THE ROLE OF STUDENTS IN
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Nelson A. Navarro
1967-1968 (Second Semester)
The Philcag is not coming home after all.
The congressional ‘hawks’ have
sharpened their claws and reinforced their teeth to win the Zoo keeper’s approval. At
most, ‘doves’ can only shadow box, caged as they are by official indifference
and apathy. Meanwhile, the American eagle gloats over a vast wasteland of Vietnamese
lives, properties and aspirations. This sight, the cousin ‘hawks’ would not
choose to miss. Vultures remain vultures whether they live in gold cages, grass hamlets or
nipa huts.
It is with deep resentment that
right-thinking Filipinos acknowledge the inevitable triumph of another congressional
conspiracy against the national interest. Filipino leadership has once again succumbed to
the importunings of an over-trusted , messianic and imperialistic ally. Filipino lives
have been pledged again to a questionable war masquerading as democracy. The on-to-Vietnam
declaration of a Marcos man before Congress the other night is an exposition of the
obvious: a virtual admission of the ineptitude of present-day Philippine leadership.
Time and again, we have joined the chorus
against the Vietnam war. We have pleaded and cajoled; presented alternatives and offered
solutions for what these were worth. Like other pleas from all over the world, these have
fallen to deaf and defiant ears.
Now we are beginning to understand why we
failed. The Great Society and her lackeys are out to win an ‘unwinnable’ war.
This war they can afford but cannot expect to win. Asian problems demand Asian solutions
not foundation grants, foreign aid, military intervention and lop-sided trade agreements.
If the Great Society has no right fanning
atrocities and raining destruction on a hapless people, what right has the Philippines? It
has poured P35 million in support of some great power’s bottomless folly; it is
poised to throw away some more. An incongruous ‘civic action’ group is deception
enough but a proposal to declare war is a downright insult to Philippine intelligence. The
constitution abhors war as an instrument of national policy; the Philippines is a member
of the United nations and other peace-seeking agencies. It is perhaps our misfortune to
have some small men in powerful offices, who would not plead public opinion in their
dogged support for an unjustified war.
There are so many wars to fight right in
this country, we need not go to Vietnam. The Philippines has a per capita income for only
400 pesos per year; smuggling, contrary to some claims, continues to persist; there is a
marked break down of peace and order all over the islands ; our politics and government
need to undergo more refinements to meet national problems . We need P1 billion
desperately for infrastructure projects, thus the controversial tax increases. The economy
has still to rid itself of its colonial vestiges. Many laws have to be passed, revised and
implemented to correct government inefficiency and red tape. If these are not enough
problems needing immediate solutions, then we would not know what problems are more
important and in better need of resolution. Our national policies must be shaped by our
national needs and aspirations. The questions to ask, therefore, are: What national
interests are served by the Philcag’s presence in Vietnam? Will the philcag’s
activities benefit the cause of Vietnamese nationalism? Can we afford the expense?
Truthfully given, the answer will be revealing and painful. If the Philippines must plunge
into war it must do so under its flag. We must start the ‘war’ right here.
Mastery over our shortcomings as a people is our only key to greatness. |
