(FilAm Star prints below the closing part of the first State-of-the-Nation address of President Benigno Aquino III, delivered July 26, 2010 at the Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City, Philippines)
“We must understand that now is a time for sacrifice. It is this sacrifice that will pave the way for a better future. With our freedom comes our responsibility to do good unto our fellows and to our country.
“To our friends in media, especially those in radio and print, to the blocktimers and those in our community newspapers, I trust that you will take up the cudgels to police your own ranks. May you give new meaning to the principles of your vocation: to provide clarity to pressing issues; to be fair and truthful in your reporting, and to raise the level of public discourse.
“It is every Filipino’s duty to closely watch the leaders that you have elected. I encourage everyone to take a step towards participation rather than fault-finding. The former takes part in finding a solution; from the latter, never-ending complaints.
“We have always known that the key to growth is putting the interest of others beyond one’s own. One thing is clear: how do we move forward if we keep putting others down?
“How will those without education secure quality jobs? How will the unemployed become consumers? How will they save money for their future needs?
“If we change all this, if we prioritize enabling others, we will open a world of opportunities not just for ourselves but for those who direly need it.
“We have already begun the process of change, and we are now able to dream of better things for our country. Let us not forget that there are those who wish us to fail, so that they will once again reclaim power to do as they please at the expense of our people.
“My firm belief is that our fate is in the hands of God and our people. While we focus on uplifting the lives of our fellowmen, I have an unshakeable faith that the Almighty will give us His blessings and support. If we remain firm in our belief that God is on our side, is there anything impossible for us to achieve?
“The mandate we received last May 10 is testament to the fact that the Filipino continues to hope for true change. The situation is not what it was before; we can all dream again.
“Let us all become one in achieving a fulfilment of our hopes and aspirations for our country.”
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