, at inspirasyon ang kanilang naiuwi dahil sa kanilang mga ipinamalas na kasanayan sa iba’t ibang larangan ng palakasan o sports. Ilan sa kanila ay nakapag-uwi ng medalya habang ang iba namang ay makikitang ibinigay ang kanilang lahat upang maitaas ang karangalan ng ating bansa. Paano nga ba natatamasa ang tagumpay na ito? Disiplina at kaayusan ang ilan sa mga kasagutan dito. Bawat atleta na ipinapadala sa Olympics ay tiyak na pili at may natatanging kahusayan. Hindi biro ang kanilang pinadaanan upang maging Olympian dahil kaakibat nito ay ang matinding pagsasanay na kinakailangan ng disiplina at kaayusan, di lamang sa pisikal, kundi pati sa usaping emosyonal at pangkaisipan. Di biro ang mawalay sa pamilya upang tumutok sa training at sumunod sa nakatalagang iskedyul araw-araw na may iba’t ibang pagsubok mula sa kanilang tagapagsanay.
 
Bilang isang mamamayan, marami rin tayong mithiin para sa ating sarili, pamilya, at komunidad. Nais nating maging matagumpay sa ating karera, pag-aaral, pagtaguyod ng ating pamilya at iba pa. Ngunit upang makamit ang tagumpay na iyon, disipilina at kaayusan din ay kailangan. Mayroon tayong mga layunin at targets na ating itinakda o nais makamit bilang sukatan ng ating progreso at tagumpay. Sa ating napiling karera, maaring nais natin magkaroon ng promosyon, gantimpala o pagkilala. Ngunit hindi ito mangyayari kung tayo ay late na pumapasok, hindi sumusunod sa mga alituntunin at regulasyon ng opisiona, o hindi sumusunod sa mga iskedyul ng pagsusumite ng mga ulat. Hindi makakamit ang nais na pansariling pag-unlad kung walang disiplina sa paghahatid ng mahusay na serbisyo o walang disiplina sa paghatid nito nang maayos sa takdang oras.
 
Sa ating pamilya, nais natin ang ating mga anak ay lumaki nang maayos at sya ding matagumpay. Ngunit, ito ay hindi mangyayari kung hanggang kathang-isip lamang. Bilang magulang, tayo ang itinalaga sa tahanan upang matutunan ng mga anak ang disiplina at kaayusan. Sabi nga sa Banal na Aklat, “Turuan mo ang bata sa daan na dapat niyang lakaran, at pagka tumanda man siya ay hindi niya hihiwalayan.” Payo ng isa naming tagapagturo, bago mo paluin ang bata sa kanyang pagkakamali, siguraduhin na siya ay naturuan muna at nasabihan na ang gawaing iyon ay mali. Bilang magulang, tayo rin ay modelo sa tahanan, kaya naman, kung ano ang nakikita ng mga anak sa atin – ang ating pag-uugali, pagpapahalaga, at paggawa, siya ring tutularan ng mga anak. Kaya naman kung ikaw ay magulang na mapag-mahal, may disiplina at kaayusan, mataas ang posibilidad na ang mga anak ay may ganoon ding pag-uugali at pagpapahalaga.
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Sa ating bayan, marami tayong ninanais na pagbabago at mga pangarap na sana’y maging kalagyan nito – maging maunlad, malinis ang kapaligiran, kahanga-hanga, at iba pa. Ngunit, ang isang bayan ay sumasalamin lamang sa mga mamayang nakatira at nagpapalakad nito. Aasahan ba natin ang isang malinis na bansa kung ang mamayan nito ay hindi marunong magtapon ng basura sa tamang tapunan? Na pagkakain ng kendi ay siya na lamang itatapon sa paligid na walang pakialam? Aasahan ba natin ang isang matiwasay at payapang bansa kung ang mga mamayan nito ay hindi marunong sumunod sa alituntunin at mga batas? “Bawal tumawid rito” ngunit nandoo’t tumatawid ang ilan. Loyalty to the Republic of the Philippines, ngunit naroon ang opisyal, nangunag ipinagkanulo ang bayan sa kamay ng banyaga. Sabi ng ani Lee Kuan Yew, isa sa tagapagtatatag ng bansang Singapore, “A nation is great not by size alone. It is the will, the cohesion, the stamina, the discipline of its people and the quality of their leaders which ensure it an honourable place in history.” Kung nais natin ang bansang Pilipinas ay bumangon, ang pagbabago ay nagsisimula sa ating lahat, hindi sa iilan lamang. Sabi nga ng isa sa mga presidente ng Pilipinas, “Sa ikauunlad ng bayan, disiplina ang kailangan.”

