by: Atty. Carolina Lim-Gamban

Many of us dream of a Bagong Pilipinas, a new Philippines. A new Philippines where the service is excellent, governed by leaders of unmarred integrity and selflessness, and its citizens with passionate hearts for the nation and the nation’s great future. It is said in the Holy Scriptures that a new wine needs a new wineskin. To wit, “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined.” This is also true if we are to have a new Philippines. Leaders and their citizens must also be new – having a new mindset and new attitude. Part of this new attitude should be a strong conviction in everything that we do or decide to do. A seared conscience having no convictions at all will always be continuously swayed and changing, open to attacks, and is like a shifting shadow. Without strong convictions, we can easily get defocused from the goal, get confused with what we are standing for, and get compromised thereby weakening our standards. It is then imperative that we strengthen our convictions if we want a new Philippines.
 
Here are some recommendations to strengthen your convictions:
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1. Make an inventory of your principles and what you firmly believe in and align these to what is true, right, honorable, just, commendable, and praiseworthy.  What are our principles and what do we stand for? Start with what you have and anchor these on the truth so that it will stand firm and unshakeable. During the time of Daniel, he purposed in his heart not to be defiled by what the foreigners would offer him. He firmly believed that his physical body would be better if he ate vegetables as food and water as a drink. He did not drink the wine and partake of the meat he was given him. Aside from this, he was firm not to bow before other gods but only to the One True God. He was steadfast and was vocal about what he believed, and unmoved by the consequences because he knew that his principles were aligned with what was true.
2. Let our principles be guided by the Holy Scriptures, the moral compass, the laws, the rules, and regulations, and evaluate our decisions according to these set of standards. Principles that have no anchor or basis are doomed to crumble down and be forgotten because it has no firm foundation. The Holy Scriptures contain teachings and principles that lasted for generations, are tried and tested, and are even applicable up to the present. During the temptation of Jesus Christ, he held on to what was written in the Holy Scriptures and countered the deception of the evil one. He mentioned, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” And, “For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” What was written is an important basis so we will not be shaken nor be swayed. In the workplace, we are guided by the laws, rules, and regulations on how we should conduct ourselves. Taking this to heart, we can be sure that when a temptation for bribery or corruption comes, we cannot be persuaded because we are firm not to take part of what is illegal and what is dishonorable. Our values and high regard for the Holy Scriptures shall serve as our moral compass not to participate in anything immoral and unethical.
3. Have a deep self-reflection and analysis at the instant you feel you have committed a compromise. Constant self-reflection and analysis will reveal to us if we have compromised our principles or have done something contrary to our convictions. When Job’s life seemed to be crumbling, he immediately examined what he had done wrong. He constantly asked God what he did wrong. He did not play the blame game as many of us would do when confronted by challenging times. At work, we sometimes blame our boss, our coworkers, or our direct reports when things don’t seem to go our way. Only a few take the time to reflect on what they have possibly done wrong and what caused the problem.
4. Quickly rectify any mistake or realign any deviation from your convictions.  When you think you have compromised, immediately act on it and do not delay. Do not just shake it off or else it will lead you to more compromises until your heart and conscience are seared and then callousness will set in. King David was one of the great leaders of the past but because of his deep desire to have Bathsheba, he orchestrated the murder of her husband. There may be times when we may be blinded by our deepest desires and do things that are contrary to what we stand for but a constant check on our decisions and actions will keep us back on the right track. When David was rebuked by the prophet Nathan, he repented and sought his way back to God. It is important to rectify any mistake or realign any deviation so that our integrity is intact, and we cannot be shut down or hindered by past mistakes. Our conscience is free, and we are free to express our convictions when circumstances challenge what we believe.

 
Having strong convictions will tell people who we are and what we are made of. If as a people we have strong convictions, we can be formidable people. If that happens, there will be no doubt that we can have a new Philippines.

