WANTED: 300 Freedom Fighters - Atty. Ramoncito Ocampo
Sometimes, I begin to wonder if the time and effort personally spent in writing this weekly column is worth it all. Sometimes, I cannot help but ask whether the biblical exhortations and/or admonitions made in this column over the years are exercises in futility since I don’t see much tangible effects in the hearts and minds of the Filipino-Americans which are supposed to be its targeted readers. All this time, I was hoping that these poignant reflections would convict, inspire and/or motivate many overseas-based Filipinos particularly the relatively affluent ones based in America, to at least look back to their country of origin and somehow, make a pivotal difference not only in the lives of their loved ones but more so, in the lives of our beloved and impoverished countrymen. I do appreciate the fact that through this column, I got connected with organizations such as the PAMAG-KUSA group ably spearheaded by Mr. Ram Pineda and Ms. Josie Castro which group provides much-needed personal financial support to the incumbent Gov. "Among" Ed Panlilio of Pampanga. I am also encouraged when complete strangers would appreciate the biblical insights I share with regards to Philippine affairs but sad to say, more often than not, these positive comments are about all there is to it, mere words of support with not much follow-through in terms of action and tangibility. Frankly, I was and still am expecting more pro-active involvement together with the proportionate commitment from more Filipino-Americans, individuals and organizations alike but unfortunately, it is humbly disheartening to admit that the results and cooperative efforts I have been looking for have been, so far, pathetically negligible to none.
Which begs the question? Perhaps, just like most if not all lawyer/columnists, I should simply promote my self-serving agenda/interests and write articles in immigration and family law having specialized in the same for more than 15 years. Perhaps, I should just drop and not pursue this seemingly quixotic movement, Bangon! Bagong Pilipinas (BBP), which envisions to involve overseas-based Filipinos, especially US-based ones, in the moral, economic and political transformation of the Philippines through the implementation of humanitarian and/or livelihood projects for the impoverished sectors of our country. Perhaps, many Filipino-Americans just would not understand/heed the admonition that not only should they support their loved ones alone but also, worthwhile projects such as Gawad-Kalinga and the Our Lady of Peace Foundation hospital in Paranaque providing free medical/hospitalization to indigent families in Metro Manila, among others. After all, Jesus Himself said…"If you love only those who love you, what credit is that to you?" Perhaps, many overseas-based Filipinos would never envision their collective capability/potential as a group to exhort/persuade their loved ones as well as the beneficiaries of the humanitarian/livelihood projects to once and for all, install morally upright political leadership in our country if only to greatly minimize if not totally eradicate the immorality and graft and corruption mentality/culture in our government bureaucracy. Perhaps…But then, I am reminded of what God said in Isaiah 55:10-11…"For just as from the heavens, the rain and snow come down and shall not return there until it has watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to him who sows and bread to him who eats, so shall My word which comes forth from My mouth. It shall not return to me void but shall do My will and accomplish the purpose for which I sent it." Indeed, St. Peter exhorts in 2 Timothy 4:1-5…"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus…I charge you to preach the word and to stay with this task, whether convenient or inconvenient, correcting, reproving, appealing- constantly teaching and never losing patience."
Emboldened by these exhortations and despite concerns by well-meaning relatives/friends for my health due to a quadruple heart by-pass surgery last year, I have decided to go full speed ahead anyway with the BBP movement as I have discerned it to be a God-given purpose/mission. Much like Gideon, I don’t profess to have the wherewithal, credentials/resources to get it done. I just pray and hope that at least 300 patriotic, God-fearing, Christ-centered, Spirit-inspired Filipino-Americans would stand in the gap with me in this fight for the eventual delivery of the Filipino people from the curses of poverty, graft and corruption and gross immorality. Will you be one of these select 300? After all, "The only reason why evil triumphs in this world is because good men simply do nothing."… Di ba?
To get involved with Bangon! Bagong Pilipinas (BBP) Movement, please call (213) 388-9925 or e-mail bbp.1010@yahoo.com. For details, log on to globalhello.com/bbp.