Pananagutan and Fr. Hontiveros

I’m trying to remember when I first heard that haunting song. It had been taught to us earlier especially since I was in a Jesuit grade school but I think the very first time I was struck by the lyrics as well as by the melody was when I was in a church attending a prayer rally for Ninoy Aquino who was on a hunger strike. Lorenzo Tanada, Soc Rodrigo, Jose Diokno, and other heavyweights were in attendance.

The English translation of the title of the song is “Brother to Brother”, directly translated from Tagalog it is “Responsibility”. The composer of the song is Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ who died yesterday. His song stays with us.

Despite never having any formal training in music Fr. Hontiveros was able to compose quite a number of memorable songs that stir our sacred chords. But my favorite remains “Pananagutan”: We don’t live or die for ourselves. We are responsible for one another. Whenever we love and serve others, we proclaim the saving power of God.

Walang sinuman ang nabubuhay
Para sa sarili lamang
Walang sinuman ang namamatay
Para sa sarili lamang

Koro:
Tayong lahat ay may pananagutan sa isa't-isa
Tayong lahat ay tinipon ng Diyos na kapiling N'ya
Sa ating pagmamahalan At paglilingkod kanino man
Tayo ay nagdadala ng balita ng kaligtasan

Sabay-sabay ngang mag-aawitan
Ang mga bansa
Tayo'y tinuring ng Panginoon
Bilang mga anak