What she had to and will go through because of her expose will forever change not just her but her family. Heidi is aware of that, being no babe in the woods. But she loves this country so much that she is willing to sacrifice everything – and I mean everything.
Who would relish life as a protected state witness, forego a “normal” lifestyle and join the challenging and solitary paths that heroes like Jun Lozada took?
For some people, giving up a career and the perks that go with the position at Asian Development Bank is not the smartest way to go. But, no second thoughts about it, Heidi Mendoza chose exactly that option.
Her sterling example inspires Filipinos, especially our youth, who are in dire need of genuine leaders and role models. Yes, many are proud to know that there are more heroes in our midst.
Even before the Senate hearing, we already know Heidi as a selfless public servant and a true patriot. She is just like Efren Peñaflorida and others who chose to do their work, and who could not be swayed to dance with the wolves.
Not many are aware that, years back, Heidi launched in Cebu City her book, “A Guide to Investigation of Common Procurement Fraud and Irregularities” – another of her extraordinary gifts to us and our country. Acknowledging, in her words, the “creativity of the corrupt,” in writing the book, she wanted more citizens to understand the procurement process, to watch out for the red flags of procurement fraud and to help empower us to be more involved in improving our government system and minimize, if not eradicate, corruption.
Heidi reminds us that “fighting corruption is not only a responsibility of government… it is the responsibility of every citizen.”
We cannot allow Heidi Mendoza to feel alone and lonely. Let us actively support the crusade for good governance and a corruption-free society.
The writings on the wall are very clear. Unless we fight corruption and stop the untold damage that it has inflicted upon our values, psyche, society, institutions and life support system, there would not be much left for the next generation to live for.
Magpakabana. Makialam.
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President Aquino’s issuance of Executive Order No. 23, which bans logging in the country, is an answered prayer. Finally, we have a President who will not hesitate to exercise the much-needed political will to restore the ecological health of our dwindling forest ecosystems. EO 23 is a recognition of an urgent need for all stakeholders to respond to climate change by taking care of and increasing the number of natural protected areas and the biodiversity and livelihood they support.
The log ban provides the perfect opportunity for everyone to help reforest, on a massive scale, our denuded landscape. We can start in our own backyard and community. I read about an emerging trend abroad of throwing seed “bombs,” for seeds to grow in vacant lands under a nourishing humus-like environment. I wonder if this practice can be considered as a form of “assisted natural regeneration.”
Hopefully, the President expands the moratorium to cover unsustainable projects such as mining and coal. Likewise, it is high time for the President to hold accountable the DENR and local government officials who are terribly remiss in the job of implementing our environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act of 2004, the Clean Air Act of 1999 and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
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It was an honor to be part of Reimagine Pilipinas Bukas, a gathering of the country’s movers, shakers and cultural icons in Antipolo. With naninindigan denizens like Jim Paredes, Noel Cabangon, Marian Roces, May Paner (a.k.a. Juana Change), Vince Lazatin and a host of others behind its conceptualization, the experience proved to be distinctly unique, inspiring and made one feel more hopeful about our future. Replicating it all over the country was highly recommended. Reimagine Cebu conference is certainly timely. Cebuanos in the group included Sen. Serge Osmeña, former UP president Dodong Nemenzo, Neil Huele of Step Up, Tony Oposa, Jr. and the “best actor/director” at the conference, the dynamic Leon Flores. The event was, like Heidi Mendoza, a cut above the rest.
When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.
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