SERVICE ABOVE SELF

by Zenaida O. Baldovino

VIOLENCE… MORAL BANKRUPTCY…HEDONISM… MATERIALISM…

these are the laws of the jungles which are slowly swallowing all of us!

It is so alarming that over two decades, there has been a continuing

erosion of traditional moral values in secular society- an erosion measured
among other things by the dizzying rise of procured abortion, the increasing
number of broken families, the laws of guns and bullets, poverty, injustices,
racial discrimination, greed for power and wealth!

In the dark pages in our country’s history, we are witnessing coup attempts
by factions within the military and political killings of leaders of government
and mass organizations.

We were a nation enslaved, indebted in billions of dollars, morally sick if not

bankrupt:

The specter of poverty continues to haunt our depressed communities as it

afflicts a growing number of our people in our country and the world over.

Yes, our country runs the risk taken by other countries, its people bitterly
divided, its national soul warped and ravaged, destined to be pawns in the
hands of contending imperial powers.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The sound of this challenge is as urgent and critical as ever. What could be
the cure for our society’s dilemma that darkens all our hopes and dreams?
Yes, my friends, the answer lies in our hands if we are willing to give
service above self and share the Divine Love we ought to give to others…
the love from the lips of St. Paul – “love is patient and kind. Love never
gives up and its faith, hope and patience never fail. Love is eternal.”

We have an equally important share of rendering service above self in this

enormous task of translating the vision of our country into a reality. The
realization must be strong enough for all of us to rise up morally, politically
and economically. We have to realize that the force of law rather than the
law of force will sustain this nation and guarantee the survival of
democracy. This is where our service is needed – when we work out for
cooperative effort to promote peace and unity for national survival.

We need the best intellectuals – men with character and moral courage to
serve our society and government. We need men like you, members of the
new generation who will look at public service as a covenant with God and
country, men with unselfish dedication unexpected of any financial reward.

To the business sector, let us venture to spread and share the fruits of
growth with the people.

The government has also the moral obligation to harness the resources of
all sectors of society to improve the quality of life of both the market and the
labor force.
The military and the law enforcers are being called for to bring justice and
respect for human rights to uphold the dignity of every individual.

The home, the school and the church should mold within the youngsters
the spirit of “service above self” in their own unique way.

With our undying service above self, a new sense of life springs in our
midst… a life that we share with non-government organizations in their
ideals to spread friendship, truth, justice, service and love to one another to
share the rewards of a life of freedom and enable all people to feel as
belonging to one another in heart, in soul, in conscience.. to one universal
family before the eyes of the Creator.

To the future Masters of the World:

Let us join hands in the remaking of our country and the world by the grace
of God, with you and others, we shall at the end of this long and tortuous
road, claim our just victory in order that immutable good shall triumph over
the invincible forces of evil. In the words of the late Jose Diokno whose
unerring vision refuses to die:

We live in seven thousand islands. We pray in no fewer than seven native

tongues. But all of us are Filipinos not only because we ae brothers in
blood – many of us are not – but because we are all brothers in tears; not
because we all share the same dream. Whether we like it or not, we are
one nation with one future… a future that will be bright if we will have that
commitment of – SERVICE ABOVE SELF!

Honorable Members of the Board of Judges, Distinguished Guests,

Friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen:

Let us all cry with resounding joys as we reach out for that - SERVICE
ABOVE SELF…

with a mind that thinks

a hand that shares

a heart that cares

I thank you.