by: Nathaniel A. Saquiban Our independence did not come easy. Our ancestors fought hard for the liberation of the Philippines. Even when their cry for freedom cost their lives, they did not waiver until the fulfillment of their aspirations for the nation. Some did not live to see it happen; but their acts inspired others to continue the fight. We are free because of their sacrifices. As we commemorate the Philippine Independence Day, let us honor them. One of the meaningful ways we can honor them is to ensure that the Philippines remain free. But this leads us to reflect on this question – “Are we really free?”
Contemplating on the present situation of our country, the cry for freedom remains to this day. While we are no longer under colonial regime, there is presence of territorial disputes. Neighboring countries are also claiming the areas we claim to have exclusive rights for exploration and use of marine resources. Moreover, we are internally bound by several societal ills (e.g., graft and corruption, substance abuse, etc.) brought about by the detestable misdemeanors of some unscrupulous. We are fighting for freedom outside yet we are in captive on the inside. We created our own confinement. When will this cry for freedom come to an end? Our late hero, Apolinario Mabini, who is known as the brain of the revolution, is the same hero who said, “…ang kailangan natin ay isang rebolusyon, hindi lamang sa panlabas kundi sa panloob”. While he is aware for the need of independence from foreign invasion, he is also aware of the fact that there is a need for inner freedom from ruthless individuals. As early as in the year 1800s, he knew that we also need internal revolution other than the physical or armed revolution. This nationwide internal bondage cannot be addressed unless and until we are free from internal bondage individually. A lot of us are imprisoned internally by our selfish interest nature that drives us to become delinquent or commit misconduct. The good news, however, is that – we had a revolutionary, our Lord Jesus Christ, who set us free from sin and gave us the capacity to live in propriety. By divine intervention, we can now consistently obey the laws and legal orders. Let us therefore put an end this cry for freedom. Few individuals cannot do it. It can be achieved by joint efforts of every stakeholder of the country. As citizens of this nation, we are all stakeholders of the destiny of the Philippines. It is our mission to liberate our country from impending destruction of economic downturn spawned by seemingly unending acts of graft and corruption and other unlawful activities. It is within our power and we are able. Together, we can.
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by: Keren May Busaing The phrase "not everyone is born to be a leader" is frequently heard, and while there is some practical truth to it, can we not choose to pursue the path of leadership instead? Leadership is an inherent aspect of humanity, whether we are aware of it or not. At this very moment, let us examine the first situation that comes to mind—is leadership present or necessary? Consider our family as an example: Is it harmonious or chaotic? Would you agree that the state of our family, whether happy or not, is influenced by effective leadership or its absence? If a father lacks leadership qualities or qualifications but attempts to assert authority as the head of the family, will it not cause conflict? Many families are dysfunctional because fathers assume leadership roles without the necessary character to support them. Conversely, some families are dysfunctional because fathers fail to step up as leaders, leaving mothers or even the eldest child to take charge. It is important to recognize that leaders are shaped within families and their leadership style is significantly influenced by their upbringing.
So, how should we view leadership in light of the above illustration? Let us perceive leadership as an inherent part of our being—an essential value and an internal quality ingrained within us. This kind of leadership is primarily driven not by accomplishments or positions, but by the integrity of our character. Additionally, it is crucial to understand that leadership is not devoid of vision, for without vision, people perish. In the context of our illustration, every family must envision itself as strong, happy, peaceful, and productive to make a positive contribution to society. This can be quite challenging, considering we live in a world where positions and titles hold significant importance, and leadership is often driven by competition and strategic maneuvers. Such an approach to leadership is destructive and unhealthy. As Values Restoration Officers, our first responsibility is to establish our inner leadership quality. By prioritizing this aspect, external factors like titles will naturally follow. Promotions will inevitably come our way. We should strive to fulfill our positional roles with the necessary elements of true leadership, characterized by integrity, excellence, compassion, and humility. We should avoid using our positions to boast or exert power, as this only creates discomfort and tension for those around us. While the call to leadership is strong, let us pursue it with the right motivation. Let us take pride in the path we are choosing. The Lord will elevate us to leadership positions, not mediocrity. If we pay attention to the commands of the Lord our God and diligently follow them, we will always be at the top, never at the bottom. The ultimate key to long-term and progressive leadership is to follow the Lord's ways—practicing righteousness in pursuit of a vision that benefits everyone. Considering these points, we should stop pondering whether we are born to be leaders or not. Such thoughts are restrictive and often used as convenient excuses by those who do not wish to rise to the challenge. The path to leadership is not solely about climbing the ranks; it is about enhancing the integrity of our character and naturally attaining promotion as a result. Our motivation should not stem from a desire for positions and the fear of losing or being demoted. Instead, let us be inspired by the kind of leadership that transforms lives and accomplishes God's purpose. It is a journey we embark on with joy, excitement, and diligence—a path that will leave a lasting legacy. by: Ms. Carol Lim The need for each other is not a weakness. It is called interdependence. It is both a fact and a truth that we need each other, as the Word says, “None of us lives for himself and none of us dies for himself”. In fact, even in the most basic unit of society - the family, interdependence is very visible. Children need the love and care of their parents while the parents draws inspiration and motivation from their children to take the extra mile in providing and caring for them.
