By PROUT
The next president of the Philippines must have the vision and the capacity to build an ideal society. Whatever harsh reality may be confronting our society at present, our next leader must be able to uplift our condition toward a condition that is a lot better.
But, in simple terms, what is an ideal society?
An ideal society can be likened to a typical family, not even an ideal one. Resources may not be equally shared in a family (there is invariably a difference in appetites), but they will normally be shared equitably. And the head of the family will move heaven and earth to provide at least the essential needs of every member. Even the poorest family, maybe even more so, is expected to behave this way.
With society’s resources apparently being stretched to the limit with the continuing pandemic, the last thing you want to hear from your leader is that you are on your own. You want your leader to assure you, “I have your back.”
In these trying times, our society is not behaving like a typical family but as a dysfunctional one. While a few Filipinos continue to amass more wealth, many Filipinos continue to struggle with the challenges posed by the lingering pandemic.
The next president must be able to perform the role of a good family parent for the entire nation. S/he must commit to provide for the needs of all as every head of the family normally does. The continuing challenge is to give Filipinos gainful (and meaningful) employment. That way they can be productive members of society, collectively contributing to economic development. And should some Filipinos not be able to contribute to economic activity due to unemployment (during downturns or for whatever incapacity), the leader (as head of family) must bear the responsibility, using the entire government machinery if necessary, to provide for their needs.
Every head of family has that responsibility; every leader of a country must have that responsibility, too. **To be continued next week.
