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Saturday, July 16, 2005
Libre: Devil’s playground
By Mel Libre
Seriously Now
It is amazing how many Filipinos so want to serve the public that every election electorates are burdened with choosing from among a long list of candidates.
Candidates’ propaganda materials and speeches promote their qualifications, programs or catchy slogans, but with a common message: Elect me and I’ll serve to the best of my ability.
But as those elected take their oath of office, what do most of them look forward to? To be reelected. Thus, for whatever promises they fulfill, the hope is that voters will recall these when they fill up the ballot in succeeding elections.
If those who run in elections are genuinely interested in serving the public, there are other more challenging and honorable options, like: (1) serving in religious association; (2) volunteering in charitable institutions; (3) making teaching as a vocation; and (4) being true to one’s profession.
A priest recently told me there was a period when many parents wanted to see one of their children choose a religious vocation. Having a priest or a nun in the family was considered a blessing. Indeed, it was a blessing not only to the family, but also to the Church and society.
The dwindling number of youths choosing a religious vocation is alarming and, with the controversies the religious have experienced lately, the trend may be irreversible. The priest said that nowadays, families, especially in the urban areas, discourage their children from joining religious societies. We are too obsessed with material things that God has taken the backseat. Do reflect on this.
Some people join charitable institutions to promote themselves. But the true volunteer does not need publicity, for the greatest reward is the smile on the face of a street urchin or a thank you from an abandoned elderly. While institutions do need donations, they need more volunteer workers to do the many challenging tasks.
Teachers, like priests, were once revered in the community. Parents delegated the task of educating their children to teachers who themselves were models of good values. Those times are past.
With the sub-standard quality of training teachers and government’s refusal to prioritize education, the bright and the idealistic are no longer attracted to the profession. But truly, teaching is a wonderful vocation. Molding the children and our youth requires patience, creativity and hard work--and the happiest teacher is one who sees his students succeed and contribute to society’s growth.
While the religious, volunteers and teachers may be high in my list, it does not mean other professions are less important. Even without helping the less fortunate and the less privileged, any professional can be worthier than politicians by giving his/her best to his/her clients, by being honest and by upholding ethical practices.
Politics is the devil’s playground. Take your talent and resources somewhere else and God will smile at you.
(July 16, 2005 issue)
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