by: Keren May B. Busaing In this age where the plight for 'equality' is intense, the value of submissiveness is among those raised into question, and many have taken it out of proportion. For many liberal believers of equality, being submissive is a weakness and a character that needs to be eradicated in favor of independence. Many approach this social issue with zeal and boldness, all wanting to advocate the full extent of self-dependency, which, along the way, counters the discipline of being submissive. Causes like gender equality, women empowerment, social inclusion, and discrimination are a few advocacies that may wholly or slightly eradicate submissiveness. A British film director once said, "To be feminist doesn't mean you can't be submissive." In other words, our consciousness or confidence of being strong and independent isn't dwindled by the value of submissiveness. In fact, to those who are truly secure in their identity, restraining themselves from constantly asserting their positions is strength. The nature of submissiveness is not always dictated by whether we are right or wrong, and being right only sometimes means that we need to fight for it until the end. The strength in submissiveness comes when we back down and give way to the other party - for couples, the wife to her husband; for structural authority, the subordinate to their superior. Strength is only sometimes expressed by being loud and contentious. Whenever we submit, it doesn't mean that we are backing down from what is right. There are other avenues to stand up for what is right, and it begins when we make the choice (which is a strength) to preserve peace through submission. A peaceful atmosphere is perfect for the seed of righteousness to sprout. By being wise, we will eventually realize that the value of submissiveness characterized by humility is a strategy. It is not a power play where one will emerge as the winner. Being able to submit is an inner strength where an individual can demonstrate growth and maturity by seeing every situation beyond the now. It is an ability centered on security, confidence, and leadership. Submissiveness is inner warfare, and whenever we struggle and feel the desire to win, it lets us choose to be strong by being able to back down. It is always the one who can subdue his inner desires who can make the difference. It is always the one who is not particular about winning that is the real winner. On the other hand, those who are contentious are always loud and seeking to win or be above the others who are missing out. Whether we are young and must submit to the elders, a wife and must submit to the husband, or subordinates submitting to superiors, let us choose to do so and always. Saint Paul, in his letter to the Romans, said, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." This principle is not contrary to the equality, equity, dignity, inclusion, and diversity advocacies we encounter these days. Instead, it is a foundational material that is necessary to address them. By fulfilling the ways and patterns of God, these issues are resolved by the ways of God. Submissiveness is a command that paves the way for Him to directly take control of every situation we are in. It is part of the pattern to success, and every rebellion (against authorities) causes delay and sometimes eliminates God's power to take over. Let us choose to be strong by being able to submit.
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by: Jesus V. Sison, PTRP CRFV Deputy National Director The Almighty God created all of humanity equal. It might have been a centuries-old debate because of observed differences in socio-economic status, gender roles, and ethnic practices. One thing stands out: God allows the sun to shine on both good and evil. As it was written, "He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike." In addition, the Book of Genesis expresses that God created both man and woman in His image and likeness, and he equally blessed them. His image and likeness in the man and woman provided that we all have dignity and identity that must be honored and respected. Article 1 of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." This has become the bedrock for all human rights documents and activities. Moreover, this has attested to the Holy Scriptures' portrayal and conception of man and woman according to God's grand design.
Here in the Philippines, equality is highly esteemed, as it was mentioned in our Constitution in the preamble and its contents. To quote, "We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, to build a just and humane society, and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution. The first word, "we," explicitly says that despite their uniqueness and differences, every Filipino calls on to the Almighty God. It denotes that as we acknowledge God, who is sovereign and above us all, we recognize that we are all equal under Him and heaven. Then, we notice that "equality" is one of the sixteen values mentioned in this exordium. Thus, it would be deemed an essential foundational element in building a moral, decorous, and altruistic society if cited. This was concretized in our AmBisyon 2040, our very own Philippine Development Plan championing a "Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay" (Strongly rooted, comfortable, and secured life) for every Filipino. It is a dream for all and a hope for all that equally benefits everyone. In pursuing this promising and glorious future for the nation and the people, the Constitution accentuated Social Justice and Human rights in Article XIII, Section 1. It stated that “the Congress shall give highest priority to the enactment of measures that protect and enhance the right of all the people to human dignity, reduce social, economic, and political inequalities, and remove cultural inequities by equitably diffusing wealth and political power for the common good. It encapsulates the concept of fundamental human rights and safeguarding the belief that all people are of equal value and dignity. It implies and epitomizes that no person, organization, government, and its instrumentalities should prevent someone from living with dignity and open opportunities. The state should promote laws and enactments that set the tenor for how it deals with its people and how its people regard each other. We must believe that it is meant for everyone equally, no matter what region they're from, their tribe, race, religion, culture, nationality, age, sex, preferences, beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, or intelligence. This year's women's month celebration theme is "Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!" Although