Faith and the Common Good
by Rudy A. Arizala
10 January 2016
U.P. Professor and Columnist Randy David in his column Can faith be harnessed for the common good?, which appeared in the Philippine Daily Inquirer of 10 January 2016 stated, among others, in the first paragraph:
“The average Filipino’s religious faith is legendary and beyond question. It is strong and it goes into the core of his or her being. It is effusive and often produces a dramatic effect on his or her disposition and conduct. Can such a force, which in other circumstances has been used to justify war and terror, be harnessed for the common good?”
Dear Mila:
Wonder if the piece below could find space as filler for MIF Inc., Website page.
Thanks a lot and Happy Three Kings.
rudy
FAITH AND THE COMMON GOOD
by Rudy A. Arizala
10 January 2016
U.P. Professor and Columnist Randy David in his column Can faith be harnessed for the common good?, which appeared in the Philippine Daily Inquirer of 10 January 2016 stated, among others, in the first paragraph:
“The average Filipino’s religious faith is legendary and beyond question. It is strong and it goes into the core of his or her being. It is effusive and often produces a dramatic effect on his or her disposition and conduct. Can such a force, which in other circumstances has been used to justify war and terror, be harnessed for the common good?”
If I may be allowed to comment on professor Randy David’s column, the founders of our nation (Mabini and MLQ) and the framers of our Constitutions (1935 and 1987) foresaw the value and importance of faith or belief in a Supreme Being in nation-building and maintenance of good governance.
Section five of Article XIII of the 1935 Constitution provides that “all schools shall aim to develop moral character, personal discipline, civic conscience, and to teach the duties of citizenship.”
The above provision of the 1935 Constitution is now contained in an amended form in Section 2, Article XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution that education “shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of humanity, respect for human rights, appreciation for the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and personal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge and promote vocational efficiency.”
This Section 2, Article XIV of tje 1987 Constitution is virtually a copy of Executive Order No. 217 or Manuel L. Quezon Code of Citizenship and Ethics.
In pursuance of the above Constitutional provision, Pres Manuel L. Quezon issued on 19 August 1939 thru Executive Order No. 217 a Code of Citizenship and Ethics which should be adopted and taught in the schools of the Philippines. Sections 1 and 2 of said Code of Citizenship and Ethics enjoins citizens to:
“1. Have faith in Divine Providence that guides the destinies of men and nations.
“2. Love your country for it is the home of your people, the seat of your affections, and the source of your happiness and well-being. Its defense is your primary duty. Be ready at all times to sacrifice and die for it if necessary.”
Earlier, Apolinario Mabini, “the brain of the Philippine Revolution” and first foreign minister of the Aguinaldo Government in his “True Decalogue” enjoins all Filipinos in the first paragraph:
“Thou shalt love God and thy honor above all things: God as the fountain of all truth, of all justice and of all activity; and thy honor, the only power which will oblige thee to be faithful, just and industrious.”
Thus, the Fathers of our nation, (Mabini and MLQ), as well as the framers of our Constitution recognize the value of FAITH in harnessing it for the common good.
The problem is: have we ignored the Constitutional provisions quoted above and the teachings of Mabini’s True Decalogue and MLQ’s Code of Citizenhip and Ethics?
Stated otherwise, why are those teachings and Constitutional provisions not implemented or not followed by the citizens of our Republic up to now?
Prof David’s recent column is a reminder if not a “clarion call” for all concerned to observe faithfully the teachings of their Faith and the pertinent provisions of their Constitution. End