Gusto Kong Mag-react Sa Speech Ni His Excellency Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III

Last June 30, Benigno Simeon Aquino III took his oath as 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines. Various people from all walks of life, politicians, celebrities, dignitaries, foreign officials and ordinary people, trooped to Quirino Grandstand to witness this remarkable inauguration of His Excellency.

I expected that the newly elected president would deliver his speech primarily in English. I salute him for using our national language for it is more appealing to the masses. It is very vital that the trust of the people to the government will be renewed once again.

President Aquino’s speech was a feel good speech.

He mentioned vital things that are pleasing to the ears. He will first tackle in his administration eradicating corruption, education for the people, agricultural needs of our farmers, excellent quality of infrastructures, emergency employment which was first implemented by her mother, peace in Mindanao, just to name a few. He stressed in his speech that seeking justice for the wrong-doings of the past administration will be done assigning former Chief Justice Hilario Davide as the leader of the Truth Commission. Maybe, this is one way of His Excellency to gain the trust of the people. It is much easier and convenient if the Filipino people are one in fighting against various national problems. Plus injustices were done in the past administration so it is only right to make them pay.

The “sorry state of the country" left by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has brought such high expectations and hopes for the incoming president.

I hope this would be the new beginning of long lost dreams and aspiration of all Filipino people. Everything will not be done as simple as we think for selfish politicians would surely not easily give up their acquired privileges. It’s time to fulfill the promises Noynoy made. The Filipino people will be watching his appointees in the cabinet on how they will perform. I think transparency and accountability are ways to make them responsible and accountable for their acts and dealings.

Our president should use the legacies of his parents as an inspiration to always strive to do better.

I believe that there is a sign in heaven that our suffering will soon end. P-Noy will lead a clean and honest government. Our women will no longer be abused in foreign land. A better future awaits our youth, the fair hope of our motherland. Let us all arise my dear friend, let us help P-Noy in his fight against corruption. And let us work together to make our dreams come true, of better future, which until now only exist in our dreams.

If I'm In Noynoy's Shoes

We have given justification to the sacrifice my parents made for this land. Filipinos are indeed worth dying for.

We, Filipinos, have won the battle yet another one is coming. Our nation is facing many problems. Corruption, poverty, war in Mindanao just to name a few. There is so much work to do. But for the next 6 years of my administration, we, not only I will conquer these problems.

Why can’t we advance? Why can’t we progress? What is it in us that limits or prohibits our growth as a people and as a country? I usually ask these questions to myself. The past administration has programs and projects that are beneficial to the masses. But I have seen officials who implement these projects do not make the most out of it. Graft, corruption, red-tape, bribery and the like. These are the termites that continue to ruin the rightful benefits our people must receive. In my recent campaign, I always stress “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap”. I believe, having a transparent and accountable government is the key that will drive those termites away. Effective implementation of this will surely erase these pests. We must now become a government committed to accountability and transparency; a government that works with the people in achieving long-term change.

My vision is to transform our country into one where we have lower tax rates enjoyed by all, rather than have some enjoy absolute tax exemptions while we burden the rest of the economy with very high tax rates. We will refrain from imposing new taxes or increasing tax rates. I believe that markets are better than government in spotting where the growth opportunities are, and, with universal low tax rates, we will encourage entrepreneurs and enterprises to invest and create jobs in any industry.

We must also be able to harness our homegrown talent in order to further improve our local industries.

Nations whose nationalism is destroyed are subject to ruin.

It’s time to unite for a better Philippines!

Being nationalistic will greatly boost our morale and pride therefore letting us make a difference for our beloved country which is greatly needed by now. Let us not abandon our land in this time of need instead let us move to protect our homeland. Let us not lose hope for we have already begun in searching for long-term solutions.

Ngayon, wala na tayong dapat pang ikatakot. Tayo ay gising na. Tayo ay mulat na. Tayo ay kikilos na upang makamit ang tagumpay. Taas-noo muli ang Pilipino sa mundo.

Thank you and may the Good Lord bless us all. Mabuhay tayong lahat!

Original UST Hymn With Its Tagalog Translation

Seat of Aquinas, majestic enduring

the storms of the ages.

Shrine of our ancient fathers,

Carved in these isles

This is the castle imperious.

This is the home of our sages.

Blessed by the Cross of the angels,

Gift of our Mother Spain!

Deep in her echoing chambers

Flames of eternal yearning

Cast their benignant shadows

athwart this beloved land.

Keeping the torches of freedom

and heave forever burning.

Deep in the heart led by the Saviour's

command.

(Chorus)

God of all nations

Merciful Lord of our restless being,

Sweep with your golden lilies;

This fountain of purest light;

Trace with the sails of the galleons

the dream beyond our seeing

Touch with the flame of your kindness

the gloom of our darkest night.

Keep us in beauty and truth and virtues

impassioned embrace

Ever your valiant legions

Imbued with Unending Grace!

Tagalog Translation

Diyos ng Bayan

Maawaing Diyos, ng aming katauhan

Lantay ng gintong lirio

ang batis na dalisay

Bakas ng layag ng galeon,

Lubhang lampas sa paningin

ang Iyong maawaing liwanag

Lagim ng kadiliman.

Sa kagandahan, katotohana’t kabaitan.

Ang Iyong mga kawal

Biyaya’y walang hanggan