A Man of God

By:  Jonathan Edwards J. Olabre
As lifted from his original  FB post entitled Good Christians.

Days before he (Pope Francis) came here, I had an acrimonious discussion with another Facebook friend. My point was that how come the pope was not issuing anything stronger about Islamic Terrorism after the Paris terrorist attacks. His message was that he condemns violence. That was ambiguous for me. As a leader of the largest Christian denomination, I expected something stronger. I perceived it as weakness and an inability to protect Christendom. After that heated exchange, I offered my apologies and just kept silent. . . . . Although a few of my correspondences with others continued. I resolved to be more circumspect in deference to many of my countrymen whom I have no aim of slighting in any way. That it is just a matter of doctrine and dogma that makes the difference.

WE SHOULD BE CRYING BECAUSE OF OUR APATHY.

We should all be crying because we are all to blame! During that exchange, there were those who cannot condone the course of action that I advocated even though they were my natural allies. In the end I just told them that after the victory against the Muslim Heathens, they can just hold their War Crimes trial and indict me and those like me during the conduct of the war of extermination and annihilation of another civilization. My main point was that nobody cares now what the Romans did to Carthage and our civilization is a result of that. It was one civilization over the other.

So I kept silent and thought about it more. I have no love for liberal agendas and I realized that as I grew older, I tended to be more conservative in my views. A product of learning and experience. And as I reflected some more, I thought about what kind of civilization that I was defending.

The answer came in three stages. When Pope Francis spoke in Malacanang, he made a sweeping condemnation of corruption. No political party was singled out. It was a statement that all those who are in positions of authority have a responsibility not to be corrupt. That they are all equally guilty of allowing a system that takes away from the poor. That a system such as that is not only immoral but an obscenity before the eyes of God and Man. He did not do it in a combative way. No fire and brimstone sermon but what makes it strong is on the manner how he delivered it. It was like an old school teacher, knowing all the tricks of students, aware of styles and manners and methods and say that “You cannot fool God” . Buking ko kayo!

The second stage was on Saturday. Going to Tacloban. He went there inspite of the risks because of the weather. I know how it is like to fly in airpockets and even had on occasion took a flight fleeing from a storm. That was in 1997 coming from Boracay. But this Pope, knew a storm was coming. He knew that danger lies ahead. He knew that the people there were the real reason he came here. He must be here. As he said “Am a little bit late. But I am here” . He deliberately flew into the teeth of the storm. He did not make great statements after hearing the hurts and pains of the survivors. Instead, with a show of great humility, he just kept silent. He knew that none of his words will be enough. He chose to keep all of it and suffer their plight in his heart. He was not after votes and approval. He was there to be able to share the feelings of suffering and despair. He had to learn how it was. As he said, the trip was for him. He discovered that he had to partake of the contents of the cup. He had to be there. A truncated trip because of exigencies and situations beyond anyone’s control, he apologized for leaving early. Many would not appreciate the fact that when the airplane took off at 1:00 P.M., the storm was just 50 kilometers away. Like the distance from Manila to Tagaytay or Dau, Pampanga. At 3:00 P.M. the storm made landfall. It was that close. But there was no bravado involved. I realized that inspite of my idea that he was “ soft”, he had a backbone of steel. He had courage and bravery not seen in the world for many years. It was courage and bravery not borne out of temporal or worldly power but a strength based on faith. If Josef Stalin were alive today, he cannot utter “ how many divisions does the Pope have?”. Josef Stalin cannot fly into the teeth of a storm and leave with its jaws biting at his heels. Mao Zedong cannot say “Power goes out from the barrel of a gun” in the teeth of a storm. It was bravery and courage borne on faith.

The 3rd Stage was when he was at UST. Of hearing the words of Glydell, of a question on why God would allow children to be victimized by prostitution and drugs. I was choking in order to prevent tears. I lit a cigarette and went out the door. My chest felt like it was being held in a vise. Glydell made the unanswerable question. It was a question that I have made myself and heard others who scoff at the thought of a God allowing such things to happen. It was an existentialist question. He could have answered using tracts in the Bible, instances of miracles and even divert the issue. He chose to meet it head on. He said it was a question, not even expressed through words but conveyed by tears. It was a question he has no answer. Again, he showed that he was human and not all knowing. By doing that, he showed that he was not unlike all of us who have such questions with regards to the faith.

