Perseverance is the determination to pursue and accomplish an undertaking or the tenacity to reach a goal in the midst of difficulties.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the value of perseverance has become relevant. Many lost their passion and zeal to move-on. Some gave up their lives or have committed suicide. Others resorted to vices as an outlet of severe stress and pressure. They were overwhelmed by the seemingly insurmountable odds caused by the adverse effects of the pandemic.

Undoubtedly, rising above the circumstances in this period of time is tough and challenging. Financial bankruptcy alone is too depressing for investors, entrepreneurs, and retrenched employees. A sudden death of a love one where the grieving relatives and family members are prohibited to hold a wake or to see the remains of their deceased love one or to bury him or her in an honorable way is very lamentable. Restrictions in movement is also likened to a prisoner behind bars while being free of liberty. Physical distancing among family members as a protective measure also creates a repercussion of involuntary alienation of affection. These are just among the deplorable scenarios that may be too hard to face for some.

We should be reminded however that adversities and failures are unavoidable. What differs is how we view and respond to the situation. It is a matter of perspective. When we fix our mind to impossibilities, the lesser the chance that we win in life. On the other hand, when we choose to persevere believing that we can surpass any obstacles, the more we prevail. Persistency is an option that we have to make if we aim for success. Resiliency starts from refusal to accept defeat. As Confucius said, “It does not matter how slowly we go as long as we do not stop”.

As we celebrate our National Heroes Day, let us not forget the fact that the heroes we celebrate today did not die in vain. They fought and ran the race set before them in order to realize the independence we enjoy today. They labored and toiled purposely in pursuit of freedom notwithstanding all limitations. They were passionate and inspired of their dreams for this nation.

Similarly, we do not neglect to acknowledge the living heroes of our time. These are our fellow citizens who are trying to achieve freedom from social ills in this country. They were resolute in their hearts to bring about change in their agencies, institutions, offices, and community. These are the few who are sacrificially working for a greater future despite of opposition, persecution, threat, or intimidation. They were totally convinced that this nation can become great again. They are consumed by their vision for a new Philippines. What then can we say to them but to keep up the good work and not grow weary in doing good, for in due time, they will reap their reward. Our salute and thanks to those who persevere for change in this country to this day. (NAS, CRFV)

On October 25, 2019, the Department of the Interior Local Government (DILG) officially released a Memorandum Circular number 2019-181 for Disciplina Muna National Advocacy Campaign. The advocacy targets three (3) types of audience – the youth as the next leaders, the young professionals as the contemporary and rising leaders in the present time and the general public. Its pillars include (1) road clearing, (2) disaster preparedness resilience, (3) anti-smoking, (4) ease of doing business, (5) liquor ban, (6) tourist spots clean up, and (7) functional Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC). With the pandemic, it has  focused its efforts in ensuring adherence to health standards. One of the advocacy’s principle is to increase the consciousness among the citizens with regards to our critical role and responsibility in sustainable development and maintenance of peace and order as a shared responsibility. This campaign encourages us, as individuals, to make one’s discipline a top priority for us to attain a peaceful and orderly nation.
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Who loves discipline? Only a few does because this word is commonly associated with correction, chastisement, castigation, and punishment. People tend to shun away from this word because it is painful and unpleasant. It requires us to change, control ourselves, and follow rules and the like. We tend to overlook its essence because we are so much focused on the inconvenience the process would give us. Our negative perception about it hinders us from experiencing the lasting benefits.
Discipline is defined as a training that corrects, molds or perfects moral character by the NIV Family Devotional Study Bible Dictionary. It is a manner by which we implement things to set something in order, be it in personal, societal, organizational, or institutional application. Dr. David Jeremiah, an American writer, said that training, discipline and correction are painful but not permanent. For instance, a person who is suffering from an illness needs to exercise discipline in following dietary instructions in order to reach the goal of being well. Another, an athlete who aims to bag a gold has to observe discipline in every aspect of preparation. If a person fully understands the reason and the outcome of the process, then it would not be a struggle to embrace discipline regardless of the inconvenience.

