Fostering Progress through Reliability

​by: Mr. Nathaniel A. Saquiban

​Reliability was defined as the ability to be relied on for accuracy, honesty, or achievement. Thus, it can be applied in these three descriptive words: accuracy, honesty, and achievement.

First, a person is reliable if they do their work accurately, such as in the entry of amounts and particulars in accounting records. It can also be reflected in the implementation of projects and the discharge of duties. An officer-in-charge is deemed reliable if they build an infrastructure project based on engineering standards or work per existing standard operating procedures or office policies and rules and regulations.

Second, a person is reliable if they do their work honestly. It is likened to trustworthiness, where a supply officer or cash custodian keeps the properties and items under their care, always intact or in place, whether an audit is conducted or not.

Finally, reliability is shown in the area of achievement. We put our confidence in a person who finishes what they have started and fulfills to deliver what they have promised to produce or attain.
The above applications are representations of integrity; thus, the value of reliability is under the core value of integrity.

In this campaign period, the ability of those who vie for elective posts to realize their political platform is a test of reliability. How many of our electoral candidates, national or local, will be able to carry out their promises? It is just a meager percentage based on our past experiences. However, we, too, have a role to play as citizens of the Republic, especially if we hold an appointive office in the public sector or a position of authority in the private sector. We should diligently discharge our respective functions, whether big or small. It is part of reliability.

We consider ourselves responsible for others, and we are conscious that we do not live alone but for other people. For the succeeding generation, we are regarded as reliable people. If we are in public service, we should not intentionally allow ourselves to be sidetracked from our focus and intended function by minor issues at the expense of our clientele and transacting public. We should not allow ourselves to be persuaded wrongly or unduly influenced by injustice and wicked systems. We should always safeguard the reputation and respect of our offices or agencies, bearing in mind that public office is a public trust.
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Understanding the above concept of reliability, reliability should be a common trait of every Filipino if we are to work for development. Since childhood, we have had our “Panatang Makabayan,” or Patriotic Oath. We could have gone far in progress if we were faithful to our pledges. Note that there are unspoken expectations from the younger generation. It is anticipated that we will not let the cycle of poverty become pervasive but instead work for sustainable growth. As stakeholders of a better Philippines, reliability is the name of the game.