Redefining Value for Work in these Times of Pandemic

“We must strive to remain active and relevant in the midst of pandemic. The value of our hard work can be seen and measured as we create new opportunities for others to pursue”

It’s been five months since the COVID-19 infection was declared a pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that pandemic is not a word to be used frivolously or carelessly. If misused, it is a word that can cause unfounded fear leading to unnecessary losses, emotional/ physical suffering, and even death.
Many nations have and are facing insurmountable challenges and struggling with the reality of their capacity to overcome & recover from this global pandemic. The Philippines is no exception. This unseen enemy has sucked too much of our economic resources. It’s a war that we have no choice but to face head-on.
The government has been working non-stop trying to weigh in things – its pros and cons, finding balance across too many factors. Then they can only cross their fingers and hope that things turn out according to their projections. Meanwhile, they are working hard to monitor its progress, implement back-up plans and at the same time planning, preparing for whatever will come next. If this isn’t hard work, what could it be?
Moreover, this pandemic has taken its toll on us all. Many have lost their jobs and closed businesses; the front liners are exhausted but will have to continue going; our government officers are overwhelmed but they still need to implement protocols, strategize, make & adjust decisions. Let us all remember that while we are all having a difficult time, there are those who have no choice but to work hard during this crisis. Not doing so can possibly cost immeasurable consequences – to our society & the Philippines as a whole.
Filipinos as we are, we are naturally resilient – able to withstand every adverse challenge and calamity that comes our way. We have the power to be resolute and quickly adapt to circumstances. Our ability to survive and adjust will allow us to win this war no matter how complicated things will turn out to be.
The value of hard work, is currently being redefined. It is ongoing, continuous, and it keeps challenging us to participate and embrace it. We are being admonished to mature from mediocrity to excellence. To find opportunities in adversities – turn it around and make it favorable towards us and our society. Be innovative, take advantage of digitalization/ technology and use it for transformational causes.
We are not just renovating the landscape of our economy but we are transforming and uplifting lives. In all that we do, we must inspire others, instill in them that there is hope - that this and other pandemic is not part of our future. We show people that there is a way out. Meanwhile, still an excellent pathway we must rise and revolutionize our strategies to make it more robust and relevant in the coming years.
We must strive to remain active and relevant in the midst of pandemic. The value of our hard work can be seen and measured as we create new opportunities for others to pursue. Let us also approach it with gratitude – that we are thankful of having work to do, not for monetary gains but a deeper sense of meaning, sense of worth and dignity.  Above all, we work fully trusting God, knowing that we are working alongside Him.
We work hard and we value it, not only for ourselves but for the nation and the future generations. We work as One, we heal as One. (JVS, CRFV)