From the past to the future and my unsolicited advice

We join the nation in extending our wholehearted congratulations to The Manila Bulletin on its 117th anniversry. We also commend the members of the Board and the entire news and editorial team for another significant publishing achievement.

The past five decades or so has been a roller coaster ride for our country and people, and I am privileged indeed to be part of this newspaper which has seen the Philippines survive civil strife, political upheavals, economic booms and busts, including the rise of technology with its accompanying concerns and benefits.

Through it all, The Manila Bulletin has sought to flow with the tide to bring people its unique brand of news—accurate yet incisive, informative yet engaging, and committed to free expression.

We also praise the initiatives The Manila Bulletin has taken by gathering fact and opinion on contemporary events, and for providing a ready platform for sharing perspectives, expertise, and understanding. We know that all these will help bring about a change for the better; and enable Filipinos to achieve our common aspiration of enduring peace, sustainable development, and prosperity.

Through my Sunday column entitled “On Empowering the Filipino People,” I am enabled to share unsolicited advice (U-S-A) or “sermons” (because they’re published on Sundays) from experiences, lessons learned and “best practices”— having been involved in bruising political, economic, and literally military struggles. The historical context and real life background from which I try to write useful stuff for our people comes from my past service from ground zero as a lowly infantry lieutenant to the highest position as Commander-in-Chief after 52 years as a soldier and public servant.

From my perspective, it is important that our wide audience be given easy access to both sides of national and international issues. Some may not agree with everything I advocate, but they may democratically agree to disagree. What is essential is that Filipinos—leaders and common tao alike—unite, work as one team and help one another build our republic on the rockbed of strong foundations, thereby become a topnotch competitor on the world stage and assure a better future for all. Kaya natin ito!!! Mabuhay—Best wishes!!!

Editor’s Note: Former President Fidel V. Ramos writes the column “On Empowering the Filipino People” every Sunday.