Justice is giving what is due to whom it is due. It involves the observance of the principle of fairness, particularly in terms of rights, privileges, opportunities, and treatment. When the award is given to the deserving and penalty is imposed upon the duly convicted, we can say that justice is served. Justice is the measurement of a civilized society so any violation of human rights without the observance of due process is a denial of justice.
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How do we translate this to the workplace context, especially in the day-to-day discharge of our duties and responsibilities in public service where proper procedures and fair play need to be observed? For instance, in an open bidding, a project should be awarded to the lowest bidder upon review of the eligibility requirements, and all interested proponents should have equal opportunity to bid. The same ethical practice should be observed in issuing permits, licenses, or any similar document. Concerning promotion, everyone vying for the desired position should go through the merit system rather than promoting someone out of political friendship or any undue maneuvering.

It is time for us to be awakened. The promising future of this nation is sometimes undermined by countless injustices of all sorts notwithstanding the existence of deterring laws. Republic Act 3019 is extant in its provisions. The law considered the act of causing any undue injury to any party, including the Government, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage, or preference in the discharge of official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence as corrupt and unlawful. Also, it is considered corrupt and unlawful to neglect or refuse, after due demand or request, without sufficient justification, to act within a reasonable time on any matter pending before a public official or employee… to favor his or her interest or give undue advantage in favor of or discriminating against any other interested party (words supplied). Any violation of these provisions of the law can be concluded as an act of injustice because of giving undue favor to the undeserving and denying service to someone because of discrimination.

Let us take a moment to reflect on whether we have shortchanged the public, clients, taxpayers, subordinates, and superiors in any way in the past. Have we ensured that the delivery of our programs, projects, and activities were of the highest standards? Resolve in our hearts today to uphold justice at all times, both in big and small ways, just as what is expected of us by the Almighty God – to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.

Let us then rally for justice in our country to effect significant progress. Justice is the foundation of our sovereignty. If we are to build a just and humane society and establish a government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, it should be under the regime of justice. Philippines is a formidable country if justice is served. 

In 1894, Dr. Jose Rizal was in exile in Dapitan, a remote town in Mindanao, where he engineered a dam and waterworks with the help of his students. He built the waterworks with limited finances, inadequate tools, and meager materials, using stones, cast-off tiles, bamboo pipes, and mortar from burnt corals. Despite these challenges, he successfully provided a sound water system for Dapitan. Resourcefulness is “doing what we can with what we have, where we are,” says Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States. Resourcefulness is the ability to generate the resources necessary to accomplish a project.

Filipinos embody resourcefulness, as seen in their everyday life and various circumstances. They create improvised boats out of recycled materials to cross flooded roads, use cooking oil mixed with salt as a light source during brownouts, and turn water lilies that block water flow and cause flooding into a source of livelihood by making bags, baskets, furniture, slippers, and cheap organic fertilizer. In difficult situations, Filipinos find ways to triumph and thrive through resourcefulness.
An online article shares the story of Sam Walton, the man behind Walmart superstores, who became the second-richest man in the world by employing resourcefulness. Growing up during the Great Depression, Walton milked the family cow, then bottled and sold the surplus. Later, he took control of the retail sales market by selling merchandise people could afford. He was among the first to introduce a “profit-sharing” plan for his employees, significantly contributing to Wal-Mart’s continued success. Walton took the existing concept of large retail stores and improved upon it, bringing it to small towns across America.

The Scripture says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So, who will trust you with true riches if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth? And who will give you your property if you have not been trustworthy with someone else?”. Accordingly, God wants us to be good stewards of the resources He entrusts to us and find ways to maximize them for our good and the benefit of others. Unlike the man who received the resources of one thousand coins but dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money, who was called a “bad and lazy servant” and had the money taken away from him and given to the “good and faithful servant.” Consequently, with all your God-given resources, “do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can,” says John Wesley.

by: Micah A. Tecne

Let us commemorate our nation's Independence Day, when the Philippines was finally declared free from the colony of other countries. There is glory in acquiring freedom from oppression, a time when our nation began to move and live freely, unbothered by limitations. The feeling of being free grants us a life of joy and peace. We can sleep soundly and safely. What a liberty!

