CITY OF TAGUIG, Philippines – “Ang iyong sense of purpose ay magandang bagay sa iyong vision.” (Your sense of purpose is a great asset to your vision.)
This was the message of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano in his inspirational speech at the 42nd anniversary celebration of Mandaport Apostolic Pentecostals (MAP) on August 18, 2024 in the City of Taguig.
Drawing inspiration from the recent triumph of Paris 2024 Olympics gold medalist Carlos Yulo and other Filipino athletes, Cayetano emphasized that their clear vision propelled them to success and continues to drive them forward.
“Dahil klaro sa kanila na gusto nilang maging champion athlete, may vision sila. Ngayon, nagkakaroon sila ng purpose kapag may laban [tulad ng Olympics],” he said.
(Because it’s clear to them that they want to be champion athletes, they have a vision. Now, they have a purpose when they compete [like in the Olympics].)
The senator stressed that a clear vision, purpose, and identity are crucial to achieving success as these elements cultivate the discipline needed to fulfill one’s goals.
“Kapag klaro po ang iyong vision at mayroong plano, purpose, at identity, babantayan ka Niya. Kung nandiyan ang tatlong ‘yan, magkakaroon ng disiplina patungo sa iyong vision,” he said.
(When your vision is clear and you have a plan, purpose, and identity, He will watch over you. With those three elements, you will have the discipline needed to achieve your vision.)
Cayetano noted that some people struggle to find their vision because they let the negative influences of the world cloud their judgment and obscure their path.
“Marami tayong mga kapatid na hindi umaabot sa vision kasi nauunahan ng kasinungalingan na ikaw ay hindi special. ‘Pag ikaw ay may identity sa Panginoon, alam mong mahalaga ka sa Panginoon,” he said.
(Many of our brethren don’t reach their vision because they are overtaken by the lie that they are not special. When you have an identity in the Lord, you know that you are important to Him.)
He also emphasized that a strong foundation – rooted in the Word of God – significantly impacts not only an individual’s vision but also the country’s vision toward true transformation.
“Marami tayong darating na magagaling na politiko at sistema galing sa ibang bansa,
pero kung wala ang salita ng Diyos, walang transformation,” he said.
(We will have many talented politicians and systems from other countries coming, but without the word of God, there will be no transformation.)
“Ang mas mahalaga po nating task ay ayusin ang pundasyon sa ating sariling pamilya, sa sariling community, sa sariling church,” he added.
(Our more important task is to strengthen the foundation within our own family, community, and church.)
In closing his remarks, Cayetano urged the members of MAP to continue inspiring the public, much like Filipino athletes do, saying that preaching becomes more effective when it also inspires.
“Success inspires; your church will inspire. Pero ano ang mag-i-inspire sa’yo? Is it the gold medal, or is it the Word of God? Mas maganda kung both,” he said.
(But what will inspire you? Is it the gold medal, or is it the Word of God? It’s better if it’s both,” he said.)
“Sa lahat ng ating ginagawa, dapat ginagawa natin para sa Panginoon,” he concluded.
(In everything we do, we should do it for the Lord.)