it is focused on women's and girls' empowerment and provision of equal opportunities, gender equality is not a woman's issue but a human issue. It's not about women longing to be superior to men. It's all about equal rights, respect, self-worth, and access to and control of resources as part of decision-making. It's about having equal choices for our future in general. Where do we go from here? Where do we fit in? What can we do? Several suggestions were enumerated on how we could help promote equality. We must first be sensitive and humane as we become conscious of every person's rights. Let's be open to learning and listening to each other as we create a safe atmosphere and environment for everyone. We should be flexible and prepared to accustom and fine-tune our views, thoughts, perspectives, and judgments as we develop a culture of inclusivity and sensitivity. We move with the same frequency in our hearts, having the same mindset as the Sovereign God who willed all these things to exist and happen. We can make change for everyone. "We make change work" for everyone as we uphold equality. by: Nathaniel A. Saquiban Obedience is one of the important values that all of us should possess. It opens up the door of blessings and enables us to remain in a favored life. It is simple. Every act of disobedience will have a corresponding penalty, which is expected to be contrary to relief and comfort. Obedience, thus, is contingent on a joyful and abundant life. Consider the scenario that happened to Adam and Eve. They were brought out of blessed life because of disobedience to the commands of God. In the same way, people who are confined behind bars may be put in miserable conditions or may be denied benefits and privileges because of disobedience.
Obedience is also significant, not only because it benefits or is advantageous to us personally, but because it will profit the community members. It is the virtue we should observe if we realize a peaceful, orderly, and disciplined society that results in progress and prosperity. We cannot expect a governmental unit to flourish if its constituents are not law-abiding citizens. If the people are lawless, everything will be disorganized because no chain of command is followed. Everyone does what they wish, and the environment becomes chaotic and unclean. More than laws, rules, and regulations are needed. It also takes a strong will on the part of the authorities to accurately and strictly enforce and implement the laws, rules, and regulations. People must be governed and learn government rather than a government of themselves where they do what they want. In the Philippines, this is what is needed. Laws must be exacted if we are to achieve our economic goals. People's freedom and liberty must be regulated, and those in high places are not exempted. They should model a lifestyle of obedience. People often clamor for change in the high echelon of society, allegedly because subordinates and subjects are good followers for fear of punishment, but not to some who are in leadership. That kind of situation should not be the trend. One of the positive effects of obedience is to train us for righteousness. The more we obey, the more we become righteous and learn righteousness. Obedience must become a habit so that we are honed to upright living. However, it is suggested that the reverse is a better way. We should first possess a righteous or holy nature so that obedience will become the fruit. Obedience is easy if we are changed on the inside. This is the reason why the value of obedience is anchored to the core value of spirituality. We should strengthen spirituality so that obedience automatically follows. A spiritual mentor once said, "Surrender is better than obedience because surrender necessarily encompasses obedience." If we are surrendered to the authority of God, we will not have a problem in the area of obedience. We do not have to think whether to choose our will or the will of God because a good subject always submits to the will of his or her sovereign. Let us, therefore, surrender to our Almighty God so that we may consistently live a life of obedience. by: Dr. Laurence C. Mascay One of my former college professors once said, “Every second is a decision.” The simple act of waking up in the morning is a decision. Deciding whether to eat or not is a decision; choosing to sit or not is a decision. In life, it is unavoidable to make decisions, no matter how small or big they are. Hence, decisiveness, defined as “the ability to make decisions quickly and confidently” by the Cambridge Dictionary, is important because of its impact and repercussions.
In the Scriptures, it is written, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’”. An implication of this passage is decisiveness. Humans tend to change their minds quickly due to circumstances, feelings, and moods. Thus, careful planning and thinking, along with calculated risks, must be considered in decision-making. Because once a decision is made and acted upon, it is hard to undo. On the other hand, John Maxwell, an authority on leadership, said: “Once a decision is made, you should stop worrying and start working. It’s not always what we know that makes it a good decision. It is what we do to implement and execute it that makes it a good decision.” The following are some suggested strategies from various sources to help you become more decisive. One: Clarify your values and priorities. Understand what matters most to you and what your long-term goals are. Two: Gather information. Make sure you have all the relevant information before deciding. Having a good understanding of the situation will help you make a more informed choice. Three: Think about the pros and cons. Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each option. This will help you see which one is better. Four: Ask for advice. Don't be shy about seeking input from others, significantly if the decision affects them or they have expertise. Ultimately, take responsibility for your decisions. By incorporating these strategies into our decision-making process, we can become more decisive and confident in our choices. We entrust the outcomes to the Lord as we apply these suggested strategies. The Book of Proverbs reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." by: Micah A. Tecne A common saying, "no man is an island," reminds us that we live in a world where we need each other. We are created to live and work together. Together, we can accomplish more. To have a more harmonious work environment, we need accountability. Patrick Lencioni said, "without accountability, there can be no trust, and without trust, there can be no meaningful collaboration."