In our society, each one has gifts, skills, and talents that one can share to others and contribute to the overall wellness of the community. For instance, some are good in the sciences where doctors, engineers and scientists arise from; in the arts where singers, dancers, and artists emanate; in sports where different kinds of players and athletes excel from; and in other fields where we can see people with different skills who are able to contribute to the society. Although we have different gifts, skills, and talents, this does not mean that we are independent from each other. These are given so that we can be one whole body and be as one in meeting the different demands in our community and society. Since no one but God is omniscient or all-knowing, we need the expertise of one another in order to address a need. This way, we are knit together as one community that will progress and prosper as one country, just like what the Holy Scriptures says, “…As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Just like our bodies, we cannot just separate nor isolate one part from the other in a perfectly functioning body. We cannot separate the cardiovascular system from the body because if we do, no oxygen, nutrients, nor important substances can be supplied to other parts and organs. Nor can we separate the skeletal system because if we do, the body cannot stand because it lacks support and protection. Parallel to our society as one body, each one’s contribution is significant. We cannot afford to be part of the body that will bring forth its destruction or malfunctioning because others that are mutually dependent on us will also be affected. Our actions may bring either negative or positive effect to the bigger community we belong to. Say for example, the effect of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This has created a negative impact on many countries, ours included. Interdependence includes accountability. We must be circumspect in our actions so that we will not be the cause of others’ loss or suffering. As we are but in one nation, one world, one Earth, let it be that our contributions to our society be positive and significant. Let our interdependence bring forth peace, progress, and prosperity so that we could reach Ambisyon Natin even before 2040. by: Ame-Phil O. Saquiban Growing in humility has power. First, it gives us the power to reach out to others. It helps us connect genuinely and identify ourselves with others. It finds ways to effectively bring the message to people concerned. This power to reach out was demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ that while He knows that He is the Son of God, He came in the likeness of man and took the form of a servant so that He could reach us out and bring us to where He is, to a level of holiness and righteousness.
Another is the power to spur reconciliation. Without humility, conflicting people cannot be restored back to their original relationship. They will never come in between and make amends with one another. But with humility, there is reconciliation that will eventually result to unity at home, in the community or in the workplace. Without humility, we tend to look down on others and consider ourselves better all the time. If we are leaders with such attitude, we cannot muzzle a group of people to believe in us and support us. Soon people will leave us because we tend to abuse our power and become harsh to them. But what was written for us regarding this? We must consider others better than ourselves. It is recognizing the grace working in the life of others and admitting that there are things that we cannot do that others can and that we need one another. Third thing that humility can empower us with is to bring restoration to an erring person. A person who is not humble finds it difficult to recognize and admit the mistakes committed. In so doing, this person will never be restored into his or her original state before he/she committed sin. Let us consider again the life of the prodigal son in the Scriptures. If he did not humble himself and went back to his father, he could not have been restored to his original position as a son. But the moment he humbled himself before his father, everything was restored to him. His rights, authority, and privileges as a son were restored back to him. Perhaps, in our case, our Almighty Father is just waiting for us to humble ourselves and confess our sins before Him so that we can be restored back to where we have been. Also, let us remember that we need the aid of the Almighty God as Filipinos. God also made clear His condition for the healing of our land – “if My people will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and heal their land”. by: Nathaniel A. Saquiban Value for work refers to our attitude towards work. It means putting value or giving importance to our duties and responsibilities even if nobody sees us and in the absence of a reward. Normally, it starts with a perspective. If we consider our work as one of great value, we will put significance to it, make time with it, or prioritize it. It means that we cannot just sacrifice our work in exchange to something less important. We cannot procrastinate. Instead, we put our time, strength, skills, and talents into it. We give our best and in effect, we will be giving the best service to the public as well as to God.