​A well-known Proverb encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This timeless wisdom from Scriptures reminds us of the value of being prayerful, which is synonymous to pleading, beseeching and imploring. It emphasizes our reliance on God rather than just on our own abilities, skills, and talents. While our efforts play a part in our success, committing our tasks to divine providence acknowledges that we are unable to achieve anything without God. Without the blessing of God Almighty, we believe that all our toils will be in vain.
 
The same theme can be seen in the Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which states, “We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of the Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society, and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.”  The first line emphasizes the importance of working together with the help of God in building our country.
 
The term “implore” is defined by Britannica as “to make a very serious or emotional request” or “to ask or beg in a very serious or emotional way”. In Filipino, it is translated into “magmakaawa, makiusap, at magsumamo.” It conveys an earnest, sincere and heartfelt request with a sense of necessity and urgency. It invites us then to be in a posture of humility consistently before our Creator, who resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. In effect, grace and mercy will continue to be rendered in our country rather than judgment. Healing from ills of society will also our land for God has promised, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
 
This makes us wonder whether we have truly implored the aid of Almighty God in our homes, workplaces, communities, and nation. Considering the things that we hear and see daily around us in our immediate community, in different parts of the Philippines and even the neighboring countries, may it compel each of us, irrespective of our religious affiliations, to sincerely and genuinely seek the help of God - not just for our personal needs but more so for the well-being of others and for the betterment of our nation.
 
Let us make prayerfulness, not as a last resort, but a daily priority that comes with an assurance of breakthroughs, blessings, and the abiding divine guidance.
 

In his 90s, former US President Jimmy Carter still teaches adult Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. Carter is the only US president to have taught a Sunday school class while in office and the only former president to continue teaching to this day. Despite doctors finding that melanoma had spread to Carter’s brain after he underwent surgery to remove part of his liver, there is no sign of him backing down from his responsibilities as a Sunday school teacher. Carter said he wanted to stick to his usual responsibilities and routine as much as possible. Regardless of his age and health issues, "he's not planning on quitting anytime soon," says Maranatha Baptist Church Pastor Brandon Patterson. Such is a display of commitment to responsibility.    
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According to Stephen Covey, responsibility is “response-ability” or the ability to choose your response. Highly proactive people do not blame circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior. Their behavior is a product of their conscious choice, based on values, rather than a product of their conditions, based on feelings. Each person has responsibilities that must be carried out within a given period. Failure to fulfill a responsibility is irresponsibility, and the person concerned is marked as irresponsible, which could result in a loss of trust and confidence from those around them. Such stigma remains until they redeem themselves by becoming a responsible person.

Saint Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, states, “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” This passage teaches us that we are all responsible for our work and not our neighbors’. Each of us will be held accountable for our actions or inaction. Additionally, it pleases God when we fulfill our responsibilities out of love. Doing so serves as a form of worship.

The following are practical points of strengths and responsible person: Stop blaming others, admit your mistakes, maintain a positive attitude, take responsibility by acknowledging your weaknesses and strengths, and cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Ultimately, taking responsibility for our actions leads to success. It also enhances our self-esteem and liberates us from negative behaviors such as anger, fear, bitterness, resentment, and uncertainty. Therefore, be committed to responsibility. 

Justice is giving what is due to whom it is due. It involves the observance of the principle of fairness, particularly in terms of rights, privileges, opportunities, and treatment. When the award is given to the deserving and penalty is imposed upon the duly convicted, we can say that justice is served. Justice is the measurement of a civilized society so any violation of human rights without the observance of due process is a denial of justice.
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How do we translate this to the workplace context, especially in the day-to-day discharge of our duties and responsibilities in public service where proper procedures and fair play need to be observed? For instance, in an open bidding, a project should be awarded to the lowest bidder upon review of the eligibility requirements, and all interested proponents should have equal opportunity to bid. The same ethical practice should be observed in issuing permits, licenses, or any similar document. Concerning promotion, everyone vying for the desired position should go through the merit system rather than promoting someone out of political friendship or any undue maneuvering.

It is time for us to be awakened. The promising future of this nation is sometimes undermined by countless injustices of all sorts notwithstanding the existence of deterring laws. Republic Act 3019 is extant in its provisions. The law considered the act of causing any undue injury to any party, including the Government, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage, or preference in the discharge of official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence as corrupt and unlawful. Also, it is considered corrupt and unlawful to neglect or refuse, after due demand or request, without sufficient justification, to act within a reasonable time on any matter pending before a public official or employee… to favor his or her interest or give undue advantage in favor of or discriminating against any other interested party (words supplied). Any violation of these provisions of the law can be concluded as an act of injustice because of giving undue favor to the undeserving and denying service to someone because of discrimination.

