In times of political uncertainty and social unrest, many Filipinos feel unheard, unseen, and unprotected. The promise of democracy often fades between elections, leaving citizens with little say in the decisions that shape their lives. As a spiritual leader and educator, I believe that civic engagement is not only a political act—it is a sacred duty.

The Filipino soul is resilient, rooted in ancestral wisdom and guided by the Diwata and Anito who watch over our land. When governance strays from truth and justice, it is our responsibility to awaken the spirit of the nation—not through violence or hatred, but through prayer, discernment, and collective action.

Below is a Civic Awakening Prayer, offered to all who seek to reclaim their voice, restore balance, and renew the sacred covenant between the people and those who govern.

Civic Awakening Prayer

O Bathala of the Highest Realms,
Creator of light and life,
We come before You,
To awaken the spirit of our nation.

Diwata Balantay, guardian of justice,
Guide us on the path of truth.
Open our eyes to deception,
And strengthen our voice against oppression.

Diwata Kilubansa, healer of a wounded society,
Heal our nation from the pain of falsehood,
From the abuse of power,
And from the forgetting of every citizen’s dignity.

Ancestors of our people,
Who fought for freedom and honor,
Remind us of our duty—
Not only to vote, but to watch, to speak, and to act.

In the face of a government deaf to the voice of the people,
We stand firm:
That power comes from the people,
And true leadership serves, not enslaves.

We are awake now.
We will no longer be silent.
We will no longer be used.
We are citizens of light,
Guardians of truth,
And advocates of a just society.

In the name of the People, the Diwata, and the Ancestors—
We pray, we act, and we watch.
Long live the Filipino People.
Long live True Freedom.

A Call to Sacred Citizenship

Let this prayer be more than words—it is a call to sacred citizenship. As Binabaylan, healers, educators, and spiritual leaders, we must guide our communities not only in rituals but also in civic responsibility. Let us teach that sovereignty begins with self-awareness, and that justice is a shared duty.

If you feel moved by this prayer, I invite you to share it, recite it in your gatherings, and reflect on how you can be a light in your community. Together, we can awaken the soul of the nation.

Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino.

What the Civic Awakening Prayer Teaches Us

In moments when governance feels distant from the people and decisions seem imposed without consent, many Filipinos ask: “Where is our voice?” The Civic Awakening Prayer is more than a spiritual invocation—it is a manifesto of hope, justice, and responsibility. It reminds us that democracy is not just a system; it is a living covenant between the people, their leaders, and the divine principles of truth and freedom.

Let us explore the lessons this prayer imparts:

1. Sovereignty Begins with Awareness

The opening lines—“O Bathala of the Highest Realms… awaken the spirit of our nation”—teach that true sovereignty starts within. Before we demand change externally, we must awaken our collective conscience. A nation asleep cannot guard its freedom.

2. Justice and Truth Are Sacred Duties

By invoking Diwata Balantay, the guardian of justice, the prayer elevates justice beyond politics. It becomes a sacred duty. It calls us to open our eyes to deception and strengthen our voice against oppression, reminding us that silence in the face of wrongdoing is complicity.

3. Healing Requires Collective Action

The appeal to Diwata Kilubansa, healer of a wounded society, acknowledges that corruption and abuse of power are deep wounds. Healing them is not the work of one leader—it is the responsibility of every citizen who values truth and dignity.

4. Ancestral Wisdom Guides Civic Responsibility

The prayer honors our ancestors who fought for freedom and honor. It teaches that democracy is not just about casting a vote; it is about vigilance, speaking out, and acting when leaders stray from their mandate. Civic duty is continuous, not seasonal.

5. Power Belongs to the People

The declaration— “6. Awakening Leads to Action

The lines— “We are awake now. We will no longer be silent. We will no longer be used.”—transform prayer into a call for empowerment. Faith must inspire action; spirituality must lead to social responsibility. A prayer without action is an empty echo.Power comes from the people, and true leadership serves, not enslaves”—is a powerful reminder that authority is a trust, not a privilege. Leaders are stewards, not masters. When they forget this, the people must remind them.

7. Unity of Spiritual and Civic Realms

By invoking Bathala, Diwata, and Ancestors, the prayer bridges indigenous spirituality with civic engagement. It teaches that protecting truth and freedom is both a sacred and communal act—a harmony of spirit and society.

A Call to Sacred Citizenship

This prayer is not just for recitation; it is for transformation. It invites us to become citizens of light, guardians of truth, and advocates of justice. In a time when governance feels deaf to the people’s voice, let us rise—not in anger, but in awakened responsibility.

Long live the Filipino People. Long live True Freedom.