Youth of Aklan, Unite!

What is happening in our province of Aklan? On the recent election of SK Federation, the value of the sacred vote, respect of the freedom to choose seems to be systematically being eroded. Freedom, which is the very core of the existence of the young, is being intentionally murdered.

Scripted nominations, synchronized “I second the motion’s” “I close the nomination’s” which appear to be earlier instructed and dictated, conspired votes based on partisan affiliations, manipulation of numbers, secret lodging and “housing” of SK chairmen seemed to be the rule of the week-end. It is still early to say that this is also true in the national level, but certainly reports have been arriving that in our beloved province of Aklan that these are happening here and there as modus operandi of our “mature” leaders and make them believe that it is the only way to change our province?

This is very dangerous, not only on the aspect of its objectively evil act – both on the manipulator and the consent of the manipulated – but also because it has become organized, systemic, malicious and is blatantly continuously being performed with arrogance of power and money. Where have we gone?

Did our hearts become calloused by a life which curses powerlessness, poverty and the seeming loss of our dignity? Did we put aside our faith that Christ, the God who became man is journeying with us in our hardships as Aklanons? Are our leaders blinded by power and the lust for money?

We could be imparting to our youth a false value: that the only may to change is to affiliate with the powerful, the moneyed and the strong who trusts more and more their power and defends it with “gifts” or by withdrawing it. This way leads more to injustice and inequality, it a way that leads to more abuses, disrespect of basic human rights and dignity. It is a way that will never make us free! It entertains an idol – the golden calf – and does not adore the true God who saves and liberates us through love, service in freedom and in a sincere gift of self.

Youth of Aklan, unite against this evil that excludes love and powerlessness, humility and service as the way for change. Our Lord has taught us that he who loves, serves in truth and last – the servant of all- is the one who reigns. You could change Aklan not through domination and being associated with these arrogant powerful leaders, but by building among yourselves a culture of love, respect of the freedom of choice and defend it. Christ has given us an example. He loved, He served, He offered, His life. He also suffered, He was poor, but he transformed suffering and poverty into more love, more service, more respect. He did not associate Himself with the powerful, but with those who are lowly. He never manipulated others nor allow Himself to be manipulated but loved each man and woman until the end.

Illusions of power, fame and money in false and “rigged” leadership are simply illusions. They will crumble sooner or later. They only corrupt many and destroy good values of your fellow youth.

Unite with Christ, your Teacher, not with our corrupt leaders who pretend and panicky in defending the right of suffrage (to vote) but at the same time insults the basic freedom of choice dear to the youth.

Remove your chains! Be free! Only the truth of Christ could set you free!