But I realized that he actually gave the answer. His answer of “If we don’t learn how to cry, we can never be good Christians.” . As I understand it, it was more than a cry of pity for Glydell and the unfortunate and downtrodden, as I realized, we must cry for ourselves. It is not God who allows such a state of affairs, it is us who allows such. We do it by being apathetic. We do it by selling our votes. We do it for working for a system that creates such iniquities. But most importantly, those in power, economic and political must learn how to cry. Those in government, regardless of political affiliation must cry. The captains of Industry must cry. Crying in this case goes beyond Corporate Social Responsibility. Crying in this case is more than giving scholarship foundations and medical outreach activities. Those who are in power must cry to be able to understand the plight of those who are in despair. Crying entails that they take stock on what they have and what it means to have much in a land where there is want and need for many. Crying for them must mean that they transform themselves not only as agents of change but agents of re-distribution. That they cry because they can afford to eat more than 3 times a day. That they have cars, boats and planes when so many have no shoes. He does not have to directly attack the injustices of this world, attack by naming names. He did it by just showing up. By being an example. He did not say "look at me, look at me and how simple I am" . The bar for faith and leadership has just got a notch higher. Pope Francis sure showed them! No better and louder shout of rebuke and condemnation than the silence of example.They must cry for themselves because whatever they have done, they cannot be good Christians.

That is what it meant to me these past few days. I kept silent and reflected. Not a Vicar of Christ in my belief but Definitely a Man of God.

(The writer claims that he is a Protestant who don't believe in apostolic succession but gave an interesting reflection on the Pope's visit.)

You may also like reading related post:  What a God Loving and Believing Nation Really Is?

Heroism is About Living, Not Dying

By:  Gilbert M. Forbes
DepEd Quezon, CALABARZON

For quite a long time, heroism is always associated with death.  Adults used to say that anybody striving to be hero is usually killed nowadays. (Pinapatay ang nagpapakabayani ngayon)  It is very popular that it has become a common knowledge and a warning.  In return, ordinarily, people just remain silent in the midst of evil occurring even within their doorsteps.  They have become afraid, paranoid, and passive.

Whenever we do things in the best way that we can,
we are heroes. (Photo courtesy of google search.)

The majority could be unaware of this fact but it could be observed on how we are delighted to learn news of we perceive to be extraordinary deeds of heroism the media usually reports.  As such the media are always in search for heroism that could be reported such as taxi driver or janitor returning million peso worth of properties left by their clients, exceptional type of public servant’s performance,  or whistle blowers brave enough to expose evil doings both in government and the private sector.

Those deeds mentioned are ordinary practice of citizens abroad but appear to be uncommon in our society this type of hype shows. Is our country in search of modern day heroes? Does heroism has become seldom and an extraordinary affair among ourselves?

The truth is its not!  There are various types of heroism ordinarily happening out there but are just clouded by the evil doers because of our passive stance to ward off these evils. Heroism isn’t only about dying because heroism is a natural gift to every one of us.

Farmers and fishermen who honestly, patiently, dedicatedly and industriously doing their jobs to support their families until they are able to slowly get out of abject poverty no matter how long and difficult is an extraordinary heroism already.  Teachers, policemen, soldiers, and all public servants who undyingly serves our people in the best possible they can all portray an extraordinary type of heroism. All government officials including politicians whose dignity remains untainted, honesty uncorrupted and service above self rendered is an extraordinary heroism.  Private individuals, who honestly pay taxes due to them, proudly follow the laws of the land; participate in all undertakings for the common good are all heroes.

They are all our MODERN DAY HEROES.  So who says therefore that heroism is difficult to do?  Who is saying that anybody who is striving to be heroes is usually killed?  Yes there are instances.  But we should not forget, we will all die if it’s our time already wherever we are.  There could be dead heroes but there are also lots and lots of living heroes.  All we need is to open our eyes and look for ourselves inside out.

As the lyrics of the song by Mariah Carey which became popular two decades ago, we just don’t have to be afraid of doing so.

“There’s a hero.  If you look inside your heart, you don’t have to be afraid of what you are.  There’s an answer, if you reach into your soul, and the sorrow that you know will melt away.”

The song further says that, once the hero comes along, it goes with it the strength we need to drive away all our fears including the knowledge that we can survive.  It furthers, “So when you feel like hope is gone, look inside you and be strong, and you finally see the truth, that a hero lies in you.”

Evils should not be happening within our doorstep for evils to occur is for few good men to do nothing.  Being a hero isn’t about dying for it is more about living.  It is about living a good, godly righteous life which is as easy and natural as breathing because we are all designed to be good and live the best and righteous way that we can.

