OUR column today is inspired by the article of Filipino activist, Ed Garcia, whose notable career history includes participation in the drafting of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and who had also several decades of work experiences with Amnesty International and International Alert in the United Kingdom. He had also teaching experiences in various schools including the University of the Philippines, the Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University. Our issue remembers this noted Filipino citizen who has lived his life for his country with the inspirational direction of many Filipino patriots in contemporary Philippine history. Our theme today is also a continued remembrance of our historic icons which sustain our nation's hopes for a better life despite the difficult challenges today. Our historical events are also recollections of our previous columns on the memory of the Filipino WWII experiences and the post-WWII challenges. This format also follows our integration of the values of history, heritage and political science.
With the brevity of our column today, we have highlighted in past issues inspiring examples of many cases of lives demonstrating the values of resilience and heroism of fellow Negrenses and other Filipinos who refused to surrender to foreign invaders and instead united in the organization of various resistance movements in the mountain areas of our country. We have also integrated here our wartime history to demonstrate the values shown by our people in the face of tremendous dangers and challenges. As a third point, we have already mentioned the exceptional role of relevant Filipino heritage as part of the historic political legacies which can indicate the future direction of our nation.
For these reasons, we have seen the inspiration of the articles of Ed Garcia and the iconic values offered to our people through his writings which connect this historic heritage to more recent events. Thus, the future of our country remains a beacon to our people as a dream not only relevant to our people but is a historic guide for all humanity. Here Mr. Garcia recalls the global concept of conscientization, from the noted Brazilian author, Paolo Freire, meaning "growing social awareness arising from the sufferings endured by the people." Apart from the historic experience of the Filipino under colonial rule and foreign occupation, the challenges of the present are further inspirations for our people. Mr. Garcia also quotes the Filipino statesman, Pepe Diokno, who from his years in prison said in defiance: "I fight, I continue to struggle to build a nation for our children." To this, Mr. Garcia adds: "Be not afraid, yours is the successor generation, the future belongs to you, and its shape and texture, its spaces for freedom and progress are yours to design and to forge. You are called upon to stand up and give voice to the aspirations of many who have become timid or indifferent or overwhelmed by the demands of daily subsistence. We believe in you. We have seen hope in your eyes; we have seen courage in your actions. Our generation may have tried but failed, but with you in the forefront, the battle is joined, and may the words of the poet accompany you in this uncertain and improbable quest; to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."