Freedom is a gift for us, both as a nation and as individuals. But what if, amidst our celebration, we realize its deeper meaning? Let us take a moment to pause and reflect. Are we truly free from within? We may seem peaceful and free on the outside, but deep down, we crumble, and our inner selves yearn for absolute freedom!

Have you ever felt trapped, even while moving freely in the physical world? Deep inside, we can feel imprisoned by many internal battles in our minds and hearts. We struggle with sleeplessness and unease, haunted by past traumas, regrets, mistakes, or burdens. We appear free, but we know we are not. We conform in a world of pretense and cover-ups, yet our conscience reminds us that true freedom remains elusive.

As David O. McKay said, "Life's greatest battles are fought within the silent chambers of the mind." When battles rage inside, chaos erupts, and eventually, we cry out for genuine freedom! Freedom from the oppression of bitterness, regrets, traumas, fear, guilt, and every negativity the enemy of our soul, Satan, may be launching and planting in us. The oppression intensifies as the battle lingers, leading to a desperate cry for liberation. We find ourselves in an exhausting situation, pushing all our known efforts and measures to break free.

Have we ever found ourselves feeling hopeless and frustrated that the battle within remains relentless despite our silent struggle? We grow weary of the chaos within. It's been too long; days, months, and years have passed, yet we still feel chained and in bondage. To truly enjoy the gift of freedom, we need to decide to fight not alone, but together. In our battle for freedom, we need the support of others, and we need the ultimate source of it. We have fought for liberty alone for far too long; now is the time to fight together. Our authentic and ultimate freedom is not attained by our own might, but by the might of the Almighty. "Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

Reliability is a soft skill that requires firm conviction and determination.

Suppose we are to search for the root word of reliability that originated from a Scottish term. In that case, the definition expresses consistently good quality or performance of a person or a thing. As for a person, they can be trusted for they are dependable, well-founded, genuine, authentic, trustworthy, valid, committed, fail-safe, infallible, and constant. Cambridge Dictionary also defined reliability as "The quality of being able to be trusted or believed because of working or behaving well." The wisest king who ever lived asked a question above his discernment of who is reliable as he sought them. Myriads of people from all lands surrounded him; he must have found them loyal as they paid tributes or homage to him. But, still, he's looking for a person who is constantly dependable and trustworthy.

In our society, many men and women are available and willing to work, but only a few are reliable. Reliable people are those who consistently complete tasks on time with the same high quality of work. They show up on time and appointments. They prioritize the importance of tasks and ensure they are done on time, as they respect deadlines. They choose their commitments and know how to say no to other things they believe that they cannot deliver. They take charge in moments of crisis and daunting challenges. Furthermore, they accept delegation needing less supervision. This is possible because of their core values aimed at excellence and completion.

Reliable people are greatly valued and easily noticed. Reliability makes planning stress-free because deliverables are supplied on time. Excellent output and increased productivity are observed. Decisions to take risks are more accessible because of the profitable work these people execute and the accurate and evidence-based information they bring. But at times, reliable people are "hated". When someone is good at something, incompetence, and inefficiencies will be exposed, even if not on purpose, and comparisons might arise. Thus, it is advisable to understand, first and foremost, the dynamics at the workplace to work harmoniously with others without necessarily compromising one's values and reliability. Be discreet, and never brag about how good you are.
Who indeed are the reliable people during these volatile times? Reliable people are those who live by example and are considered worthy models. They become a foundation of what the organization should be. They are a special breed of people who are not greedy but uphold a high standard of creed. These reliable men and women know the secret to becoming one.

First and foremost, anchor their confidence in the Lord, who is faithful and covenant-keeping God. They never doubt the undying and uncompromising Word of the Almighty God. This is the certainty that one can rest and trust. Reliability and faithfulness are God's very nature that withstood the test of time and challenged every trial. As we live and work, know for sure that "the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." "Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments."

