Liberty for the people

“I am not a liberator. Liberators do not exist. The people liberate themselves.”

EC Guevara

Ulysse, 1982 by Agnès Varda

I find great fascination in listening to him speak about the vibrant lives of historical icons like Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. They were revolutionary giants who left an indelible mark on the course of history. Che, in particular, led a remarkable life that few can replicate. Despite passing away at the age of 39, his legacy as a revolutionary, rebel, leader, diplomat, doctor, writer, diarist, explorer, and counterculture symbol continues to inspire. His intellectual brilliance was undeniable.

Fidel, while perhaps not matching Che's intellectual prowess, was equally remarkable in his own right. He possessed the audacity to embrace his own potential, and together with Che, they left an enduring impact on the hearts of people worldwide. Their visionary ideals and the way they lived their lives propelled them to become influential revolutionaries. One could even consider them as individuals who embodied the concept of el Hombre Nuevo, or "the new man," having fully maximized the capacity of human consciousness. It is unlikely that their great visions for the world were formed overnight. From early on in their lives, they fought for the fundamental affirmation of human dignity.

Before becoming revolutionaries, they were explorers. Che, in particular, embarked on extensive journeys, immersing himself in diverse cultures. His travels awakened him to the plight of impoverished communities throughout Latin America. He witnessed firsthand the vulnerability of the poor to capitalist exploitation and the lingering impact of colonialism on the Latin American mindset. His experiences revealed a desperate need for liberation across the entire region.

Regrettably, it seems that many people today remain resistant to the value of liberty. Fear holds them back from embracing true freedom, as they cling to a false sense of security. When the status quo is challenged, defensiveness arises. In the Philippines, in particular, there is a prevalent unity in preserving a decaying religious and political establishment, resisting progressive reforms. It is uncertain how long it will take for Filipinos to break free from this detrimental mindset. Swift action is necessary; otherwise, our beloved motherland will descend into ashes. Poverty will deepen, corruption will escalate, unemployment rates will rise, and G7 countries will exploit our economy. Big pharma companies will prioritize greedy interests by withholding intellectual property rights for life-saving vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, and medical supplies essential to overcoming the pandemic. Our education system will deteriorate, mental health crises will worsen, and vulnerable children will suffer from hunger. In essence, the worst is yet to come. If people are genuinely content with the current state of affairs, I am deeply ashamed to be part of this generation.

Che and other revolutionaries served as catalysts for change, reminding us of the causes worth fighting for in life. One of these causes is freedom—the freedom to fully embrace our own existence and realize our true potential as human beings. However, true revolution and its success lie in the hands of those willing to turn visionary ideals into tangible reality. If people are provided with a purpose greater than what they currently possess, I am certain they will seize the opportunity.