AS WE await the fourth State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and mark the third year on July 31 since the passing of former President Fidel V. Ramos, the man we fondly called FVR, I find myself returning not just to the milestones of his presidency, but to the mindset he modeled and preached—Unity, Solidarity, and Teamwork.
Three words he repeated often. Three values he lived by. And three urgent calls that today’s fractured Philippines needs more than ever.
In FVR’s world, leadership was not about control—it was about cooperation. He always spoke of the country as “Team Philippines,” a nation of diverse individuals riding in one Mother Ship and rowing in the same direction for the common good. He loved to say, “We must move forward faster—together as one nation and one people all aboard MV Pilipinas.”
That was not just a slogan. It was his ethos.
A leader who listened
FVR came to power in a divided country. The early 1990s were filled with post-Marcos uncertainties, coup aftermaths, power outages, economic volatility, and festering regional conflicts. But instead of ruling with a heavy hand, FVR chose to listen.
He consulted, reached out, built coalitions—even with those who once stood against him. He welcomed criticism if it led to consensus. He opened doors, held dialogues, and stitched together an inclusive Cabinet that prized competence over connections.
His leadership style was a living testament that democracy can function with discipline and that progress can be made without leaving anyone behind.
Unity is action, not slogan
In today’s political climate—polarized, noisy, often combative—we could all use a little of FVR’s brand of governance. His concept of unity wasn’t shallow “pampabango.” It was hard work. It meant listening across party lines as proven with LEDAC that enabled the passage of 229 landmark bills, negotiating with integrity, and building consensus through shared responsibility.
He saw governance as a relay race, not a solo sprint. What one administration started, the next should improve — regarding one presidency as a building bloc to nation building. He refused to tear down what worked simply to make room for ego. In his words, “There is no monopoly of good ideas. Let us build on what is already there.”
That, perhaps, is the core of his concept of Team Philippines—that the nation is bigger than any one leader, party, or administration.
A team, not a tribe
FVR constantly emphasized the need to break free from tribalism—political, regional, religious, or ideological. He envisioned a Philippines where differences were strengths, not divisions. Where being Ilocano, Cebuano, Moro, or Tagalog meant celebrating identity, not building walls.
Even in peace talks with rebel groups, his tone was clear: “We are all Filipinos. Let’s build this country together.”
He believed the future of the country hinged not on uniformity, but on shared dream, unity of purpose and solidarity among Filipinos.
Lessons from a life lived well
As someone who had the rare privilege of chronicling his life and legacy through 18 books over nearly two decades, I saw first hand how much he lived what he preached — to love our Inang Bayan more each passing day.
In our conversations and interviews, he always circled back to one theme: the Filipino people must never be bystanders in nation-building. They must be active participants, co-creators of a future that includes everyone.
He would often sign off messages with his trademark thumbs-up and the words: “Kaya Natin Ito.” Not in blind optimism, but in steady conviction that we can do it—if we do it together.
Moving forward, FVR-style
In these troubled times—when we face economic headwinds, environmental threats, geopolitical tensions, and deep social and political divides—maybe what we need isn’t another divisive debate or populist promise.
Maybe what we need is to remember what FVR already taught us:
That unity is possible.
That solidarity can be sustained.
That teamwork works.
And that, despite our differences, we are still Team Philippines—always.
(The author is president/chief executive officer of Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. and president/executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a non-government outfit advocating tree-planting and environmental protection.)
