Editorial

Peace and Solidarity Begins at Home

The theme for this year’s International Assembly in Manila could not be any better or more appropriate: “Rizalism: Key to Global Peace, Solidarity and Prosperity”.

Although the Order’s highly esteemed Supreme Commander Sir Hilario G. Davide, Jr. had obviously in mind a grander scheme when he delivered his inaugural speech with that title several months ago, the admonition to apply Rizalian principles or idealism is best applied to the very organization that he now leads. The brotherhood has never been so fragmented, never so intrigued, never so threatened with individual resignations and en masse departures than at the present time.

We are undeniably at a critical crossroad in our history. At one direction we see a proliferation of overseas members who come and represent different cultures and mentality while going at another direction we see a select set of stubborn  colonial remnants in the Philippines and their minions elsewhere who are unwilling to adjust to the realities of the times and are determined to protect and advance self-serving interests. Those interests being power, prestige and influence. The unintended result is a collision. 

What the Assembly should and needs to do should be beyond rhetoric. Certainly should be beyond fun and camaraderie or the oft-repeated “bonding” sessions. It needs to arrive at a concrete and tangible position. A position vis-à-vis the problems that are seriously besetting the now truly global organization. It should recognize first and foremost the reality that the traditional type of leadership – where “padrino” system is more likely to influence the decision making process of the Supreme Council – is not acceptable and must therefore end.

Secondly, the Assembly – in this case not the event of the gathering but the gathering itself, that is, the whole membership - should take on a new attitude. An attitude of open-mindedness and willingness to sacrifice friendships if necessary in favor of peace and solidarity. In other words, the greater good for the greater number. For the greater reason which is the advancement of Rizalism. That is after all the justification for our existence as Knights of Rizal.

The collision must be thwarted at all cost. Otherwise, rather than a thrust towards prosperity we may well witness a dreaded catastrophe - the breaking up of a once noble and honorable organization. While it is not necessarily inevitable, the probability is not that farfetched either. 

ddkdkd