"Laylayan sa Himpapawid." In a world constantly moving towards progress and modernization, the phrase might seem out of place. It speaks of the periphery, of the edge—where those who are often forgotten linger, their struggles ignored in the constant hum of the mainstream. It’s a concept not just of physical space, but of a metaphorical place where the most vulnerable of our society reside. Those who are marginalized by the march of society and those who are swept aside in the name of progress.

In the context of the Philippines, "Laylayan sa Himpapawid" refers to those who live on the edge of both our physical and societal frameworks—the informal settlers, the daily wage earners, the underpaid workers, the indigenous communities, the farmers whose lands are being eroded by land grabs, and the youth who see little future in an education system that doesn’t accommodate them. The struggle of these Filipinos has always been real, but it seems to intensify every year, as economic policies and political decisions increasingly ignore their plight in favor of advancing larger, often foreign-driven, interests.

It’s easy to point to these groups as an afterthought, to believe that their lives are simply a matter of statistics, but that’s where the problem lies. "Laylayan sa Himpapawid" is not just a peripheral concern—it is the heart of our nation’s future. How can we speak of progress when a significant portion of the population remains in the shadows, unable to participate in or benefit from the country’s advancements?

The government's infrastructure projects, foreign investments, and economic development programs are often touted as proof of the nation’s growth. But for the millions who live in squalid conditions, without access to healthcare, education, or basic services, these programs can seem like an illusion—shiny on the surface but hollow beneath. It's time to ask: who benefits from this progress? If the development we’re seeing is not for the people at the bottom, then what is the true meaning of "progress"?

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a growing gap between the rich and poor in the Philippines. This gap continues to widen as the middle class struggles to hold on and the marginalized sink deeper into poverty. This division is not just economic—it is social, cultural, and, most tragically, it is systemic. The "laylayan" continues to be pushed further into the shadows, left out of the conversation about the future, and out of reach of the solutions being crafted in air-conditioned boardrooms.

What does it take to lift those on the periphery out of their marginalization? First, it requires the government and society to stop viewing poverty as a shameful condition to be ignored or swept under the rug. Instead, we must reframe the conversation, understanding that true progress cannot be measured solely by GDP growth or new skyscrapers. It must be measured by the well-being of every citizen, by access to opportunities for those who have long been forgotten.

As the world speeds ahead into the future, we must not leave the "laylayan" behind. Their voices, their struggles, and their needs must be at the heart of our development efforts. Only then can we say that our nation has truly progressed, not just economically, but socially and morally. The phrase "Laylayan sa Himpapawid" should no longer be a silent cry for help—it should be a clarion call for action.