Kudos brothers and sisters out there!

Watch out for stories of heroism particularly among our teachers in the succeeding post as we celebrate the World Teachers Month.

Tsinelas Leadership

By:  Sec. Rene Almendras
Dept. of Energy
www.abs-cbnnews.com

(Excerpts from Sec. Almendras eulogy for Sec. Jesse Lobredo)

I have come to define tsinelas leadership as the pragmatic and more demonstrative version of servant leadership that Sec. Jess always talked about. I will tell you, I will explain to you four features of tsinelas leadership, Jesse Robredo version.

Tsinelas leadership is about the willingness na lumusob sa baha; to be willing to go where you normally do not go—to the most remote areas just to be with the most disadvantaged people. We all know Sec. Jesse rarely said “no.” That’s why he was one of the most well-traveled Cabinet members. He went to many places where some of us could not go to. Last night, I stood here for several hours. Ang dami pong taga-Mindanao na pumunta dito to honor Sec. Jesse. Lahat po sila pagdating sa amin, nakatayo kami doon: maraming salamat po. Sir, taga-Mindanao kami; Sir, taga-ano. It was just amazing that he has been to many places in the Philippines just to reach people.

A second characteristic of tsinelas leadership is breaking down the barriers between us and the people we serve. Many years ago, a young architect told me: “I will design it so nicely na mahihiya pumasok ang naka-tsinelas.” Nandito po tayo sa Malacañang, nandito po tayo sa Kalayaan Hall. Look around you. This place was not designed for tsinelas. And yet last night, and throughout most of today, how many thousands of slippers came into this room to pay tribute, to pay homage and honor to Sec. Jesse. Naiilang lumapit ang naka-tsinelas sa naka-barong. Leaders must be acceptable, accessible to those they serve. That was Sec. Jesse Robredo.

Third point about tsinelas leadership. Personally po, meron akong relaxation trigger. When I go home, I start relaxing when I take off my shoes and put on my slippers. Marami pong miyembro ng Gabinete ng Pangulong Aquino ang hindi nakakatulog na naka-sapatos. Tuwing bumabiyahe po kami, naghuhubaran po lahat ‘yan ng sapatos sa eroplano. Hindi ko po pinapatamaan si Sec. Cesar Purisima. Pero the minute pong maghubad ng sapatos si Secretary Cesar Purisima sa eroplano, within five minutes tulog na po ‘yan. Alam po ‘yan ng Pangulo kasi ‘yan ang sinasabi ng Pangulong “the concert starts.” But really wearing slippers is the most casual form. Being casual is being warm. Leaders must be casual with the people they serve so that they can listen, hear, and empathize with the people that they serve. That was Secretary Jesse Robredo in his truest form.

Tsinelas leadership is about back to basics—base-level transformation. Sec. Jesse and I share the same problems. He was pushing for good governance in local government. I am still trying to push good governance in electric cooperatives. In the last two weeks of Sec. Jesse’s life, I talked to him or texted with him everyday because of common problems that we shared. He believed and I shared in his belief that good leadership and governance structures in the barangays will naturally result in good leadership and governance structures in the whole republic. It’s about transforming the expectations of people from their leaders so that the next set of leaders will be better than the good ones we now have.

Tsinelas leadership is about working on the basics—no frills, no kaartehan; something as uncomplicated and casual as the tsinelas but with a very, very clear vision. That was Secretary Jesse Robredo.

My last conversation with Sec. Jesse was on Friday morning. He called me up at about 8 o’clock in the morning. Sabi niya: Sec. Ren—Rene po ako but tinanggal niya ‘yung “e.” So tawag ko rin sa kanya Sec. Jess. Binawian ko rin po siya e. Sabi niya: “Wala na ba talaga tayong pwedeng gawin tungkol sa baha sa Bulacan?” And the reason for that was Sec. Jess, Sec. Singson and myself at the back of that coaster kept on looking for ways and means to mitigate and bring down the water levels as fast as we can. We talked about Angat Dam, we talked about changing some protocols, and I said: “Sec. Jess, ako na bahala. Tatawagan ko si Sec. Babes mag-uusap kami then we’ll update you”. The very last line that Sec. Jess told me was: “Sige, Pare. Kawawa talaga ang taumbayan.” That is tsinelas leadership—a genuine concern and care for the people that we serve. That is Sec. Jess Robredo in its true context.

