Philippines...

...is 'my' Philippines!
====================================================================
by PAM


If there are things that I consider "worth it" in enduring this incredibly uneventful stretch in the personal 'satisfaction section' of this awfully boring "life" I'm living right now (there, I said it!), one of them would be the opportunity to serve this country that I love.  Since the time I was able to actually dream... I mean, really dream, serving my country has always been up there in my list.  Can you blame me?  I grew up reading books on our national hero, Jose Rizal. And, yeah, having studied in government-owned Elementary and High Schools, where the the daily recitation of Panatang Makabayan (or the Philippine Patriotic Oath) was the norm, did this to me as well! :)  It's almost like a 'romantic relationship'. Then again, what do I know about romantic relationships, especially with an uneventful personal life with no giddy-happy 'episodes' in the 'screenplay' for the rest of the foreseeable future of this boring 'production' I'm in at the moment?!  Man, I don't even see a simple vacation in the horizon - the relaxing kind, and no work connected to it in whatever way - even when I'm already panting with exhaustion here!  

Alright, love of country and rant should not be in the same post.  So, let's start again, shall we? :)        

We need to protect our sovereignty, we need to protect OUR seas!

Two days ago, I had a good opportunity to sit in a symposium on Maritime Security at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM).  It was hosted by the Philippine Navy, in collaboration with the AIM.  I guess it was organized, amid all the issues the Philippines is facing regarding the West Philippine Sea, in order to gather as many representatives of different sectors in the society as possible to duly inform them... and later pitch in for the just and peaceful resolution of the issues.  

Prominent personalities in Philippine politics were there, such as Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani, Associate Justice Antonio Carpio,  and the former Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Rafael Alunan III.  Congressmen Roilo Golez and Francisco Ashley Acedillo are among the four speakers and four reactors who led the discussions, ably moderated by Prof. Mario Antonio Lopez.  The Symposium was more than what I expected... the discussion was relevant, cerebral, and brief but fierce!  Almost the kind of stuff that engineers enjoy participating in.  Nice to speak with soldiers, I guess, particularly the Navy... they go straight to the point, which was nice.  The lawyers in the group are mostly very sharp... more of public servants and social scientists, or business people, rather than 'hardcore' lawyers... so, the discussion went well, and didn't go round-and-round endlessly in a circle. :)  I feel we have accomplished something there... at least, I went home satisfied with my notebook brimming with useful info.  Some plans formed in my head, too, on what the role of engineers and Engineering Education Institutions might be in attaining Maritime Security.  So, yeah, I enjoyed that one.

It looks like I am blessed with another opportunity to serve my country.  Good!  :)  I'll deal with my life's boredom a little later... or, at the same time. :)  Optimism... we gotta have it if we were to survive this tightly 'scripted life'!  I prefer the more spontaneous and relaxed life any day... and I'm going to have it soon - it's happiness!  Optimism....  

***
Photo credit:  I took all the photos.

***