President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. meets with the Filipino community in Honolulu, Hawaii on November 20, 2023. (PCO photo/file)

As the new year begins, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has laid out his vision of a "Bagong Pilipinas" (New Philippines).

“Pero siyempre, nangingibabaw sa ating New Year’s resolution ang mga mithiin natin sa bayan dahil marami pang kailangang gawin, marami pang kailangan pagandahin, at marami pang kailangan ayusin para naman tuluy-tuloy ang pagsulong natin tungo sa isang Bagong Pilipinas,” the President said in his video message, as he explains the concept of Bagong Pilipinas in relation to everyone’s New Year’s resolution.

(Translation: But of course, our aspirations for the nation take precedence in our New Year's resolution because there is still much to do, much to improve, and much to fix for our continuous progress towards a New Philippines.)

The reformation of the Philippines will be built through the collective effort and cooperation of the "Bagong Pilipino" (reformed Filipino). But what does it mean to be a reformed Filipino?

What qualities are essential for building a better future for the Philippines?

Transforming mindsets, values, and behaviors

The concept of the Bagong Pilipino represents a transformed version of the Filipino people. It's about adopting familiar or new mindsets, values, and behaviors that will redound to the good of the country. President Marcos has identified several key qualities that are essential for the Bagong Pilipino:

• Discipline and punctuality: Filipinos are known for their relaxed approach to time. However, the Bagong Pilipino needs to be more disciplined and punctual in all aspects of life. This means arriving on time for work, appointments, and social engagements. It also means planning ahead and respecting the time of others.
  
• Prudence in spending: With the rising cost of living, Filipinos need to be more prudent with their finances. The Bagong Pilipino should avoid impulsive spending and focus on living within their means. This includes saving money, budgeting wisely, and avoiding debt.
  
• Continuous learning and growth: In a rapidly changing world, it's more important than ever to be a lifelong learner. The Bagong Pilipino should be committed to continuous learning and development. This means acquiring new skills, expanding their knowledge, and being open to new ideas.
  
• Patience and emotional maturity: Filipinos can be quick to anger, especially in frustrating situations like traffic jams or altercation. The Bagong Pilipino needs to cultivate patience and emotional maturity. This means controlling their emotions, resolving conflicts peacefully, and treating others with respect.
  
• Integrity and honesty: Honesty is essential for building trust and a strong society. The Bagong Pilipino should always act with integrity, even in small matters. This means telling the truth, being fair, and taking responsibility for their actions.
  
• Compassion and social conscience: The Bagong Pilipino should not only care for themselves but also for their fellow Filipinos. This means being compassionate, helping those in need, and working to improve the lives of others.
  
• Hard work and resilience: Filipinos are known for their hard work and resilience. These qualities are essential for building a better future for the country. The Bagong Pilipino should be willing to work hard, overcome challenges, and never give up.
  
• Discerning truth from misinformation: In the age of fake news and social media, it's more important than ever to be able to discern truth from misinformation. The Bagong Pilipino should be critical of the information they consume and be able to distinguish fact from fiction.
  
• Stewardship over natural resources: The Philippines is blessed with beautiful natural resources. The Bagong Pilipino should be a steward of these resources, protecting them for future generations. This means practicing sustainable habits, conserving energy, and reducing pollution.
  
• Faith and spiritual development: Faith can provide hope and guidance in times of difficulty. The Bagong Pilipino should nurture their faith and spiritual life. This can help them to make good choices and live a meaningful life.
  
• Unity and bayanihan spirit: The Filipino people are known for their strong sense of community and bayanihan, or the spirit of cooperation. The Bagong Pilipino should work together with others to build a better future for all. This means putting aside differences, collaborating on common goals, and supporting one another.

Related story: PBBM promotes Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance leadership campaign

Building a better future together

Each citizen must look within and assess which of these characteristics already exist and which ones need further personal development. Families, communities and organizations must also reflect on their practices and cultures to facilitate values formation. No Filipino should be left behind in this movement.

There will be missteps, shortcomings and lessons along the way. But building the Bagong Pilipinas is a continual journey of improvement and collective growth. Perseverance and unity are key to manifesting the full potential of the Filipino people.

The Bagong Pilipino represents the best version of the citizens that this nation needs. As each individual taps into their innate goodness, it creates ripples across communities and society. Integrity, compassion and bayanihan - among other values - set the moral foundations for lasting positive change.

While the government and leaders provide direction, it is the spirit and participation of ordinary Filipinos that will determine if the dream of Bagong Pilipinas will be achieved. Every small effort counts; every good deed over evil leads the nation forward. The future starts today with the hopeful heart declaring, “Bagong Pilipino ako!” (JVD/PIA-NCR)