As individuals and team members, we should learn the art of being accountable for our actions and choices. We take responsibility for the results of our actions. As we acknowledge any success of our labor, we should also learn to take responsibility for the consequences of our wrong decisions or actions. There are instances when everything is falling apart, and we tend to shift the blame to others to save our reputation and face. This alters the team dynamics and eventually impedes the team's success. As Tamara Renaye said, "Accountability feels like an attack when you're not ready to acknowledge how your behaviors harm others." Being accountable manifests humility in acknowledging one's own faults and taking the responsibility to mend them. Admitting one's own mistake is such a real struggle. It is a dilemma for everyone. Admitting our mistakes may destroy the people's trust in us and eventually destroy our reputation. King David tried to cover his adulterous acts, killing Uriah, the husband of Bathsheba, yet Prophet Samuel rebuked him. He acknowledged his fault and took responsibility. He humbly accepted and suffered the consequences of his sin. His humility touched God's heart. Despite his sin, David is still regarded as "The Man after God's own heart." King David's heart of accountability brought more grace and favor upon him. Being accountable is a sign of maturity and outstanding leadership; as Courtney Lynch said, "Leaders inspire accountability through their ability to accept responsibility before they place blame." The moment we learn to be accountable shows readiness for our promotion and leadership elevation. If we aim for a leadership promotion, we learn to be accountable. If we want to have a successful team, it should be composed of accountable people. A team with only one mission and vision. As Pat Summitt said, "responsibility equals accountability equals ownership. And a sense of ownership is the most powerful weapon a team or organization can have." Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. If we want to see ourselves and our organization succeed, decide to be accountable now. by: Keren May Busaing When the going gets tough, do we have what it takes to remain committed and dedicated to the good things that we previously decided to take on? Commitment and dedication are qualities that are rare nowadays.
In the complexity of our day-to-day lives, it is easy to overlook the need for commitment and dedication. Most of the time, the demanding nature of our everyday activities results in decisions that overlook our dedication to the bigger picture. While this is called flexibility to the unexpected, how far are we from our original aspirations? Have we deviated from the essence of what we are supposed to commit to? For example, our resolve to become a better version of ourselves while we are in the moment is intense, and our dedication seems focused. Immediately, particular plans of action towards accomplishing it are lined up in our minds, for others, in their planners. Then, we take action according to our plans. It’s easy and smooth at first, then time passes, and so does our consciousness to fulfill it. Commitment and dedication are characteristics that we need to choose to do in our daily lives. While the specifics in our action plans may change, there are other ways to accomplish our goal of becoming better versions of ourselves. Commitment and dedication do not mean we should religiously stick to our action plan. There is no exact formula, and the constant is the goodness and purity of our intentions. Our ways and timelines may change, but we will eventually get there as we commit and act in righteousness toward it every day. Most importantly, as an everyday choice, commitment and dedication admonishes us to reach or accomplish our aspirations in righteousness. There is no shortcut to success; trying to do so is the opposite of commitment and dedication. It is impatience and contrary to the essence of our good intentions. As King David says in his Psalm, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” Commitment and dedication are a partnership with God. By understanding that His plans for us are perfect - to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us hope and a future, committing must not be difficult for us. Let us then choose to commit to God’s ways that He shall delight in us and establish our steps towards our aspirations. Amongst the many ways to accomplish our success, let our commitment be specific to accomplishing things with God - not by our might nor by our own strength but by God’s Spirit, who is continuously at work in us. Altogether, let our daily consciousness be at peace, knowing that when the going gets tough and that in the midst of the many plans in our minds, it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Let our dedication be first established in Him, and our success, beyond what we can imagine, shall follow. Let this be our conscious choice every day, commit to God and His ways. by: JESUS V. SISON, PTRP, CRFV Deputy National Director January is drawing to a close, but the message and promises for 2024 still stand. The high hopes and coruscating assurance of a blessed year abide. There is a solid confidence to see the fulfillment of every augured word proclaimed for us by The True and Almighty God. As the soul prospers, so will we flourish in all things. Thus, it is a year of supernatural abundance and exceptional prosperity in our lives. We are destined for extraordinary protection, progress, and provision. It will be an action-packed year, for we are destined only to experience the goodness and faithfulness of The Everlasting God. Dovetailed with God by the Spirit, we have access to every good and perfect gift from above. Spirituality is the way of the Spirit that spiritual people live.