As mentioned, it starts with a perspective. How do we see our work at this moment? Do we see it as a mere livelihood or source of income? Normally, jobs are meant for compensation. However, if our tasks become a daily routine, we get bored and eventually, we lose our interest. Consequently, we do not put our energy into it. It is best that we regard our work in a higher perspective. We must consider it as a call so that we will find meaning into it and it will be meaningful to us. It means that we view it also as an act of service unto God other than for wage or salary. In all endeavors, especially in public service, excellence is demanded and expected. We cannot do things haphazardly especially if the nature of our job may cost lives the moment it is done below the standard. However, even if our job is not that of a very critical nature, we cannot afford to give disservice to the public. The standard of public service is high and lowering it down deliberately may result to conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service which is an administrative offense with corresponding penalty. The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees is extant in its requirements. “Public officials and employees shall perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill. They shall enter public service with utmost devotion and dedication to duty.” Value for work is essentially having sense of responsibility. One who has the willingness to sacrifice or forego personal appointments and agenda. As the same Code requires, it is upholding public interest over and above personal interest. It is discharging one’s duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty. Looking into the provisions of said law, it did not literally state value for work. However, it indirectly enforces the observance of this value. Moreover, even in the absence of the law, it is the oath or commitment of every public servant to render efficient and effective public service. In the corporate world, value for work is imperative because a business may lose revenues in case of customer dissatisfaction. In the same manner, there is corresponding penalty for lack or low performance upon notice and hearing. Both in public and private sector, there is a compelling reason to perform well. However, it is still best to be exceptional in all fields of endeavor at all times, not because of penalty for inefficiency, but because it is our value or attitude. It is in view of the fact that what we are doing is not only for ourselves but for the succeeding generations to come. We must therefore say to ourselves, “We have value for work because we care”. by: Nathaniel A. Saquiban Concern is likened to thoughtfulness. It is showing kindness and love towards somebody or something. It is one of the fundamental characteristics of a person who cares. Normally, those who have concern are stakeholders over something because they will be affected of the positive or negative outcome of an action, activity, or endeavor. Naturally, a citizen of one’s country should have concern over his or her own country. Sadly, some citizens of our country do not show concern over things under their control. Rather, they take advantage of our nation’s future and exploit the resources of our country. They are driven by their selfish desires rather than contributing for the better future of the country.
How then can we show concern as a citizen of the Philippines? There are many ways by which we can show concern. Let us first start among our nearest area of influence. Let us start within our family. If we love our family members, we will sacrifice for them and make time with them. We will invest into their lives, not only with financial resources, but time and effort to give them a good future. We will instruct our children the way to holiness so that they will know how to conduct themselves properly as they grow up. We will not let our home be filled with negative atmosphere. Instead, peace, love, and joy will reign in the hearts of our loved ones. Second, we reach out to our neighbor. We show concern to our neighbor by looking into their plight and welfare. We will not do things that will adversely affect them. As the law tells us, every person must, in the exercise of his rights and in the performance of his duties, act with justice, give everyone his due, and observe honesty and good faith. It means to say, by simple illustration, we will not create a nuisance in our neighborhood in the exercise of our rights even if it is our birthday celebration as the case maybe. We will not sing loud at night if it will disturb their peace. We will not dump our garbage anywhere if it will create pollution to our surroundings. We will observe the easement rights of our neighbor if necessary. Our neighbor includes our colleagues or co-workers in an office. If we have concern over them, we will not spread unfounded rumors against them. We will not engage in character assassination that may destroy their working morale. If we are the boss, we will not be tyrant and arrogant that will create fear, undue stress, and panic to our subordinates. If we are the subordinates, we will accurately follow the instructions of our boss to avoid mistakes and lessened the burden of our superior. Third, we can show concern to our city, municipality, province, and to our entire nation by taking good care of the natural resources of our country. We will abide with proper waste disposal. We will not simply cut trees even if they are within our property. We will be responsible citizens by abiding with the existing laws, rules and regulations. We will not participate with the existing malpractices in the workplace as well as any form of graft and corruption that naturally retard the economic growth of the country. We will help address the perennial problems in the society by supporting advocacies that bring long-term solution to them. There are many ways by which we can demonstrate concern and observe it in our daily life. It is very easy to apply. If we have concern for ourselves, we must have concern for others. Just simply apply the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. by: Keren May B. Busaing Our lives, by nature, are filled with encounters and experiences that we sometimes wonder what's the point of overcoming them? One goes through intense challenges and barely survives and the next person goes through his own trials and wins, while some other fails. Why must we overcome and why do righteousness need to prevail? What does it take to overcome all these difficulties and come out victorious?
