Pursue Unity for Greater Success

by: Ame-phil O. Saquiban

Just like that, January has come and gone. Time passes by quickly. Isn’t this the perfect moment to pause and reflect on the contributions we hope to make in achieving our goals this year—whether in our personal lives, family, workplace or even for our nation? Benjamin Franklin once said, "We can never find lost time again." Before another month sneaks up on us, let's strive to make every day meaningful and purposeful, bringing positive changes to various aspects of our lives and advancing us toward our goals. However, success in accomplishing our aspirations is rarely done in isolation; it almost always requires significant support from others, which calls us to pursue unity for greater success.
 
While fostering unity has its advantages in achieving a more efficient and effective approach, we recognize that it is not an effortless task. It requires a genuine demonstration of respect, openness, empathy, selflessness, and humility. This reminds us of Saint Paul’s exhortation: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.”
 
Reflecting on the value of unity resonates deeply within our current socio-political landscape. There are significant gaps and strained relationships among our leaders. We see how former political allies from previous elections have shifted to opposing sides on many critical issues in governance. Addressing these divisions is crucial for moving forward together.
 
The negative effects of division and factionalism, whether on a national or local scale, are detrimental to economic growth. The sharing of resources and technology can be hindered, contributing to regional underdevelopment. Such divisions foster prejudice and discrimination, resulting in injustices that deny equal opportunities to all. It can create a vicious, vindictive culture, such as when a winning candidate in a past election gives less support to political units that rendered an unfavorable number of votes. It also delays the passing of relevant laws that are beneficial and crucial for development, whether in the local or national legislative branch of the government.
 
By nature, we are known for our good custom or practice of caring for one another. We take pride in our Filipino trait of camaraderie and the bayanihan system. This is our strength as one nation under God. Given the pressing issues in our country, it is imperative and crucial for us to reconnect with our identity. To save our nation from decline, it takes the collaboration and consolidation of our skills, talents, and expertise. As the saying goes, “In unity, we stand; divided, we fall.”
 
Gathering in one place alone cannot achieve unity. It requires fellowship—covenant toward a deeper relationship for noble and meaningful purposes. Let us strive for unity and fellowship for greater success in the things we hope to accomplish this year—in our personal lives, families, workplaces, and for our nation.
 

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