The nation of the Philippines is an archipelagic country composed of 7,641 islands based on the new count of National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.  It consists of 112 ethnolinguistic groups who comprise nearly 15% of the total population of the country according to a case study made by David E. De Vera, Executive Director of Philippine Association of Intercultural Development Inc. These facts show our diversity in many aspects such as, among others, cultures, traditions, beliefs, practices, customs, and dialects. Despite of all these, we are one nation under God. We work together as one and we care for one another.  We still embody the Bayanihan spirit by helping one another most especially in times of calamity or disaster, without expecting anything in return. Besides, there are intermarriages among different tribes and ethnic groups. 

The above is what we are known for. It is who we really are. It is our nature. It is our foundational trait. However, our distinct and admirable characteristic is marred by the social ill of division and factionalism due to political partisanship and other contributory factors. Sometimes, either in local or national scenario, those in the present administration does not support those who were in opposition. As a result, there are regional maldevelopment or underdevelopment and unequal distribution of wealth. There is lack of development in the countryside while there is too much industrialization in cities. Thus, there is too much congestion in highly urbanized areas due to increasing population and heavy traffic condition.
Let us therefore bridge this gap and uphold the value of interdependence. We are like one body of different parts that are dependent to one another. As the Scriptures have said, “…the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’” The same is true with us, an Ilocano cannot say to the Ilonggo, “I have no need of you” or a Cebuano cannot say to an Ibanag, “I have no need of you”. We all need one another, and we must work together for the good of our country.

In an office or agency, the same principle applies. Let us note that even before we express our dependency on one another, we are already made interdependent by our work. Most of our duties are interdependent. A task needs to be accomplished first before another task can be done. In so doing, we are forced to coordinate and collaborate. We should therefore duly consider our colleagues whose tasks are dependent on our accomplishments. We do our part diligently so that they may not also be unduly restrained, and the public will not also be denied services that should be extended promptly and adequately.
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In like manner in a bigger picture particularly sharing of resources in the country. There should be a sharing of resources among different geographical areas to realize a wider range of development. Selfishness is not our trait. Massive distribution of wealth, skills, knowledge, and expertise should be our constant practice. Without interdependence, there will be a delay in the delivery of social services. There will always be somebody who will be put to disadvantaged. Far be it from us. “Kapit bisig tayo; tayo ay Filipino”. 

​What makes it difficult to fully acknowledge one’s limitations or mistakes, be willing to accept the help offered, and be generous in giving genuine appreciation to others? How challenging it can be sometimes to welcome feedback, criticisms, or suggestions for improvement as well as bright ideas from others. What worries us the most to consider others betters than ourselves? These are some of the areas that we can start reflecting on if we are to commit to growing in humility.
 
While the concept of humility is sometimes perceived as a sign of weakness when assumed that it is about having a poor opinion of oneself, low self-esteem, or a display of vulnerability, being humble is a strength and a powerful trait of a leader or any person of influence. Studies in recent years reveal that leading with integrity inspires collaboration, better job performance, and employee engagement. Humility makes a person willing to see oneself accurately (strengths and weaknesses), be receptive to feedback, and learn from others (Owens, et al., 2013).
 
Embracing humility keeps us grounded regardless of the accolades we have or have not received or the successes we have achieved or have yet to achieve for humility is “characterized by a low focus on the self, an accurate (not over or underestimated) sense of one’s accomplishments and worth, and an acknowledgment of one’s limitations, imperfections, mistakes, gaps in knowledge, and so on” (APA Dictionary of Psychology). It guards us from falling into the pit of pride and arrogance, as well as from feeling inferior.
 
Albert Einstein once said, “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” This simple yet profound statement reflects the humility of a person known for his brilliance. This reminds us of a proverb that states, “With humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). From a position of teachability that is void of self-glory, we can produce new and innovative ideas, come up with wise decisions, and sincerely address issues and concerns that derail progress and development around us.
 
