Concern in Its Simple Illustrations

​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.
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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.