Let us take a moment to reflect on whether we have shortchanged the public, clients, taxpayers, subordinates, and superiors in any way in the past. Have we ensured that the delivery of our programs, projects, and activities were of the highest standards? Resolve in our hearts today to uphold justice at all times, both in big and small ways, just as what is expected of us by the Almighty God – to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.

Let us then rally for justice in our country to effect significant progress. Justice is the foundation of our sovereignty. If we are to build a just and humane society and establish a government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, it should be under the regime of justice. Philippines is a formidable country if justice is served. 

by: Micah A. Tecne

Let us commemorate our nation's Independence Day, when the Philippines was finally declared free from the colony of other countries. There is glory in acquiring freedom from oppression, a time when our nation began to move and live freely, unbothered by limitations. The feeling of being free grants us a life of joy and peace. We can sleep soundly and safely. What a liberty!

Freedom is a gift for us, both as a nation and as individuals. But what if, amidst our celebration, we realize its deeper meaning? Let us take a moment to pause and reflect. Are we truly free from within? We may seem peaceful and free on the outside, but deep down, we crumble, and our inner selves yearn for absolute freedom!

Have you ever felt trapped, even while moving freely in the physical world? Deep inside, we can feel imprisoned by many internal battles in our minds and hearts. We struggle with sleeplessness and unease, haunted by past traumas, regrets, mistakes, or burdens. We appear free, but we know we are not. We conform in a world of pretense and cover-ups, yet our conscience reminds us that true freedom remains elusive.

As David O. McKay said, "Life's greatest battles are fought within the silent chambers of the mind." When battles rage inside, chaos erupts, and eventually, we cry out for genuine freedom! Freedom from the oppression of bitterness, regrets, traumas, fear, guilt, and every negativity the enemy of our soul, Satan, may be launching and planting in us. The oppression intensifies as the battle lingers, leading to a desperate cry for liberation. We find ourselves in an exhausting situation, pushing all our known efforts and measures to break free.

Have we ever found ourselves feeling hopeless and frustrated that the battle within remains relentless despite our silent struggle? We grow weary of the chaos within. It's been too long; days, months, and years have passed, yet we still feel chained and in bondage. To truly enjoy the gift of freedom, we need to decide to fight not alone, but together. In our battle for freedom, we need the support of others, and we need the ultimate source of it. We have fought for liberty alone for far too long; now is the time to fight together. Our authentic and ultimate freedom is not attained by our own might, but by the might of the Almighty. "Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

The nation of the Philippines is an archipelagic country composed of 7,641 islands based on the new count of National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.  It consists of 112 ethnolinguistic groups who comprise nearly 15% of the total population of the country according to a case study made by David E. De Vera, Executive Director of Philippine Association of Intercultural Development Inc. These facts show our diversity in many aspects such as, among others, cultures, traditions, beliefs, practices, customs, and dialects. Despite of all these, we are one nation under God. We work together as one and we care for one another.  We still embody the Bayanihan spirit by helping one another most especially in times of calamity or disaster, without expecting anything in return. Besides, there are intermarriages among different tribes and ethnic groups. 

The above is what we are known for. It is who we really are. It is our nature. It is our foundational trait. However, our distinct and admirable characteristic is marred by the social ill of division and factionalism due to political partisanship and other contributory factors. Sometimes, either in local or national scenario, those in the present administration does not support those who were in opposition. As a result, there are regional maldevelopment or underdevelopment and unequal distribution of wealth. There is lack of development in the countryside while there is too much industrialization in cities. Thus, there is too much congestion in highly urbanized areas due to increasing population and heavy traffic condition.
Let us therefore bridge this gap and uphold the value of interdependence. We are like one body of different parts that are dependent to one another. As the Scriptures have said, “…the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’” The same is true with us, an Ilocano cannot say to the Ilonggo, “I have no need of you” or a Cebuano cannot say to an Ibanag, “I have no need of you”. We all need one another, and we must work together for the good of our country.

In an office or agency, the same principle applies. Let us note that even before we express our dependency on one another, we are already made interdependent by our work. Most of our duties are interdependent. A task needs to be accomplished first before another task can be done. In so doing, we are forced to coordinate and collaborate. We should therefore duly consider our colleagues whose tasks are dependent on our accomplishments. We do our part diligently so that they may not also be unduly restrained, and the public will not also be denied services that should be extended promptly and adequately.
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In like manner in a bigger picture particularly sharing of resources in the country. There should be a sharing of resources among different geographical areas to realize a wider range of development. Selfishness is not our trait. Massive distribution of wealth, skills, knowledge, and expertise should be our constant practice. Without interdependence, there will be a delay in the delivery of social services. There will always be somebody who will be put to disadvantaged. Far be it from us. “Kapit bisig tayo; tayo ay Filipino”.