"THE LEAGUE OF FILIPINO NATIONS"
(by: dinggol a.divinagracia)
GREETINGS!!!
At the risk of being called impertinent by our "kasimanwas" and misunderstood by the "kababayans"; the "Ilonggo Nation Movement" never intended nor entertained the idea of secession. We envision a free and democratic society of a united Philippines, "The League of Filipino Nations" led by men and women of integrity and competence; idealistic and strong-willed; under any form of government acceptable to its citizens and composed of political and geographical set-up, viz:
I - MINDANAO
a) THE BANGSA MORO NATION of our Muslim brothers exist because it is a "force to reckon with". United and determined to preserve their cultural and religious patrimony. The BANGSA MORO NATION must not be led by the "has beens" but by modern day "Salahdins".
b) THE CHRISTIAN MINDANAO NATION; "Land of Promise" aspiration that inspired the early settlers; the brave and adventurous ancestors of Christians in the south."TraPos" should never interfere in its leadership.
c) OTHERS, shall fall within respective jurisdiction of the above.
II- VISAYAS
a) THE ILONGGO NATION of Western Visayas; The Land where time began; the birth of the "Malayan Filipino" race. The cradle of ancient Filipino civilization.
b) THE CENTRAL VISAYAN NATION; Home of heroes; the brave "Lapu Lapu" and courageous "Dagohoy". With Cebu, as the "Seat of Central Government" for practical reasons and strategic location.
c) THE WARAY-WARAY NATION of Eastern Visayas; Battle-scarred history of daring people fighting unsurmountable odds against foreign aggressions, never ending social injustice and constant furies of nature.
III- LUZON
a) THE METRO MANILA(and its environs)as ONE NATION; with its seemingly uncontrollable Metropolis problems, might be decongested giving residents ample breathing spaces. Tondo, birthplace of the "Great Plebeian" Andres Bonifacio, a true National Hero. Awaiting another of his kind, but a little more alert on political "in-fighting".
b) THE CORDILLERA NATION; An autonomous region; now known as C.A.R. These undefeated highlanders of the north won their battles against outside intrusions and foreign subjugation. Thereby, preserving their identity as a people.
c) THE ILOKANO NATION; The frugal, industrious and indigenious people of Ilocandia, produced the likes of Diego and Gabriela Silang and other noble heroes. Contributed two of their illustrious sons to the presidency; Elpidio Quirino and Ferdinand Marcos.(We respect both who are departed)
d) THE CAGAYAN"VALLEY"NATION; We Salute! the good people of Isabela Province for their victory in the last Election. They proved that well-entrenched Political Dynasties, notwithstanding their three "G's" and political machineries could be defeated by a physically handicapped (polio stricken) but mentally competent young lady. With unity and determination change is possible.
May your tribe increase! and may your triumph set a precedent in many parts of the archipelago that are still under the strangelehold of conscienceless political dynasties.
e) CENTRAL LUZON NATION: Vast wealth concentrated to the elite-in-power who circumvented the laws to protect their vested interests. Hotbed of perennial agrarian conflicts caused by greed of the few at the expense of the many; the poor, suffering and landless farmers(deprived of their lands and dignity due to legal maneuvers). Desperate "Masa" willing to "kapit sa patalim" even to a Godless ideology just to breath a temporary sigh of relief.
From Tarlac, first woman president Corazon C. Aquino led a relatively bloodless EDSA-I revolt that created a new phrase in global dictionary; the famous "PEOPLE'S POWER REVOLUTION",emulated worldwide by freedom loving people under the yoke of tyrants. Sad to say, however, the famous event was followed by the infamous "Shame-and-Scandal-in-the-Family" because of the blatant anomalies of the "Kamag Anak, Incorporated" and amorous misadventures of some family members.
Pampanga produced "Father;Daughter" presidents.Nationalistic Diosdado Macapagal, poor boy from Lubao, became 9th President. During his term Philippines rank second among the economic giants of South East Asia. He revived "Philippine Independence Day" celebration to its proper date, 12th of June. President Diosdado Macapagal, is assured a revered page in Philippine history.
Incumbent President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Economist; trying hard to up-lift second to lowest economic rank of the country. Presently parrying inside the political boxing arena: the"Right hook" of the Rightist; the "Left hook" of the Leftist; the "Upper cut" of some Clergies; the "Lower cut" of the Estrada fans; the "Jab" of the jobless and "Straight punch" of Political Opposition and "TraPos". She is eagerly waiting to be saved by the bell by dancing the Cha-Cha. Otherwise, she might end-up in "TKO".
f) SOUTHERN TAGALOG NATION: To include both CALABARZON and MIMAROPA. The first "Tagalog Nation" came into being when the group of Datu Puti settled the fertile banks of Batangas river(ilog). He left Panay Island to be ruled by Datu: Paiburong, Bangkaya and Sumakwel. Datu Puti, a Shri- Vijaya Sultanate Minister of Bornay (Borneo) went home to face uncertain fate. Left behind to explore Luzon and the remaing islands were the six bornean tribes of Datu Dumansil, Dumalugdog, Balkasusa, Paduhinog, Balinsusa, and Lubay. Many great Filipino Patriots and Heroes descended from these equally great ancestors. Among them, Dr. Jose P. Rizal considered "The Pride of the Malayan Race"
g) THE BICOL NATION: Also suffered and sacrificed in the fight for freedom and democracy.Katipunan leaders Domingo Abella of Camarines Sur and Simon A. Ola of Albay, fought the foreign invaders. Simon Ola, last revolutionary leader to surrender to the Americans on September 5,1903.This is being disputed by Batanguenos who insist on Gen. Miguel Malvar.(Our opinion; both are correct; Ola-the Leader and Malvar-the General).
Bicolanos also honor the memories of anti-martial law martyrs of Camarines Sur; The young Jallores brothers, and many others. But most of all, Dr. Juan B. Escandor, cancer specialist of Sorsogon who died under mysterious circumstances on March 31, 1983. We wish to share to our readers the homily delivered by Msgr. Angel Dy of the Sorsogon Diocese during the memorial services:
"FRIENDS, We honor the memory of Dr. Juan Barrameda Escandor, Johnny to others, Jerry to his friends. After years of painful effort, the reality of a "good life" was for him near at hand. Yet he chose to serve the toiling masses for he could not bear to enjoy life while his brothers cry in despair. He, like a thousand others, have been sacrificed in the altar of some men's ambitions. These merit the respect of the Filipino People. For even in the face of extreme provocation, monetary enticements, a seat in power, they remained true to their principles.They offered their lives, unbowed even in torture, a witness to the greatness of the human spirit".
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