June Duterte
We attempt to divine the future by looking at the current state of affairs of our individual lives and the goings-on in the country and the world, finding key turning points, flashpoints, issues of greater public engagement and emerging trends and patterns, among others.
For 2024, as it was in previous years, we shall all look forward to a more progressive and more beneficent new year in the area of economy.
We all appear headed to more difficulties with prices of basic and prime commodities not promising any alleviation whatsoever.
Will the ordinary Mr. Juan dela Cruz ever hope that the ‘kinilong bugas’ will be available at P20 at their sari sari store in the neighborhood?
Or will that simple dream remain to be an elusive dream, mere wishful thinking, forever consigned to the dustbin and the so-called ‘catacombs of forgotten memories’?
I long for the day when this nation will elect into office a courageous, maverick President who will order that rice be sold at P20 per kilo or below, order a new, revitalized agricultural renaissance that will redeem our lost glory of the past, order the abolition of taxes so that the sovereigns be freed from the yoke and tyranny we call Government.
I dream that one day, government will no longer borrow money to finance huge infrastructures the payments of which will be handed down to future generations and the generations yet unborn.
In politics, we shall see a primordial powershift from this present administration to a new regime that will hopefully usher in a new era of advancement.
Or better still, let’s altogether stop pinning our hopes on those who wield the levers of power, instead, let’s take it upon ourselves to improve our lot not in the ayudas or government assistance but by the sweat of our brows no matter how lowly our station in life.
Abroad we shall also see continued regime change in many parts of the world, new flashpoints, a re-igniting of past conflicts engendered by old, festering, unresolved wounds.
Will there be new Ukraine in Asia? Will the saber-rattling by China the Bully in the West Phil Sea aka South China Sea and in Taiwan and the war on Palestinian and Israeli soil be our litmus test whether or not we shall prevail over our ideological differences and our bigoted religious wars and schisms?
Will we see the rise of an ethically responsible generative Artificial Intelligence as trumpeted by their creators? Or is the birth of ChatGPT and other new programs be the precursor of a malevolent force engendered by high technology that will annihilate mankind, a harbinger of fearlful things yet to unfurl?
Whatever lies ahead of us all, let’s face 2024 with the indomitable courage to tackle the future amidst our limitations and all attendant uncertainties.
From our families to yours, May the Infinite God who disposes the best of all plans be our total comfort and sanctuary to take us gently to the storms and stresses in life with grace and confidence.
Happy New Year to all! (June Duterte)