A letter to our Philippine President: A Call for Action

 

August 22, 2024

Gabriel Angelo E. Peralta

Dear President Marcos,

        I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Gabriel Angelo E. Peralta, a Grade 10 student, and I am writing to you to express my thoughts and feelings regarding the current state of our nation under your leadership. First and foremost, I would like to commend you for your commitment to the Philippines. Your dedication to improving our country, particularly in areas such as economic development, infrastructure, and foreign relations, is truly appreciated. As a young Filipino, I look up to you and your efforts to guide our nation toward a prosperous future.

 

However, I must also convey some concerns that I, and many others, carry. I am deeply worried about the ongoing issues of poverty, corruption, and the impact of natural disasters on our people. These challenges are especially troubling to me as I witness their effects on my own community and family. Working in our family’s sari-sari store, I have seen firsthand the struggles of ordinary Filipinos trying to make a living. Many families around the Philippines work tiring hours yet some still find it difficult to simply live or afford necessities. These experiences and reality have made me more aware of the urgent need for and importance of strong and effective leadership in addressing these issues. Also, I find it difficult not to feel some frustration with the carelessness and corruption that persist in our government. Many communities feel disheartened due to the fact that some funds that are meant for essential services and disaster relief are often embezzled because of corruption. This creates a break in trust between our government and slows down the development of the country. I believe that these problems need to be addressed more effectively to ensure that the government truly serves the needs of the people, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

 

In addition to these internal concerns, the ongoing conflict between China and the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea is becoming very alarming. The Increasing tension, as well as reports of continuous harassment against fishermen by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG), which continue to endanger the safety and the sovereignty of our nation. One particular report is about a case involving a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) boat, carrying crew members, military personnel, and a journalist, that was attacked with a high-powered water cannon. The CCG has also been reportedly intercepting, boarding, and conducting searches on vessels, seized possessions, and forcibly drove the PCG away.

 
While I appreciate the government and your efforts to maintain diplomatic relations and peace, I believe stand firm in order to protect our sovereign rights as declared by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016. The rising conflict between our neighboring nations cannot be ignored, as the consequences would leave a lasting blow on the safety and health of the nation and its citizens.
 

 Despite these concerns, my love for our country remains strong, and I am hopeful for the future. I believe in the resilience of the Filipino people, and I am confident that, under your leadership, we can overcome the obstacles that we face. I respectfully urge you to continue listening to the voices of young people like myself, who care deeply about the future of the Philippines.

 

Sincerely,

Gabriel Angelo E. Peralta


References:
https://www.blogger.com/
https://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-17910391-4k-philippine-flag-animated-background-features-high

https://asianews.network/philippines-inches-up-in-corruption-index-but-low-score-persists/

https://media.philstar.com/photos/2023/12/10/1_2023-12-10_21-39-59.jpg