Spiritual people live spirituality. There are a lot of notions that spiritual people are limited to those who serve as leaders of religious sects or denominations. Others consider only those who are so committed to a religious group. Devotees, if we may refer to them. But anybody and everyone has the right to become spiritual men and women. As for among us, being Public employees, we are spiritual people too. As we are called "public servants" who have a heart to inspire and affect the community, we are characterized by genuine concern and selflessness to serve others. Beholden to our commitment to public welfare, spirituality is as essential as exemplifying other values. We must practice it in public service as we exercise it in our private lives as an occupation. The root word of spirituality is spirit; spirit was derived from the Latin spīritus, whose original meaning was "breath, breathing" and hence "spirit, soul, courage, vigor. Thus, spirituality entails attaching life and "meaning" to the work being done[W1] in the workplace. It inspires us to connect to the Being higher than us- Our Almighty God. Moreover, spirituality can help us connect with our inner motivation and higher purpose. It will aid us in finding meaning in our work. It will revitalize a greater sense of calmness, peacefulness, a healthy mind, and well-being. A sense of well-being among the employees can be influential in developing motivation and improving public service quality. Spirituality in the workplace could also improve communication and build better relationships with co-workers, resulting in increased job satisfaction, productivity, and profitability. The goal of spirituality in the workplace is to create an environment that is accurately connected to God, establishing a culture of positivity and productivity. A spiritually-based workplace can give employees a conscious awareness of family or community, support, and belonging. This leads to improved job gratification, personal fulfillment, and organizational commitment. Agencies and employers also are positioned to benefit from generating spirituality in the workplace or spiritually-filled environment. We acknowledge spirituality as a significant feature of an organizational culture. Offices with spiritually healthy workplaces tend to have lower employee discontent, decreased turnover rates, and minimized absenteeism. Negativity is shut down, and problems are addressed accordingly. Further, employees who feel cared for and supported spiritually are more likely to be life-carriers, creative, and innovative. Above all, spirituality will inspire every employee to embrace a new heart and spirit in their work. There will be a new mindset refocused on bringing glory to God and satisfaction among our clientele. With these, we are positioned to receive the good promises of God that are all yes and amen for 2024 and beyond by: Dr. Laurence C. Mascay In the bustling world of government offices, finding joy and humor can make a big difference in how we work and interact with our colleagues. The idea of incorporating joy into our daily tasks may seem simple, but it can have a profound impact on our work environment. Let's explore some straightforward ways, inspired by the spirit of the Filipino people and a touch of wisdom from the Scripture, to bring more joyfulness into our roles as government personnel.
First, smiles are universal, and they cost nothing! The book of Proverbs reminds us, "a cheerful look brings joy to the heart." A simple smile can create a positive atmosphere, making our workplace a more pleasant space for everyone. Whether you're facing a challenging task or interacting with colleagues, take into account the power of a friendly smile to brighten the day. Second, amid deadlines and demanding responsibilities, a good laugh can be a powerful stress reliever. A joyful heart is good medicine. Sharing a light moment or a funny story with coworkers not only eases the tension but also fosters a sense of camaraderie. Let's encourage an environment where laughter is welcome, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable workspace. Third, every accomplishment, no matter how small, deserves to be celebrated. A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word! Acknowledge your achievements and those of your colleagues. Celebrating small victories cultivates a positive mindset, making the workplace a hub of encouragement and motivation. Fourth, Saint Paul in his letter to the Collosians, encourages us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love. In our interactions, let's use humor to build each other up rather than tearing down. Shared jokes that promote unity and inclusivity contribute to stronger bonds among colleagues. Fifth, the Psalm of David reminds us to serve the Lord with gladness! Translating this into our government service, let's approach our duties with a glad and willing heart. Joyful service not only enhances the quality of our work but also reflects positively on the image of our government, fostering trust and satisfaction among the public we serve. In the heart of government and public service, let's embrace the power of joyfulness and humor. A smile, a shared laugh, acknowledgment of achievements, supportive humor, and a joyful approach to our service can transform our workplace into a haven of positivity. As public servants, let's weave joy into the fabric of our daily tasks, creating a work environment that not only benefits us but also radiates positivity to the people we serve. by: Micah Tecne In the early years of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, he faced sleepless nights haunted by unsettling dreams. Troubled, he summoned the kingdom's learned scholars - magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers - hoping they could decipher the meaning behind his dreams. When they stood before him, Nebuchadnezzar demanded not only an interpretation but that they reveal the dream itself. Failing this, dire consequences awaited them, including destruction and ruin.
