Limkaichong urges leadership development to reform society

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines  —Negros Oriental 1st district Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong has called for the development of leaders that is centered on the children and the youth, and on transformation of personal values to effect social change.

The congresswoman made this declaration during the recent 3-day leadership summit, with the theme "The Role of Development Leadership in the Pursuit of Social Change," held in this city by the SACEDA Youth Lead and participated in by over 200 teachers, students and youth leaders of the province.

Leadership could only effect personal and social change if "we lead with the right and nurturing heart and mind ... correct the wrongs and inspire a constituency, impact our people on a more personal level ...," she told summit participants.

Limkaichong said that leaders like her shall be deeply committed to the cause, make personal changes and sacrifices along the way otherwise "Change will not happen if we are too used to certain norms that prohibit, if not cause a slothful, development."

The congresswoman also dared the participants to think how leaders should treat the mischief and "proactively respond to the situation, arrest the error and make sure that lessons are learned."

She asked them to be sharp in detecting errors in the society, to be sensitive in realizing that something is going wrong or something has actually gone wrong, and to be strong in the resolve to arrest the error.

Skill and creativity in communicating to the one concerned that he or she has committed a mistake must be achieved, Limkaichong said, adding that leaders must find and implement solutions to stamp out and correct the wrongs even if committed by a relative, a friend or a party-mate.

Limkaichong urged the summit participants and the youth to harness their talents to the fullest, and use them for public good. "Let your idealism be your sword, and never allow it sapped or damaged, much more stolen, in the complex, complicated world of politics," she said.

"Now is the right time to join the long journey towards developmental, or righteous leadership," she said referring to the Aquino administration's mantra of Tuwid na Daan.

The congressman further emphasized the importance of reporting to the people and draw feedback from them on the leader's performance, accountability and transparency in every decision, plan and program, which involves the use of government resources.

The event organizer, SACEDA Youth Lead, is a local-based youth-serving institution that was a recipient of the 2004 Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations of the Philippines awarded by the National Youth Commission and the Office of Sen. Kiko Pangilinan. (FREEMAN)