Real change

By Alec Francis A Santos

As a student in a Jesuit university, I am constantly exposed and encouraged to be aware of the problems plaguing our society. We are urged not only by our professors but also by our fellow students to take a stand. As a news writer for a local newspaper, though, it is my duty to report the news in a fair and impartial manner. And that often brings me to a dilemma.

I have been often asked about my opinion and stand on the present political turmoil in our country. Being a member, a young man and a journalist, I often have difficulty answering people who expect me to give an answer that fits their expectations or biases. Recently on a radio talk show, I was asked by listeners what concrete steps the youth can initiate to help solve the problem. Maybe much to the dismay of my peers, I took the middle ground and insisted on calm instead of rash actions and protests.

Maybe it’s my exposure to and experience of the real world and society that make me think the way I do. I have been through that all-too-familiar phase of teenage angst and extreme idealism. I have seethed with anger over the evils committed by public officials. I have felt the euphoria of expressing my indignation through speeches and articles.

But after going through all of these, what have I learned? I have learned not to impose on others my ideals and beliefs. I have learned to respect the opinions of others. I have learned not to act on impulse or make irrational decisions because of anger. Most of all, I have learned how to live in the real world.

We cannot continue to dream and talk of “what-ifs” and “what-could-have-beens.” What we need is to face our country’s illnesses and address our people’s problems. We cannot just dream of a future Philippines and leave it at that. We have to work today for a better tomorrow.

So, what can the youth do now to help save our country? As with any solution, knowledge is the key. An informed youth can decide on matters affecting their present and future. It is not enough to voice out one’s sentiments. The youth has the responsibility to educate and inform their fellows about what is happening in our country. It is our duty to provide people with knowledge that will help them make the right decisions. An informed decision will result in an effective course of action. Now is the time for student publications and student organizations to take the lead in holding forums and discussions so the youth can truly understand the issues. Only with proper education will the chains of apathy be broken. And once the youth is awakened to the realization of our country’s plight, only then will the truth be revealed.

The journalist in me is also clamoring to speak out. Such is my dilemma that oftentimes I have difficulty distinguishing my role as a youth and as a journalist. As a youth, I am inclined to clamor for change. As a journalist, I have to rely on facts and evidence before coming to a conclusion. Maybe it is this dilemma that has helped begin seeing things more clearly.

The media, as a crucial part of our society, should ensure that the truth always prevails. It is our role as journalists to watch over the integrity of government officials. It is our duty to tell the Filipino people about government’s and society’s wrongdoing. We have to be steadfast and serve as constant reminders to government officials not to betray the trust that the people have given them. It is our responsibility to expose graft and corruption on any level of government to the people. But it is not enough to just expose them; the media must make sure that such corrupt practices never happen again by keeping a watchful eye.

The media should encourage the public to attend public biddings on government projects, press conferences, public hearings, court cases, and sessions of Congress or the provincial boards or municipal councils. For only if the people show interest in government business and the decisions and practices of officials will people power prevail.

It is never enough to just change our leaders. We merely change a regime with another regime bent on repeating the mistakes of the previous one. What we need is not just a change of men but a change in men.

We only have ourselves to blame for our country’s woes. Society at large is partly to blame for our country’s sufferings. A culture of corruption prevails not only in government but in our society as well. When we continue to allow public officials to steal, lie and cheat, we give them the power to betray our nation. When we allow society to ignore its own ills instead of addressing them, we contribute in perpetuating the problem. What we need is not just a change of officials, government, or constitution. What we need is real change in ourselves and in our society.

Alec Francis A. Santos, 21, is a student of the Ateneo de Naga University and a senior news writer of Vox Bikol, a Naga City newspaper.