In this high-stakes scenario, we encounter a valuable lesson in navigating life's challenges with wisdom. Wisdom, drawn from a reliable source, offers three essential benefits: Protection When Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, embarked on a mission to execute Babylon's wise men, a young man named Daniel intervened with wisdom and diplomacy. Rather than rushing to judgment, Daniel inquired about the king's harsh decree. This action not only spared lives but also allowed time for a solution to be found. The adage “Ang taong nagmamadali, nagkakamali,” highlights the importance of wisdom in handling pressure and challenging circumstances. It shields us from exacerbating problems and making impulsive decisions. Wisdom, rooted in an authentic source, encourages us to seek guidance and understanding from a higher power. Provision Turning to his friends for support, Daniel urged them to seek divine intervention from the God of heaven. In a moment of clarity during the night, Daniel received a vision that unveiled the mystery of the king's dream. Grateful, he praised the God of heaven, acknowledging the divine wisdom that had been bestowed upon him. Wisdom derived from a reliable source expands our perspective, enabling us to make informed choices and decisions. As the Apostle Paul noted, divine wisdom surpasses human understanding, revealing hidden truths. It elevates our discernment and empowers us to stand out in challenging situations. Promotion With newfound insight, Daniel persuaded Arioch not to execute Babylon's wise men and was brought before the king. Nebuchadnezzar, astounded by Daniel's wisdom, recognized the presence of a higher power at work. As a result, Daniel received not only honor and respect but also a high-ranking position and abundant gifts. Daniel's pursuit of wisdom from an authentic source propelled his rise and brought about his promotion. When we rely solely on our limited human wisdom, we find ourselves constrained. However, by seeking wisdom from a trustworthy source, we tap into boundless possibilities. In moments when we feel confined by our limitations, the key is to seek the right source of wisdom. By doing so, we can unlock the power of wisdom, allowing it to guide our decisions, protect us from rash actions, provide us with clarity, and ultimately promote our growth and success. by: Nathaniel A. Saquiban When discussing trust, we always think of that famous statement in our Constitution: “Public office is a public trust.” This statement will never be fulfilled without the civil servants meeting the requirement of being trustworthy and accurate representatives of the public office concerned. In the past, we heard some stories that some clientele lost their trust in government offices due to bureaucratic inconveniences, illegal schemes, and taxing procedures in availing their services. It is more alarming to hear on a broader scale when investors refuse to invest their resources in our country because of a loss of trust. Allegedly, some are being unduly required to pay a sum long before the contract is executed or as early as in the proposal stage. It is a sad story in our local jurisdiction.
In the above situation, trust should be earned. Before we can expect others to trust us, we should exert effort that we deserve that trust in integrity and reliability. We should ensure that we are trustworthy enough to assume the office assigned to us and committed to performing the duties and responsibilities attached to it diligently. Thus, our laws prohibit any civil servant from having a financial or pecuniary interest in any business, contract, or transaction in which he/she intervenes or takes part in his/her official capacity. In like manner, it is required that public officials and employees shall perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence, and skill and shall enter public service with utmost devotion and dedication to duty. If we belong to government service, do we deserve the trust of others, both from our colleagues and clientele? Are we building the trust of the people transacting in our office? Do we remain on guard in our conduct and character to preserve the dignity of public office? If part of the corporate world transacts with the government, do we comply with the standard requirements imposed? These are reflective questions we must answer and contemplate if we are to preserve public trust in any public office. It is a must for all who believe that trust is a non-negotiable value. It cannot be compromised, nor can it be downgraded. Know how valuable trust is. Due to trust, opportunities will be opened. It is the foundation for promotion, rewards, grants, appointments, elections, and other favors or benefits. On the contrary, if trust is lost, opportunities will be closed. As mentioned by Invajy, “Trust is fragile, don’t break it: Once broken, it will never come back to its original shape.” We concede to that statement. Similarly, it further states: “Trust takes many years to build, few seconds to break, and forever to repair.” It is indeed vital yet delicate and must be handled with care. Trust is a vital ingredient in all forms of relationships, partnerships, and engagements. It is a stepping stone to unity and progress. |
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