Proceedings of the first Independence congress : held in the city of Manila, Philippine islands, February 22-26, 1930 / Published under the direction of Dean maximo M. Kalaw, executive secretary, University of the Philippines.

FIRST PLENARY SESSION

29

our elements, not only to work for that independence but also
to organize and maintain it. The first is a solemn duty to be
performed on this momentous occasion. The second, however,
is of more lasting effect. The organization of our forces for
the different kinds of work to prepare for independence, the
division of our men in accordance with their preparation and
abilities, in order that each one may act for the benefit of the
ideal within his reach and merits, and may help find solutions
to the complicated problems inherent with the change of sovereignty, of the fundamental ideal which preceded the creation
of the Independence Commission. That idea exists now. We
could not realize it completely on account of the opposing difficulties which I have mentioned before. But that it is an
absolute and powerful necessity, is beyond the shadow of a
doubt. I believe that the thought of this Congress points to
that effect.
The ball is on the roof; it may fall today, or it may fall
tomorrow. There is a tremendous expectation in the United
States as well as in the Philippines. But I say the following:
if the ball falls today, this Congress would have served as a
glorious culmination in the process of expressing collective feelings. If the ball does not fall today, then it may be said that
this Congress shall serve to announce to all the Filipinos that
great things are obtained only with great sacrifices and welldeliberated preparations; and that for us, who come from all
walks of life and who are engaged in accordance with our qualifications and professions, has come the hour of commencing to
organize ourselves seriously for a more effective work contributing to it our own force, our money, our sacrifice with all
that it involves for ourselves and for our children.
If after all that we have-been doing, our independence does
not come yet; if after what we are willing to sacrifice for it.
independence still remains a mere ideal and not a reality, it
would be because God believes that we have not done enough
sacrifice so we should impose on ourselves greater and still more
sacrifices. If this be the case, it would give us force to organize
ourselves more seriously; let each Filipino look for the job
which fits his aptitudes and let him do what he can for the
benefit of the ideal. Our exact comprehension of the respon