A reader asked me pointblank how an OFW can help change the Philippines considering his limited capabilities ad his remoteness from his country. I told him that a Filipino no matter where he might be or whatever his status in life can help change the Philippines for the better by starting the change within himself.

     I told him, 17 years ago, a massive changed happened in the Philippines. A powerful dictator was driven out of the Philippines by a housewife. And it was done without violence. The commitment of a housewife supported by the hope and aspirations of millions forced Marcos to flee to Hawaii.

     How can we therefoe change the Philippines? We can make changes in the Philippines by being guided and inspired by the following beliefs and facts:

     1. Always remember that all significant changes throughout history have occured not because of nation, armies, governments and certainly not committeed. They happened as a result of the courage and commitment of individuals.

     People like Joan of Ark, Albert Einstein, Clara Barton, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison and Rosa Park and of course Cory Aquino might not have done it alone, but they were, without question, the change makers.

     2. Have faith in youruniqueness of purpose and innate capabilities. Faith is not so much something to create as to be discovered. On your own find it within yourself. Believe that you can and you will make a difference.

     3. Recognize that everything you do, every step you take, every sentence you write, every word you speak-or DON'T speak- counts. Nothing is trivial. The world may be big but there are no small things. Everything matters.

     4. To change the world, you don't have to be loud, you don't have to be eloquent, you don't have to be elected. You don't even have to beparticularly smart or well educated. You do, however, have to be committed.

     5. Be proactive. Take charge. Never think "it's not my job". It's a cop-out to say, "What can I do, I'm only one person." You don't need everyone's cooperation ar anyone's permission to make changes. Remember this precious sentence, "If it's to be, it's up to me."

     6. Don't get caught up in the how of things. If you're clear on what you want to change and why you want to change it, the how will come. Many significant things have been left undone because you or someone else let the problem solving interfere with the decision-making.

     7. Don't wait for things to be right in order to begin. Change is messy. Thigns will never be just right. Follow Teddy Roosevelt's timeless advice, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

     8. Changes start with awarenes. We cannot change what wew don't acknowledge. Most of the time, we are'nt aware of what's wrong or what's not working. We don't see what could be. By becoming more aware, we begin the process of change.

     9. Albert Einstein-arguably one of the smartest change of masters who ever lived said, "All meaningful and lasting change starts from your imagination and then works its way out. Imagination is more important than knowledge."

     Therefore, if you want to change the Philippines, you must start with yourself. YOU have to change. We can't change others; we can only change ourselves. However, when WE change, it changes everything. And in doing so, we truly can be the change we truly want to see in the world.

     A holy man, just before he died, wrote, "When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable.

     As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attemp, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

     And now, as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would have then been able to better my country, and who knows, I may have even changed the world.

     Let's learn from this late discovered lesson. LET'S START CHANGING OURSELVES TODAY! YOU and UPAK can walk hand-in-hand in starting this change within us, within our co-workers and within our families. Feel free to call us when you made that first step to change. We'll be there to help.