These five characteristics and many more is Sec. Jesse Robredo and his legacy to all of us.- abs-cbnnews.com

Click READ to see the complete text of the eulogy.

‘A tough act to follow-’Excerpts from Abad’s eulogy for Robredo

By:  Sec. Florencio 'Butch' Abad
DBM Secretary
Source: abs-cbnnews.com

(Here are important excerpts or parts of Budget Sec. Florencio Abad eulogy for Robredo.)

Jesse is indeed a tough act to follow — not just in the way that the nation reacted to his death. He also set an extraordinary standard in the manner he lived his life as a public official, as a family man, and as a servant of God.

Although many of us would rather gloss over the political aspect of our duties or ignore it entirely, it is impossible to do so if we aim to set our priorities right and foster good and effective governance. This is because politics is inherent in our work as well as a key component in our reform agenda of “daang matuwid.”

And this, I believe, is where Jesse stood out. He bravely immersed himself in the competing confluences of governance, of politics, and development. Even more remarkably, he would emerge from these turbulent currents with his integrity intact, his optimism as boundless as when he began, and his actions a source of inspiration for everyone to follow in his footsteps.

More important, he was able to produce concrete results including, as Lou said, his work in setting higher standards of performance among local government units through his Seal of Good Housekeeping program. His efforts at introducing reforms in the bureaucracy such as the culture of transparency he injected in the procurement activities of his department especially in the PNP spoke loud and clear for him.

Many of our peers in development and politics were determined to do the same with utmost sincerity. Some of them began their terms with the most noble of intentions only to find themselves consumed by the same corrosive culture of patronage and partisanship they sought to change. Others who would later recover their bearings became embittered cynics, convinced that there is really nothing anyone can do to transform this country.

But, Jesse managed to remain largely unscathed in a bureaucracy notorious for its moral casualties. He defined his political acumen without losing sight of his goal of widespread reform, showing his constituents what true leadership and public service were made of.

He did all of these without engendering acrimonious relationships with his colleagues and stakeholders. In fact, he regularly dealt with people often deemed too dangerous: drug lords, crime syndicates, warlords, rogue policemen, among others. He calmly mediated between the government and urban informal settlers facing eviction even as tempers rose and violent clashes broke out. He brought his mediation efforts to bear on the difficult process of establishing peace and development in conflict-ridden communities in the ARMM.

Furthermore, he dealt with political opponents squarely with astounding skill and candor. In other words, Jesse could talk to just about anybody with frankness and sincerity. The doors to his heart were swung wide open to practically anyone—from state leaders to government staff, all the way to the lowliest of people in Naga whom he dutifully served.

How was Jesse able to do this? What made it possible for Jesse Robredo to accomplish so much without compromising his ethical and political responsibilities? I am sure Leni is in the best position to give us an explanation.

Still, we try to answer these questions without realizing that Jesse’s work is exactly what public office requires. The principles he remained faithful to, the unique way he empowered Filipinos all over, these are precisely what effective public service and what daang matuwid is all about. And this is even clearer when we see Jesse’s qualities that formed his work and his decisions: his humility and compassion, the way he pursued excellence, and the way he was passionately driven to make this country a better place for all of us.

In the end, however, the sum of his achievements is founded on a basic truth: mabuting tao si Jesse. Jesse was a good man. This may seem an oversimplification but oftentimes, we fail to recognize how hard it is to be good, to remain honorable in the face of unrelenting challenges. This is especially true when one has to work and survive as we must in a political environment that does not always embrace the values that we promote.

Although we continue to wrestle with Jesse’s untimely death, this nation’s grief is tempered by a renewed sense of hope that Jesse’s legacy of reform and integrity will grow timeless, sustained by a new culture of honest, compassionate, and competent governance that he championed in his lifetime; that Filipinos will honor the choice of right over wrong in the face of adversity; that there will be no shortage of good men and women in this country.

In ending this tribute to a dear friend and colleague, the words of the late President Vaclav Havel of the Czech Republic in his "Summer Meditations" come to mind—words which I believe eloquently and aptly describe Jesse and his liberating politics and I quote: “If your heart is in the right place and you have good taste, not only will you pass master in politics, you are destined for it. If you are modest and do not lust after power, not only are you suited in politics, you absolutely belong there.

