Recently, we have celebrated some milestones in Philippine history and also in the local and international history of the Focolare Movement, and some of them we have featured in recent past issues, like the 25th Anniversary of EDSA peaceful power revolt of 1986, UST at 400, the 45th anniversary of the Focolare in the Philippines, the Economy of Communion at 20, etc.. We wish to continue with the celebration and the explosion of lights, conscious that as we review the lessons of the past, they will help us achieve our desire of a good future for the nation and humanity as well.

In this issue, we’ll cover the 150th Anniversary of the Filipino national hero Rizal in an article entitled Rizal at 150, including a piece on some Filipino achievers who would probably make Rizal happy if he were alive today. Their achievements have been recognized not only locally, but also internationally like that of Prof. Lourdes Cruz in her research finding of a toxin more powerful than morphine sourced from local shells, or that of another scientist, Ryan Baillie, whose discovery of a light ray may possibly lead to greater breakthroughs in laser and optics. Or the famed Lea Salonga who has continuously buoyed up the Filipino spirit in the world of entertainment, or boxer and Congressman Manny Pacquiao. There are more on our list whom you can read on page15 in our Culture section entitled 15 for Rizal at 150.

Then we have the 100th anniversary of the De LaSalle institution, one of the country’s prime educational institutions which have produced many exemplary graduates now serving the nation, and we have seen how De La Salle has been actively involved in the quest for good governance and for truth in the past administrations. We are featuring De La Salle universities in the Philippines and De La Salle Brother Armin Luistro in our Profile, and in our Issue section, with his centerpiece program as the Philippine Government Secretary of the Department of Education, the K+12, to enhance and reform basic education in the country, which is in real need of reform.

We wish to voice our support for the on on-going debate on the K+12, as we deem it quite relevant and a solution to the educational and economic woes of the country. Of course, much concern and worries surround this issue, but in the spirit of dialogue, so needed nowadays in the nation, we believe that we’ll get to see the benefits of this program.

Lastly, 2011 is the 45th anniversary of the Focolare Movement and also New City in the Philippines. Halfway around the world, the Focolare Movement recently celebrated its 50th anniversary in the United States, graced with the presence of Focolare President and Co-President, Marica Voce and Giancarlo Faletti, respectively. The highlight of this visit is in furthering the cause of genuine dialogue which Focolare foundress Chiara Lubich has started with people of different religions and other convictions.

In this era marked with tension, division and fragmentation due to clashes of ideologies and priorities, it is imperative to continue on this path of peaceful and open dialogue. It is our hope, with our magazine’s small contribution, that we can encourage society towards a new frontier of brotherhood.