Servitude and the Temptation of Power

The campaign is in full swing, and all candidates got onto their horses and made their rounds last February 8. By the looks of it, they were all cheering themselves up for the long ride they have to take to reach the finish line. I admire the passion, and I hope it spreads down to their heart to serve. Whoever makes it to the beginning, for the end of the elections will begin the real reckoning of promises, in his or her heart will be that desire to truly serve.

 Our people are not poor. I hate to think that way. There is a lot of skill and talent in the Filipino. A lot of abilities untapped. Someone just needs to open the valve of opportunities for us to rev up and pursue more productive use of energy.

Our IT industry is booming in our country if we just have to look at how much BPOs have thrived in spite of the onslaught of COVID. In fact because of COVID working from home has given more avenues for the expression of information technology. And if the articles on IT are to be believed, the Philippines will never have a shortage of IT skills in the country alone.

We have a lot of basic services needing the right connection. Many homes have a lack of house helps, which is a needed assistance for other professionals to pursue their careers as they manage their homes. And like any structure, employing a good housekeeper, baby sitter and handyman will also involve proper training for the right values mainly, and with it the giving of proper compensation will be no problem as I would like to think everyone wants to get his/her money’s worth.

Child-minding, deep cleaning, plumbing, delivery of goods, these are needs that we Filipinos can provide that is why at a particular time we were considered to be top in domestic help export. Our domestic requirement for such services are equally high although our compensation packages may not be as attractive considering how much the wage earner also has left in his pocket.

I would like to think we are equipped even further with the numerous medical professionals we have as well as engineers, college graduates, who until now have remained underemployed or have found other careers that may not fit their training. The mismatch of college education and opportunities available is a snag but it also has shown how resilient our people are as they adjust to whatever opportunity is opened them. Us that is.

Indeed there are many things our leaders have to look into to further bloom the economy for it is still breathing, but it needs more space, more encouragement, more linkages and broader thinking.

I would like to see our selected chiefs to show servitude as they take on their seats and not drowned by the power that may rest in their hands.

We have existing leaders who have shown that now. Passion, servitude, and courage. I hope they make it still. We have upcoming leaders who also display that promise, and I pray they too are able to hit the line to start their new race. And as they do I wish they will remember how God wants a leader to be. To be truthful, to be humble, to be discerning, to be courageous to do what is right and above all to have character based on the goodness of God. No mention of power, or pride. Just service.