The sine qua non of a politician is not the ability to lie. He only needs be sensitive and know when, what, to whom, and how to say what he has to say. It is not true that a person of principle does not belong in politics. It is enough for principles to be leavened with patience, deliberation, a sense of proportion, and an understanding of others. It is not true that only the unfeeling cynic, the vain, the brash, and the vulgar can succeed in politics; such people, it is true, are drawn to politics. But, in the end, decorum and good taste will always count for more.”

Even as we bid you farewell, Jesse, we know you will always be here to guide us. You in your signature polo jacket with your eyes disappearing in your smiling face. Maraming, maraming salamat, Jesse.- abs-cbnnews.com

For the complete text of the speech, click HERE.

The Making of a Filipino Hero

By Gilbert M. Forbes

As I look at how things are happening in the country and Filipinos react and act with it young and old, I am upbeat doubtful if Ninoy’s statement of us worthy of dying for is still relevant.  More on the statement being popularized by one of the national TV network which aptly says the reverse, “Filipinos are worth living for.”

How can we both worthy of dying and living for when apathy, irresponsibility, corruption, ignorance, selfishness and materialism are all that can be seen.  The youth in particular are mesmerized by different genre of all sorts except nationalism, patriotism, and humanitarian concern.

The olds however who failed to move our nation forward and in fact left a damaged culture and values are rewarded. Everyone of them, even the bad guys is given senior citizens discounts now losing the government coffers billions.  In fact, one popular comment is that, they have corrupted our values and yet they deserve rewards!

And what are these damaged culture and values that they successfully left after all?  Some of these are apathy, selfishness, poor sense of community in favor of the family interest, low regard to manual labor, mediocrity,  peddling, use of influence, political patronage, insensitivity, and a lot more.  All these are not taught and learned at our schools but from the adult citizens of today and of the past.

What is saddening and more alarming was the result of a study done three decades ago by Dr. Malu Doronila of the UP College of Education.  The education community was practically shocked upon knowing that the average Filipino kid would rather be a citizen of another country, rather than be a Filipino.

Is the average Pinoy not at peace with himself, his country and his identity?  Consider the following manifestations as taken from the previously posted article entitled Functional Literacy and Nation Building amidst the Challenges of Globalization

• Getting a “green card” or gaining American citizenship has become a high measure of success in life that is well admired and worthy of emulation.
• Penchant for anything “stateside” even if some local products are highly comparable, price competitive and contextually appropriate
• Obeisance to or greater cooperation with a foreigner boss; many local managers may not be able to exact the same amount and level of work discipline. Or most Pinoys excel in whatever they do when working in other countries but may not be as productive or effective in local workplace
• Obsession with the white skin and the whitening of skin.  Just see how many advertisements and products openly cater to this physical delight. Take note also of the preference to have a Caucasian-looking espouse to marry and having mestizo children.
• Sometimes “suicidal” attempts to “try one’s luck” in other countries even if they are already making good in their profession or livelihood in their country. Oh, such true stories of Pinoy professionals and non-poor who were chased by guard dogs while crossing state borders, who hid for days in windowless container vans in freezing weather to get inside European countries, etc.  Other citizens migrate due to political turmoil and civil stripes in their home countries just like the Africans but Filipinos don't. 

And where are all these influences emanated from? How could then we be able to make a hero out of all these?

Learning the humble yet excellent and untainted political career that Ninoy had,  I just can’t help but feel sad for his generation who are still alive today have failed to emulate him including our political leaders.

Hence he started young, how could the young politicians of today fare with him.  Ninoy who’s utmost concern is the emancipation of his countrymen not only from the quagmire of poverty but most importantly from total ignorance which led them to be victimized by self-serving politicians they themselves put to power.

But as ordinary citizen of this seem to be forsaken country, managed to be governed by hell of its citizens as prophesized by the former Pres. Manuel L. Quezon, I am still hopeful.

Until there are ordinary citizens who can still put their faith in practice, until there are still who can manage to remain humble and righteous in the midst of unrighteousness.  Godly in the midst of the ungodly, innocent children, unborn and yet to be born—only the end of time is enough for the hopeful to cease in having faith in the Filipinos.  This could be where Ninoy’s statement of the Filipino is worth dying for refers to.

The making of the Filipino hero should be in the hearts of this privilege few whom all what they wanted are to see a country they could be proud of.  The Making of a Hero is within our unselfish hearts.  And this could be done in a single step, in simple things that we know will create a bigger impact in the future.

It all starts in a simple equation of 1+1.  May we all find a hero in ourselves.  What about you, in what equation do you belong?