There’s this song in my childhood that was an inescapable offering during LitMus (Literary-Music) competitions. It’s a hopeful ballad with a satisfying high note near the end, perfect for clinching a win. It’s called The Greatest Love of All, and even then, the title sounded a bit too twee to me.

As a young person myself, I didn’t pay much attention to the words that my classmates were singing (I was too caught up in my own judgment of their vocal skills). But reading the lyrics now, in my perspective as a songwriter and adult living through a pandemic, I am beginning to see it in a new light.

The first line “I believe the children are our future” came to me along with the opportunity to write for this issue. If I’m being honest, writing this essay about leadership scares the crap out of me. In my own micro-community, I don’t look at myself as a leader, let alone an effective one. I feel more comfortable when I only have to answer to myself. Looking after other people is a responsibility that I am still trying to navigate. But I am a being living in this world with others, for others. It would be a disservice to miss the chance to share the values that are important to me, just because of fear. So here are my thoughts about the kind of leadership I want to witness in 2022.

'We need a leader who will give us a sense of pride, a sense of belonging, a sense of security, and a sense of hope.'

“Teach them well and let them lead the way.”

Education is a right. I want to see a leader who recognizes how important it is to foster young minds, because knowledge is the foundation of everything. It will define the kind of people who will lead our country in the future. I grew up with an abundance of books, thanks to my parents and my school library. But not everyone has these same privileges. I want all Filipino children to have easy access to learning resources that will help shape their ideals, widen their world view, and give wings to their dreams.

I want to see a leader with the wisdom and foresight required when making decisions that will impact a distant future that they might not be able to see. Someone who desires to be of service to the people instead of serving himself or herself, who seeks for long-term payoffs instead of band-aid solutions.

I want to see a leader who will provide free education for the masses, who will equip schools with useful facilities, and build new ones according to need. Who will make sure that education is accessible, not just financially but logistically. Who’ll fix the roads that lead to the schools, and provide proper transportation and support for children who are living in remote areas. I want a leader who recognizes the importance of teachers in our society, and who’ll empower them by raising their wages and giving them more benefits. Our teachers should be able to support themselves, and the dreams of their students.

“Everybody’s searching for a hero. People need someone to look up to.”

I want to see a leader who is respectful, especially towards women, children, and the marginalized. A leader who commands respect instead of inciting fear. I want a leader who is mindful of the power of his or her words and how that can set the tone, affect people’s morale, and represent our nation in a wider world. I want a leader who does not respond with violence, but fiercely protects his or her people with compassion.


“If it leads you to a lonely place, find your strength in love.”

I want to see a leader with the wisdom and foresight required when making decisions that will impact a distant future that they might not be able to see. Someone who desires to be of service to the people instead of serving himself or herself, who seeks for long-term payoffs instead of band-aid solutions.

I think a leader should be a great team player who is able to listen to both their colleagues and to what the community really needs. Someone who sets aside his or her ego and is willing to collaborate with young minds and field experts to make better, more informed decisions. I want a leader who is firm in his or her values and will govern not superficially (for praise or accolade), but for the greater good.

Ultimately, I want a leader who advocates laws that benefit the present while proactively safeguarding the future of our nation. We need a leader who will give us a sense of pride, a sense of belonging, a sense of security, and a sense of hope.

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