Batapa-Sigue: Bring back integrity in governance

Batapa-Sigue: Bring back integrity in governance

THE Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (Towns) Foundation recently issued a statement joining the call of citizens to reduce or eradicate corruption in government, which was lately sparked by the feat of Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto as one of the twelve “anti-corruption” champions named by the US.

As one of the women of Towns and currently sitting in its board, I wish to devote my column this week to share the statement. The statement entitled “Bring Back Integrity into Governance” reads, as follows:

“Towns strongly supports the call for the eradication of corruption across all levels of society since it is an obstacle to achieving a transparent, accountable, and participatory government and a people-centered development. The abatement of corruption requires the serious efforts of all in the public and the private sectors.

As citizens, we need to stop offering bribes. We need to be vigilant and vocal about corruption issues in our communities. We need to strongly champion the use of innovative strategies to make government transactions more efficient and responsive and to lessen or curb opportunities for corruption.

We must cultivate a culture of cooperation and compassion for one another so we can thrive and succeed as a nation without leaving anyone behind. We are inspired by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto's anti-corruption efforts, along with the inspiring stories of other upright mayors, conscientious businesspersons, honest drivers returning sums of money left in their vehicles, and even ordinary government workers doing their jobs with fairness, diligence, and competence. These are reasons to hope that corruption could be eradicated with our individual and collective advocacies.

Our warmest commendation to all government officials around the country who exemplify integrity, transparency, and accountability in the performance of their jobs! Let us not only strive for a new normal, but a better normal free from corruption. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!”

Being part of Towns gave me the opportunity to meet outstanding women in various fields, to learn from them, and be inspired to do more. Reflecting on the celebration of National Women’s Month this year, I cannot help but think about the significant role of women in helping families and communities survive the pandemic.

Should we toughen up like men to show that we are strong? When we want men to toughen up, we usually say, "be a man." On one hand, I have observed that being soft is associated with being a woman. These are stereotypes.

I've noticed that we tend to think of Alpha Women as those who "act like men." Cutting short their hair. Masculine movements and speaking tones. I don't think so. Any woman with strong abilities deserves the same regard as men with the same abilities. For me, there is no need to mimic the other gender if we are to toughen up or soften down when the circumstances require it. There is no need to cut your hair short to show strength. And I don't adhere to the phrase "manly strength" or "soft like a woman" -- these phrases are erroneous. My lipstick is not an indicator of my strength. Nor are men's muscles.

To be an Alpha Woman, I don’t think it means women reaching out to their masculine side. For me, it means women fully understanding the power of their feminine side. And how it complements their masculine side and being able to harness both personas to complement more effectively half the need of the world.

A wife, a sister, a mother, a daughter is a woman first. I pray your lives and worth do not revolve and depend on others. Be strong and brave for yourself so others can draw strength from you. Cheers to all women this National Women’s Month!

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