Independence day in the eyes of working people

THE GREAT Dr. Jose P. Rizal once said, “People don’t realize that victory is the child of struggle, that joy blossoms from suffering and redemption is a product of sacrifice.”
Today, our beloved Philippines is celebrating its 118th Independence Day. Our country achieved its liberty from the hands of our conquerors through the courage and wisdom of the great men and women who risked and lost their lives to realize a common dream of a free nation. Let us never forget their martyrdom and legacy.
A nation of more than 102 million people to date, the Philippines has an estimated 39.2 million employed workers across various industries acvording to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). This does not include the 2.4 million documented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) based in 190 countries. They are the modern heroes of our country as they greatly contribute in nation building and in sustaining our competitive economic growth at par in the international arena.
We reached out to some working people and asked them about their thoughts on our country’s freedom. Here are their responses to the question, “What does Independence Day means to you?”
Gigi Celemin-Beleno, Project Evaluation Officer. “Independence Day is a commemoration of our history as a free nation. It should not end with a mere celebration of flag raising and festivities. It should be celebrated everyday among us individuals to live well with honesty and integrity by working together for an inclusive nation building for the betterment of our country.”
Evo Joel Contrivida, Order Fulfillment Specialist. “Independence Day for me still holds a big impact in my heart. What’s funny is that we Pinoys don’t greet each other ‘Happy Independence Day’ but our American counterparts are the one who greet and reminds
us that today is the anniversary of our freedom as a country.”
Tessie Dela Cruz, PMAP Rizal Chapter President. “Independence Day is a celebration of love for our country.”
Jaimie Felix, Entrepreneur. “Aside from its historic side, Independence Day to me is by having the power to be the best version that I can be. You can never ever discover your true potential until you start trying. So let’s all have the courage to embrace our potential to fulfill our true independence.”
David Ferro, Subject Matter Expert. “Independence Day is when you have work-life balance, no politics in the office, abilility to work at home and I can comfortably go and interact to any department in our company.”
Mary Rose Payuran, Helper. “It’s remembering our national heroes like Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, General Luna and even our country’s President who are instrumental in achieving the freedom that we have now.”
Mike Romero, IT Technical Support. For me, independence day is a time to honor all the sacrifices of our brave heroes and the unknown noble men and women who made our country better place to live. We should never take for granted the past because it will still be a key component for our bright future.”
Alvin Dela Torre, Driver. “It’s another holiday that I can use to spend time with my family or just stay home, rest or watch TV… basketball games.”
To all the hardworking and independent Filipinos around the world, isang maligayang pagdiriwang ng Araw ng Kalayaan sa ating lahat!

Richard H. Mamuyac is the Communications Specialst of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), the premier organization of HR practitioners and people managers in the country. PMAP is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year and will be holding its 53rd Annual Conference at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City in October 19-21. For more details, please call 726-1532, email [email protected] or visit www.pmap.org.ph.