Our nation has already began its advocacy towards an orderly and peaceful society in the midst of a worldwide pandemic through the Disiplina Muna National Advocacy Campaign. Will you be willing to be a part of the change and embrace a discipline that will bring an orderly outcome?

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Discipline produces a better person impacting an orderly nation. (MAT,CRFV)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”


We have exemplified the value of courage in many ways as a nation. In the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, our athletes portrayed courage and made history with our first gold medal and also brought home two silver and one bronze medals. We have witnessed their determination and tenacity to overcome challenges to give the best performance that they could for our nation.
Looking back in our history, courage is not new to Filipinos. It is our nature and characteristics. We fought for our independence with our unsophisticated weaponries. In part, we have been through a lot of disasters and calamities but we are still here fighting, not only for survival but also for economic growth. We are known for our resiliency.

We always pick-up the fight against all odds in life. We know that in this time of crisis, the fight is on and we are not giving up. Each one who has been laid off from work is trying to find means to feed his or her family. We are trying to help one another through our community pantries. Our government is doing its part too. Above all, we never neglect to call for divine help. We are endeavoring to create a better new normal notwithstanding the pandemic.

The value of courage is also a vital element in the quest for national transformation. It takes courage to make a difference, to set a new trend, and come against all tide of malpractices and illegal activities. It is the most challenging attempt yet noble, meaningful, and fruitful undertaking. It is the most fulfilling with lasting effect because it is leaving a glorious legacy for the next generation. There have been comments that corruption is impossible to eradicate as it is endemic and ingrained in the system of government. But for a brave reformer and crusader for change, it is possible.

In this time of pandemic, there is a call for strong determination to finish strong rather than simply accept defeat. Courage will give us the strength to overcome lack, sickness, disease, and any form of difficulties. Problems and dangers are unavoidable but to address them fearlessly reverses the negative situation. Now is the time to come out from hiding and raise our voices for a war cry against all pressures and troubles. (NAS, CRFV)

Prayerfulness is not strictly a religious act but a state of being - a lifestyle. It is a natural act that stems out from the condition of our innermost being. If God is deeply rooted in our hearts and in our lives, prayerfulness becomes natural. Nothing spooky, nothing religious, it becomes a habit.
 
Though we consider prayerfulness a habit, it doesn’t make us less Godly. What does a thousand words of uttered prayer mean if we’re not at peace with our neighbor? If we are resentful and unforgiving? What will our prayer rituals of kneeling, offering, sacrifices, and fasting attain? Do we recall the 3 o’clock prayer habit on television in the 90s, decades ago? It was effective in reminding us to take time to pray, but we’d like to make a point by challenging everyone to take ourselves back to the same scenario. What does it mean to take part in it if we are just robotically compliant? Does it make us prayerful?
 
We do not discount the power of kneeling and the rituals we perform whenever we pray. We just need to understand what it really means and what it takes to be prayerful. The essence of prayerfulness is the sincerity and tenderness of our hearts - our reverence for God. Being prayerful is a by-product of our intimacy with God. A deep relationship with Him that allows us to operate differently including the way we pray. In our thoughts and in our hearts, whenever we connect and commune with Him, we are already praying. It is also through this that He can respond and communicate with us. For some, the depth of their intimacy with God can result to them becoming naturally supernatural and supernaturally natural - a condition where God can fully operate smoothly and powerfully.
 
Let us desire to be intimate with God by becoming prayerful - whether verbally or in silence. What matters is our hunger for Him and His presence over our lives. As Values Restoration Officers (VROs), nation builders, statesmen and stateswomen, and advocates of national transformation, being prayerful is an integral part of our lives. When the going gets tough and all human efforts are exhausted, this virtue can enable things to happen - the impossible becoming possible. Together with God, let us win this nation! Let us deepen our relationship with Him and increase in prayer. (KMB, CRFV)
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