Filipino-American migrants have been urged to take a proactive role in leading their compatriots in nation-building.
"The key in making a significant difference and impact can be summed up in three simple words: awareness, attention, and action," said Bro. Eddie Villanueva, chairman of Bangon Pilipinas Party and Spiritual Director of the Jesus Is Lord Worldwide Church.
Villanueva told the Filipino-
"As migrant Filipinos, you have moral and spiritual ascendancy over those in the Philippines; encourage them to be aware of what is truly happening to the nation," Villanueva said in a statement.
"Focus on the things where you can make significant impact like socio-civic projects by reputable NGO's (non-government organizations) and finally act now to empower yourselves both here and in the Philippines, register to vote, and elect leaders who are genuine in their character and deeds. Stop buying into commercials and PR statements. Be involved and be on fire for the fulfillment of God's prophetic destiny for the country," said Villanueva.
Villanueva attended a special dinner and was given the special recognitions and commendations from the City of Los Angeles' Bernard Parks and the California State Legislature and California Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi.
He admitted that while the Philippines has been noted by the international scene as among the worst performing nations in 2008 due to "unbridled graft and corruption," he is still fully convinced that there will be a resurgence of hope this year.
"Indeed, 2009 is the year of awakening and fulfillment. God is about to usher in a changing of the season, and those who have brought shame and suffering to our people by their selfish deeds will have to give account," said Villanueva.
When asked about the effects of the global economic crisis on the Philippines, Villanueva stated, "When you have an economy that has been underperforming for the past 8 years due to the fact that more than 40% of the national budget does not go directly to goods and services but to corrupt politicians, there is no other way to go but up."
Furthermore, he mentioned that the remittances sent to the country by overseas Filipinos serve as a lifeline to the fragile economy.
"When PGMA's economic managers trumpet GDP or GNP data that could not be substantiated by real 'felt' development in the countryside, then you can only conclude that the so-called economic gains are just a facade to cover the realities we are facing today," he said.
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