A new leadership

I’m a Filipino-Canadian. I’m from Tacloban in the Philippines but I live in Vancouver. After the Brussels terrorist attack, Prime Minister Trudeau made a televised statement condemning the deplorable attack and said Canada stands with Belgium. Less than 24 hours after the beheading of John Ridsdel by the Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines, he appeared on TV condemning without reservation the brutality of the hostage takers. He assured Canadians that his government’s priority is the safety and security of its citizens and they’re doing everything for the safe release of the other hostage. Less than 24 hours after the fire in Fort McMurray, recorded as the biggest fire evacuation in the history of Alberta province, he appeared on TV assuring Albertans that the federal government will support the province and will help rebuild the city.

Here’s a leader of a nation who communicates to its people. Something lacking in President Aquino’s administration. As father of the nation, President Aquino snubbed the Yolanda victims on its first anniversary, didn’t give honor to the Fallen 44 soldiers when their bodies arrived Manila, didn’t fly to Kidapawan to console the hungry farmers protesting for food, and I could cite more incidents where he demonstrated insensitivity, his silence was screaming and deafening. As observed by many, there was a huge disconnect during his term.

Mayor Duterte, you will be president soon. Please talk to us. We may not agree with you all the time, but we want to hear you speak to us. Please take care of the nation’s feelings – give them hope and assurance, lift them up at their lowest, call them to unity when needed. Before you address the problem technically, please address them personally first. We feel we have been abandoned for so long, please re-gather us as your children. Let’s start a new Philippines together.

– ERLINDA DOLLY TAN, Vancouver City, Canada