IN UNITY we stand, divided we fall. This saying simply means that when people are united, they can attain their objective and only division can thwart them. This fact is revealed in one of the most significant account on unity among the early people who lived on earth. We can read this in the Scriptures at Genesis 11:1-9. In that account, the people agreed to build themselves a city and a tower called Babel whose top is in the heavens. Though they came from different tribes with different languages (Genesis 10:20, 31), they were united. They could have built the tower and the city if not with the intervention of God due to their wrong motive. It is to make a name for them and not for God. God said, “Indeed, the people are one; …now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.” In other translation, it says, “…nothing they planned to do will be impossible for them.”
It is a lesson then that if people are totally one, united in heart and mind, there is no impossible for them to do and they can fulfill their ultimate objective. All their strengths are consolidated for a single purpose. Nobody builds his own kingdom and protects his personal fame and glory.
This is needed in the Philippines because progress is delayed due to division and factionalism. It is evident in project implementation itself. A newly elected chief executive, local or national, for example, will not continue or will undo the projects of his predecessor. A treasurer or budget officer, who is beholden of the previous administration, also restricts the release of funds. Each one wants to build his name at the expense of development. The promise of genuine service to the country is a mere façade. It is only to win the votes of the populace.
If there is unity, who initiated the project or who completes it is not important. What matters most, a city is built; the nation is built. When this happens, the Philippines will go far in terms of economic growth and there is nothing impossible for us, Filipinos, to do. What we have purposed to do will be fulfilled in time. We may have diversities in culture, background, and dialect, but if we have the same understanding on the destiny of our country, we can be united and all our efforts are geared towards it. If we aim to build our nation, we will build it and no one speaks the contrary. We hear no other language. Our language is only one. Yes to national transformation, yes to change. Unlike the early people, God will not stop us because our intentions are pure. It is for the general welfare, not for selfish gain or purpose. Unity in the country is not an empty dictum. It is possible and the vision for new Philippines is at hand.