Equality: Making Change Work in Our Society

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

The Almighty God created all of humanity equal. It might have been a centuries-old debate because of observed differences in socio-economic status, gender roles, and ethnic practices. One thing stands out: God allows the sun to shine on both good and evil. As it was written, "He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike." In addition, the Book of Genesis expresses that God created both man and woman in His image and likeness, and he equally blessed them. His image and likeness in the man and woman provided that we all have dignity and identity that must be honored and respected. Article 1 of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." This has become the bedrock for all human rights documents and activities. Moreover, this has attested to the Holy Scriptures' portrayal and conception of man and woman according to God's grand design.

Here in the Philippines, equality is highly esteemed, as it was mentioned in our Constitution in the preamble and its contents. To quote, "We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, 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 word, "we," explicitly says that despite their uniqueness and differences, every Filipino calls on to the Almighty God. It denotes that as we acknowledge God, who is sovereign and above us all, we recognize that we are all equal under Him and heaven. Then, we notice that "equality" is one of the sixteen values mentioned in this exordium. Thus, it would be deemed an essential foundational element in building a moral, decorous, and altruistic society if cited.   This was concretized in our AmBisyon 2040, our very own Philippine Development Plan championing a "Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay" (Strongly rooted, comfortable, and secured life) for every Filipino. It is a dream for all and a hope for all that equally benefits everyone.

In pursuing this promising and glorious future for the nation and the people, the Constitution accentuated Social Justice and Human rights in Article XIII, Section 1. It stated that “the Congress shall give highest priority to the enactment of measures that protect and enhance the right of all the people to human dignity, reduce social, economic, and political inequalities, and remove cultural inequities by equitably diffusing wealth and political power for the common good. It encapsulates the concept of fundamental human rights and safeguarding the belief that all people are of equal value and dignity. It implies and epitomizes that no person, organization, government, and its instrumentalities should prevent someone from living with dignity and open opportunities. The state should promote laws and enactments that set the tenor for how it deals with its people and how its people regard each other. We must believe that it is meant for everyone equally, no matter what region they're from, their tribe, race, religion, culture, nationality, age, sex, preferences, beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, or intelligence.

This year's women's month celebration theme is "Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!" Although it is focused on women's and girls' empowerment and provision of equal opportunities, gender equality is not a woman's issue but a human issue. It's not about women longing to be superior to men. It's all about equal rights, respect, self-worth, and access to and control of resources as part of decision-making. It's about having equal choices for our future in general.

Where do we go from here? Where do we fit in? What can we do? Several suggestions were enumerated on how we could help promote equality. We must first be sensitive and humane as we become conscious of every person's rights. Let's be open to learning and listening to each other as we create a safe atmosphere and environment for everyone. We should be flexible and prepared to accustom and fine-tune our views, thoughts, perspectives, and judgments as we develop a culture of inclusivity and sensitivity. We move with the same frequency in our hearts, having the same mindset as the Sovereign God who willed all these things to exist and happen.
​
We can make change for everyone. "We make change work" for everyone as we uphold equality.