Called to be Values Restoration Officers and advocates of righteousness in our areas of assignments, the role and the task to uphold what is right, just, and true, are among the things that are expected from us. What does it take to stay true to our calling - unwavering and firm? In the midst of all the confusion and chaos, do we have confidence in the things we are hoping for and assurance of victory even if we don’t immediately see the results that we expect to see? If we say yes to this question, then yes, we have what it takes to take our calling to the end. We have faith in God and His ways and it is sufficient. For if we operate in faith, His grace will be activated and operational in our day-to-day lives including the occurrences of wonders and miracles around us and through us. Imagine living this way as we fulfill our assignments to advance righteousness within and even beyond our spheres of influence. Knowing and believing that whatever obstacles we have to go through, goodness which is what we all want shall prevail. Victory is our portion and the things we are praying for in our lives, family, community, and agencies, as long as we operate in faith, will come to pass. In this case, let us not see faith just as a mere word that can inspire us whenever we are facing difficulties. Let us understand that faith is power. Therefore, let us desire to have faith and operate in faith. Without it, many of our labors, even if inspired by our good motives, can be useless or will just produce the minimum results. If the same amount of labor is exerted and we are operating in faith, the output has the potential to multiply and more goodness will result from it. Understanding that faith is essential and is necessary in our foundation as believers and doers of righteousness, let us work out the establishment of faith in our innermost being:
There are more ways and examples of staying strong and working out our faith in God; let us keep our burning desire to possess the kind of faith that can sustain us in fulfilling our assignments. Moreover, let us desire to grow in faith so that God can entrust us with more. As Values Restorations Officers, we are already operating beyond our personal lives and outside our family members. This level of advocating God’s righteousness and hoping to impact the agencies we represent requires a higher measure of faith and it is surely our portion. Our great faith is sufficient. The Lord trusted us to be appointed as VROs and He knows that we can do it. In conclusion, let us be assured and believe that we can, indeed, do it! by: Mr. Jesus V. Sison How serious are we about the tasks in our lives, including obedience to the will of God? How diligent and focused are we?
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might;” King Solomon reminds us that in all things at all times, we have to give our best before it’s too late and we regret the results of our actions. We cannot afford to carelessly plan and execute things. It is costly to make mistakes especially when half-heartedly planned and indiscriminately implemented. It simply says that we have to do everything to the best of our ability with utmost focus and dedication. We often hear “due diligence”. In the corporate world, due diligence is an investigation or performance of review to confirm details and making facts matter. It is an audit of both financial records and company performances including management and the people within. Translating this into our everyday work, since we are required to make decisions and actions, it is vital to look at data and scrutinize details. In doing so, we can identify concerns and start to clarify things that require prioritizing. Acting to clarify concerns will cause us to be open on its current and future impacts, that in turn will generate strategies that includes involvement of key people in implementing planned actions to address issues. It will also help us identify potential problems and opportunities in the future. Having diligence with focus help us perform excellently. It will make every effort productive that people around us can really say that we are reliable. It will encourage people because they see that we are determined not to fail them. This thought might be putting pressure on us but it’s inevitable for others to have built their lives around us. We should understand that even if the task is laborious as well as tedious, we are setting a pattern and standard for others to follow. This is the kind of attitude we have to put forth in the workplace because there are many people who feels entitled, believing that they deserve maximum pay with minimum effort. Further, diligence with focus is also an important component in the promotion of good governance. We can reinforce sound practices to address corruption risk actions because we pay close attention to details, we stick to compliance mechanisms and remain focused on the goal. Thus, we influence people to become a better version of diligent and focused individuals. Diligence with focus projects responsibility and reliability. It also expresses a disciplined and excellent life. Jesus Christ tells us, “Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.” As God entrusted us with so many things that include resources, power and authority, we have to exercise diligence with focus and not be caught in idleness. The Almighty God expects conscientiousness from us. Being assiduous is very rewarding that the Lord promised that we will have our own and receive true riches because we show how responsible and faithful we are on all the things given to us under our care through diligence. Finally, we see that firm practice of diligence to the end leads to the ultimate prize. As Jesus promised “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” by: Atty. Carolina Lim-Gamban "Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted.” These are the words of Saint Paul to Titus as Paul gives instructions how to live a life worthy of our call – one that is pleasing before God.
