Independence

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Today we officially celebrate the 109th anniversary of our country's independence, one of the most significant days in the history of any country. What makes it special is the monumental struggle, paid for with blood of our predecessors, heroes who fought for liberty from our colonial masters. Without those Filipino heroes, the Philippines would still be a colony of Spain or the United States of America.

However, many of us forget that independence is only the beginning, the start of a much more difficult and potentially never-ending struggle. While we may be free of our colonizers, our country is still a long way from being truly free. Because, 109 years after we have officially declared our independence, our people are still trapped in poverty, our country is still mired in corruption, the speedy dispensation of justice remains an ideal, and truly fair and honest elections are still light years away.

The biggest affront to the word independence is the fact that after our forefathers have struggled, fought, and died for it; our countrymen today have become so disillusioned that they are jumping all over each other just to get out of this country. Filipinos are willing to risk their life savings and go into massive debt just to get a job outside the country and secure a citizenship other than the one they were born with. That should be enough to make the heroes who struggled, fought and died for this country roll in their graves in disgust.

As Filipinos, it is our responsibility, more so that of our leaders, to continue this fight for independence that started 109 years ago. We may have won the fight for liberation then, but the struggle to break free from the shackles of poverty, injustice, and corruption is far from over. Our commemoration of Independence Day should be more than the grand, yet superficial ceremonies and parades, it should also serve as a yearly reminder that we as a nation are still struggling for real independence, a grueling and continuing effort.

Hopefully, this effort will produce modern day heroes who are willing to rise up to the challenge and lead this nation to a future truly free from poverty, corruption and injustice.*