Growing in humility leads to never-ending learning in all facets of life, including public service. Let us build one another in a way that acknowledging one’s limitations or mistakes will no longer be difficult, constructive feedback will be welcomed, the sharing of ideas and genuine appreciation will be encouraged, and esteeming others better than ourselves will be a norm. By doing so, we grow in divine wisdom. 

In the demanding world of government service, diligence and focus are crucial for achieving success and making a positive impact. Diligence entails persistent effort and attention to detail, while focus requires directing our energies toward specific goals despite distractions or obstacles. When these virtues are embraced, they can transform our work into a fulfilling and purposeful endeavor.
 
Diligence is not merely about working hard; it's about working smartly and consistently towards a set objective. It involves being thorough, attentive, and proactive in one's responsibilities. Similarly, focus means channeling one's mental and physical energies towards achieving specific targets, refusing to be deterred by nonessential concerns. For government personnel, diligence and focus are needed for efficient service delivery, effective policy implementation, and fostering public trust. By embodying these traits, civil servants can elevate the quality of their work and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Scripture offers timeless wisdom on the importance of diligence. Proverbs 12:24 states, "Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." This passage underscores the principle that diligent efforts lead to progress or success, whereas neglectfulness can result in undesirable consequences. A prominent thinker, Saint Augustine remarked, "Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you." This quote underscores the balance between relying on God and applying diligent effort in our endeavors.
To cultivate diligence with focus, consider the following practical steps:

• Set clear goals: Define specific objectives aligning with your office's mission and the public good.
  
• Manage time effectively: Prioritize tasks and allocate time wisely to ensure essential duties receive sufficient attention.
  
• Stay committed: Persevere through challenges and setbacks.

• Seek continuous improvement: Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and skill development.

 
Lastly, diligence with focus is a transformative mindset for government personnel seeking to excel in their roles. By integrating Scriptural principles and the above guidelines into our work ethic, we can contribute positively to our communities and honor our calling to serve others. Let us remember the words of Saint Paul in his letter to the Colossians, "whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." 

Who doesn’t want a promotion? Most of us desire to excel and to be commended for our hard work. It is an affirmation of our sense of worth and purpose. We work hard, extending working hours and pushing ourselves to do better to be noticed and commended, but what if we find ourselves in a situation where we receive the opposite of our expectations? Will we continually dedicate ourselves to work? 

In the history of Israel, Joseph, a faithful son and brother to his siblings, despite his pure heart, was despised and unappreciated by his brothers. He was mistreated and sold to a foreign land. He became a slave to high-ranking officials and was later promoted because he was one of the most trusted workers. Yet history repeats itself; he was falsely accused and imprisoned. Because of his dedication and pure heart, he was commended by the warden, which made him the most trusted person in the prison. He was faithful to every task given to him regardless of his position. He remained steadfast and honest in his work. He has valued every opportunity to serve unblemished. After years of genuine service, he was rewarded with freedom, commendation, fame, and favor; he was promoted to one of the high-ranking officials of Egypt, a foreign land.

His life is an example of valuing work regardless of what position we are in. We may find ourselves overwhelmed by many expectations, comparisons, insecurities, and competition. Still, as we remain faithful to what is entrusted, we will soon be noticed at the right time. We only need to be consistent and unwavering. People may not notice and commend our efforts, but a righteous and just God will always see it, and at the right time, we will be exalted as we humble ourselves. 

Let us be true and faithful to whatever is entrusted to us. The Apostle Paul encourages us that whatever we do, work at it with all our hearts, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since we know that we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord we are serving. 

Remember, while recognition and advancement are welcome aspects of work, true fulfillment comes from finding purpose in the act of serving itself.  Just as Joseph persevered and excelled regardless of his circumstances, we too can find meaning and satisfaction in our work by aligning it with our values, contributing to a greater good, and embracing growth opportunities.  Let us value our work for its inherent worth, and the intrinsic motivation it provides, and serve with dedication and excellence, both for ourselves and for something larger than ourselves. Valuing our work is valuing the purpose the Master has placed on us. Let us serve beyond human commendation!