A Pinay's Independence Prayer

On June 12, 2009, my husband gave an invocation prayer to start the program of the Philippines' 111th Independence Day celebration here in Dubai. I am proud that he was tapped again to lead the Filipino community in the prayer, as he did last year. I wrote the prayer for him -- well most part of it. I am happy that he read it to hundreds of Filipinos gathered at Al Nasr Leisureland. He did not publicly say that his wife wrote it, and it did not matter. It's gratifying enough to hear your work being read.

I find it difficult initially to write the prayer because I want the prayer to reflect the theme of the celebration: Kagitingan, Kagalingan at Kasipagan tungo sa tunay na Kaunlaran but at the same time can be recited in a minute. Plus, I don't want to sound like it's a prayer for a political rally. On second thought, I think that is what the celebration is about, to rally the Filipinos in rekindling the spirit of pride and heroism even while leaving in a foreign land. It is a call to act together in achieving real freedom for all Filipinos-- freedom from economic poverty, political oppression and moral degradation. So can you now understand why it's so hard to do the prayer?

The activity reminded me why thousands of Filipinos leave the country every year. It is not only to seek better jobs, it is more about to give better living for their children and families. A chance that our own government, unfortunately, cannot adequately provide. It is not just about being able to send foreign remittances, it is more of securing the basic needs of food, clothing, housing and education. The essentials that the current national leaders promised but remained unfulfilled. I am reminded of the dreams they have for their loved ones and how they hold on to it despite the hardships of living here in Dubai. Consequently, I am reminded of the struggles of early Filipinos in fighting the corrupt and oppressive colonial government and attaining independence for the islands. It is not just a matter of removing the tyrants but earning back the human dignity that has been long and repeatedly trampled upon.

And so my prayer remains -- that the overseas Filipinos remain committed and faithful to their familial obligations, that they continue to hope for the best for the country despite the disappointments, and that they trust God's ways, always. Mabuhay tayong lahat!