i just read it on my friend's friendster bulletin..

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the
Philippines. Do you really think the corruption
is the problem of the Philippines ? I do not think so.
I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love
For the Philippines.
Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might
Help you understand my point.
After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the
Poorest countries in the world. Koreans
had to start from scratch because entire country was
destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no
natural resources.
Koreans used to talk about the Philippines , for
Filipinos
were very rich in Asia . We envy Filipinos.
Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos.
Many Koreans died of famine.
My father & brother also died because of famine. Korean
government was very corrupt and is still very
corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to
develop dramatically because Koreans really
did their best for the common good with their heart
burning with patriotism.
Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their
neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with
the spirit of patriotism.
40 years ago, President Park took over the government to
reform Korea . He tried to borrow money
from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan
and attract a foreign investment because the
economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had
only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine
workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money
to Korea to build a factory.
They had to go through horrible experience.
In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money.
Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to
welcome him and cried there as they saw the President
Park
. They asked to him, "President, when can we be well off?"
That was the only question everyone asked to him.
President
Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be
well off if everyone works hard for Korea , and the
President of Germany got the strong impression on them and
lent money to Korea . So, President Park was able to build
many factories in Korea . He always asked Koreans to love
their country from their heart.
Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back
to Korea to help developing country
because they wanted their country to be well off.
Though they received very small salary, they did their
best for Korea . They always hoped that their children
would live in well off country.
My parents always brought me to the places where poor and
physically handicapped people live. They
wanted me to understand their life and help them.
I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only
thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to
love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood.
Have you cried for the Philippines ? I have cried for my
country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so
many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday.
However, they do not love the Philippines . I talked to
Two prisoners at the maximum-security compound, and both of
them said that they would leave the Philippines right
after they are released from the prison. They said that they
would start a new life in other countries and never
come back to the Philippines .
Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we
Were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood. The
Owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to
their employees fairly so that employees could buy what
they needed and saved money for the future and their children.
When I was in Korea , I had a very strong faith and wanted
to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines
, I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I
saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines . Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the
only Catholic country in Asia , but there are too many poor people here.
People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing
Has been changed.
My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this
situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than
the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry
that there are so many beggars and street kids. When we went to
Pasangjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because
it would fun. However, they were not happy after taking a
boat. They said that they would not take the boat again
because they were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen
were very poor and had a small frame. Most of people just took a boat and
enjoyed it. But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love
for them.
My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I
was very young told me that if we just go to mass
without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith
should come with action.
She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things
for them because all of us are same and have received a
great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their
neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that
the Philippines will be well off.
I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos should
remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It
should start from person. Love must start in everybody,
in a s mall scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen
if we open up to love.
Let's put away
our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes.
I discover that every person is worthy to be loved.
Trust in love, because it makes changes possible.
Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts
And relationships. It changes the world. Please love your
neighborhood and country.
Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to
Him. In the Philippines , there is God for people who are
abused and abandoned.
There is God who is crying for
love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the
Philippines
.
Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood
and country. You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.
That's all I really want to ask you Filipinos.