By Aerol B. Patena
MANILA, Feb. 24 (PNA) — Former President Fidel V. Ramos urged Filipinos on Monday to relive the spirit of People Power by making sacrifices for the interest of the country and upholding a sense of civic responsibility in the community.
“We Filipinos should build a community of caring, sharing and daring for others,” Ramos said in his address during the wreath-laying ceremony held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City in commemoration of the 28th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
The commemorative rites were attended by officials and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), the EDSA People Power Commission, Taguig City local government officials and war veterans.
“Caring and sharing mean being compassionate to the plight of others and lending a hand to help others. Daring is making sacrifices for the interest of the country,” Ramos explained.
He stressed that the public must sustain the “bayanihan” spirit and national unity that happened during the February 1986 peaceful uprising amid the recent calamities that struck the country.
“We must strive to transform disaster areas into resilient communities,” according to Ramos.
He also paid tribute to the heroism shown by Filipinos during the recent onslaught of typhoon “Yolanda” who contributed their time and effort in providing relief for those affected.
“We salute the heroic efforts of the soldiers who brought food to the hungry and the sick during the aftermath of ‘Yolanda’. Also, we laud the civilians who help provide shelter to the homeless and nourishment to the hungry in the calamity-stricken areas,” he added.
Ramos likewise expressed gratitude to the international community for their support in the rehabilitation efforts of the government.
In his speech, he also expressed his support for the decision of the organizers of this year’s EDSA anniversary to hold the celebration in areas that were affected by typhoon “Yolanda,” the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Central Visayas and typhoon “Pablo.”
Meanwhile, he cited the need for the country’s leaders to “strive to consolidate our national team and buckle down in addressing the country’s pressing concerns.”
He said the citizens must cooperate with the government through upholding the rule of law, paying taxes on time, raising a proper family and defending freedom and democracy.
He stressed that unity among the government and its citizens is important for the Philippines to become competitive and at par with its neighbors.
“We must continue to harness People Power for the good of our nation,” according to the former President.
The country should also be grateful for the historic event which served as an inspiration for people abroad to revolt against oppressive regimes through peaceful means.
“We must retain the peaceful essence of EDSA Revolution. We must ensure that no one should denigrate the ideals of freedom, human rights and democracy,” Ramos, a leading player of the People Power Revolution, stressed. (PNA)