The Vow for Change: The Philippine President’s Inauguration

Today, Benigno Simeon Aquino III has sworn into office as the 15^th President of the Republic of the Philippines at the historical Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park.

This is the start of a new chapter in Philippine politics; a new leap toward a better future for all Filipinos. I hope President Benigno Simeon Aquino III means every word that he has said in his inaugural address. After tonight's festivities at the Quezon Memorial Circle, we will all go back to reality tomorrow: we have a country that has been drenched in foreign debt and unresolved insurgency. No president will ever succeed without the cooperation of the citizens. That's the true peoples' power!

President Aquino III said that this is going to be the start of a new hope for the Filipino people. However, perhaps in jest, he said that this is going to be the beginning of his own Calvary. I guess, that is the true meaning of leadership; to sacrifice in behalf of the people so that they may be free from the bondage of poverty.

It does not mean that problems will all be solved automatically. However, this is an occasion and an opportunity for Filipinos, “to dream again”, just as President Noynoy has said.

Photograph: Erik de Castro/ Reuters –http://www.guardian.co.uk