Independence Day 2021: Freedom Beyond Limitations

Everyone might feel like being in incarceration even when they not. It is probably because we all want to experience being free amidst the challenges we confront, especially nowadays. But the truth that we are uncertain about, is that achieving the freedom we want to have felt like we are being suffocated by anyone. Someone might say, we are free now since we already got out from the Spaniard colonization, but upon thinking critically, are we really free?

At present, it was undeniable that the prevalence of cyberbullying, discrimination against members of the LGBT community, and the killings of black people rise continually. These are among the reasons why other people feel like being caged birds. Even how much they try to fly freely, there are too many hindrances.

Even before we experience the global health crisis, everyone is seeking to do the things they want to do without being controlled and dictated by someone. Still, because of the different barriers, people suffer from the rights they should have.

Being free in doing the right things also means having the limitations of having our freedom. It means that having liberty should not be used in causing harm to others. It is not absolute, particularly when we use our sovereignty to damage justice and humane acts.

In commemoration of the 123rd Independence Day of the Philippines, a pandemic should not hinder us from fighting for our fundamental rights. As young citizens, we shouldn't limit ourselves just because they invalidate us for being young. Hence, we should go beyond limitations and exercise our rights with just action.

Artwork by: Jascyl Jee H. Sayson