Nowadays, with the chaos, corruption, and different kinds of immorality happening all around, one is bombarded with temptations to do some things that are not right before the eyes of God, the law, and the people. When these happen, purity is our best defense. Purity will allow us to resist the temptation because it has no hold on us or strings attached to us. For instance, our pure and genuine love for our spouses will deter us from any thoughts of cheating or even in entertaining any other man or woman that can destroy our marriage. Thomas Kempis said that, “He who loves with purity considers not the gift of the lover but the love of the giver.” As we value the sanctity of marriage, both the husband and wife, as partners, will protect the family from any intruders or homewreckers. “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” This reminds us that impurity in marriage shall have a negative, if not tragic, consequences. Purity will also guard us from the temptations of misusing the money that is entrusted to us, and protect us from greed that will further lead to corruption. When one malverse the funds of the people, purity is not within. When one functions as treasurer, finance officer, or disbursing officer, there is greater accountability as people or the Authorities put their trust to the holder or keeper of moneys as good stewards. It is a blatant disregard of duty when these accountable officers are the ones who misuse or malverse the funds since they should be the one protecting the purse, first and foremost. When this happens, one holding the public office may be dismissed from service, or worse, be imprisoned. Republic Acts numbers 3019 (Anti-graft and Corrupt practices Act), 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), 9160 (Anti-Money Laundering Act) and the Revised Penal Code, are just some of the laws that we can reflect on to do away with public officials mishandling funds. For private entities, estafa, and the abovementioned laws may be applicable if they are in connivance with the public officials. If we are clean in handling finances, there is no need to worry. Anytime we are audited, it is cleanly transparent and transparently clean. Purity will also cause our hearts to be on check as we reflect if we have done something that offended other people or if we have done something that ran contrary to our conscience. Without purity, our conscience may be seared and it would be difficult to distinguish the right from the wrong. With purity, our steps will be properly guided because we only hold on to the truth, to what is right, and to what is blameless, making our moral compass to point to the True North. We then, encourage everyone to cleanse our selves from any impurity. If we have committed some things that are not pleasing before God’s eyes, let us ask for God’s forgiveness and mercy. Turn back from our wicked ways and return to what is right, godly, and pure. It is written that if we cleanse our selves from impurities, we will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Let us then be vessels of purity, vessels of honor, fit for the Master’s use. by: Ame-Phil O. Saquiban The value of cooperation is embedded in our culture. The bayanihan spirit is one classic example that portrays solidarity, unity, and cooperation. This could be one of the reasons why we have a lot of voluntary organizations in the Philippines since it is natural for us to help one another. As others say, “it flows within our veins”. Time and again, bayanihan is demonstrated in various meaningful ways. From literally carrying “bahay-kubo” in the past to setting up community pantries at the height of the pandemic, we continue to embody the value of cooperation as Filipinos.
In government administration, there are programs and principles that uphold the value of cooperation such as the “whole-of-nation” or “whole-of-society” approach which is a principle, means, or strategy in order to address a problem or to implement a program or project by enjoining all stakeholders from both public and private sectors which may be affected in the implementation of the program or project or which may have a stake in the success or failure of a certain endeavor or have an interest in the solution of a certain national problem. This should continue for the attainment of the collective long-term aspirations articulated in the AmBisyon Natin 2040. With cooperation that is driven by genuine love of country, every form of pursuit to make these Filipino aspirations a reality will surely succeed. It will propel us to do our part for the good of the nation and in ensuring that the public interest is upheld at all times. However, actions that are subtly driven by self-interest, greed, and enriching a privileged few can also succeed when there is cooperation. This is probably the case why social ills such as corruption continue to prevail. People engaged in this kind of act do truly understand the importance of cooperation at all levels and on every side to ensure that everything is well covered and no one gets caught or exposed. But it will just be a matter of time where all these acts shall come to an end, as more people will learn to cooperate from the place of deep love for the nation that doing nothing will no longer be an option. Saint Paul asserted that love is the most excellent way and that it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. With this foundation, we can be assured that the transformation of the nation will always be at the heart of our transactions, engagements and involvements in the community, in our offices and the society as a whole. Will the Philippines rise again? Henry Ford and Edward Everett Hale stated that “coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success”. Indeed, it is in togetherness that we can make the impossible possible. The call is for us to cooperate now, not for wickedness to flourish but for righteousness to exalt the Philippines. |
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