Manifesto For Change

Today, as in the past, we Filipinos have been confronted with deep

and sweeping political, economic, social, and moral crises- lack of
sense for the common good; poor leadership and corruption in
government; crime; lawlessness, and insurgency; poverty and constant
struggle with the economy; deteriorating quality in education;
inadequate access to health care; weakening of the family; and poor
environmental protection.

All these conditions plus apathy, indifference, and demoralization, as

well as fear, helplessness, and hopelessness, have inured us Filipinos
who have become jaded as we continue to face the daily challenges
before us. Experience has taught us that the old ways and the old
solutions will not work in bailing us out of these crises. To go down in
disgust,discouragement, and defeat seems to be the only recourse.

However, we need to look at our problems afresh and we Filipinos

must fix them, for only we can fix them, and set the course for a
successful future. We have the power to shape our future and
determine the destiny of our country. We must rid ourselves of
ingrained habits, prejudices,cultural preferences, and our traditional
way of doing things. We must refresh our consciousness if we are to
rise to new levels in life.

We need to do things, believe things, and think in new ways.It is time

for a new direction to bring our dream of a better life for ourselves
and for our country into reality - a dream deeply rooted in the dream
of a new Philippines, a Bagumbayan. To all of us who share this
dream, we must all courageously face the challenges of our times.

Thus, in an act of union and cooperation, we declare:

First, that we must be RESPONSIBLE for ourselves, for our fellow

Filipinos, and for our country. We must change our attitudes, and
transform ourselves to become horizon-chasers with duty, dignity, and
determination;
Second, that we can REINVENT GOVERNMENT to faithfully
perform its prime duty to serve and protect the people;

Third, that we can fortify LAW AND ORDER through self-discipline,

vigilance, and respect for the rule of law;

Fourth, that we can build a STRONG AND GROWING ECONOMY

if we all work, save, and invest in order to prosper;

Fifth, that we must prioritize EDUCATION as the key to national

development to compete and lead in the new global economy;

Sixth, that we must provide adequate access to HEALTH CARE for

all our people, especially the needy;

Seventh, that we must create JOBS for our people, so that they will
not need to seek their fortunes abroad, but rather devote their talents
directly to their country and their families;

Eighth, that we must assist our people in securing decent HOMES to

live in and LAND to work and build on, so they can be dignified and
productive citizens;

Ninth, that we must strengthen and reinforce the FAMILY as the

foundation of our nation to develop proper values and virtues in
individuals and build solid character; and

Tenth, that we must protect and preserve the ENVIRONMENT for

our posterity. We must have the Vision grounded on Values and
empowered by Volunteerism to achieve Victory. These are the ideals
upon which we lay the foundation of our movement for change. We
are the instruments of a movement dedicated to transform the
Philippines into aBagumbayan, a new Philippines.

We invite every patriotic Filipino to join us in this shared struggle. Let

us embark together on this grand mission to reclaim, rebuild, and
reconsecrate what Rizal— 111 years ago today—bid farewell to as
“our Eden lost,” but which remains our birthright and our
redemption: Bagumbayan.

Where our heroes have fallen, there shall we rise, reborn.

RICHARD "Dick" Gordon