JUSTNESS AND SINCERITY

“If you want to be successful, you must respect one rule: never lie to yourself”, said by a Brazilian lyricist and novelist, Paulo Coelho de Souza. It is needless to say how many times I tried to lie to my parents, peers or teachers and how others did hurt me because of a lie. But I learned a valuable lesson that I can always lie to other people but I can never truly lie to myself.

The issue of ethics and accountability pose a direct challenge to any government, and to any act of governance per se. The former are the key to the latter. For practically the people's trust in the integrity of political institutions seems to lie on the existence of ethics and accountability mechanisms and infrastructure and how these are effectively functioning.

Working in the government, or in any other types of job, makes me working effectively to the people of my country, who pay my wages through their taxes. All the most, it is with utmost importance that I serve my people with all honesty, justness and sincerity.

I also ascertain honesty and integrity to public service by taking positive measures against graft and corruption. Example, when a client gives food because of the help that I extended to him/her, I decline the offer because giving quality service is my job and I should not be paid because of such. Aside from that, it was also stated in the RA 6713 Sec. 29, ““Every Governing Board shall formally adopt a “No Gift Policy” within the GOCC and ensure its full advertisement to the community and its strict implementation by particular set of rules.”

I also show my honesty to people by being polite or courteous. This does not cost me any amount but I gained respect and friendship, not only with my co-workers but to some clients, as well. It is true happiness when someone appreciates your simple acts of kindness, and receives the same from them.

Tolerance is also vital to be sincere in what I do and what I believe in. Being able to listen and understand other people’s feelings and emotions can be crucial but at the same time rewarding for me because I can be able to work with them well, to be patient with their behavior and to be able to help them effectively.

I also believe that when someone tries to share and say to you anything that is happening on their mind shows their complete trust to you. Thus, when a co-worker share something personal or confidential, I keep it to myself, I do not divulge it to other people because I do not have the right to do so.

Well, being in this agency for more than a year also helped me to be open-minded. I do not always agree with my co-workers but I do not argue with them either. Rather, I show them respect by listening and taking their opinions seriously, which is why I am valued by my co-workers and superiors at the workplace.

Being in the PACD, also took me the time to recognize the various differences of people from all walks of life and accommodated their needs with proper and calm response. Thus, making me increasingly aware of how much our client really looks unto us as the person whom they can fully trust and give their loyalty to.

I never forget to remember that as government workers, the taxpayers are my boss and I must serve them well and am good steward of their trust and money. Honest and just people possess a God-centered value and attitude enabling us to show our genuineness to our fellow men.

An honest and honorable life is a life full of faithfulness and fear to God, leading a life obedient to God’s wills and laws.  It means turning away from sin, like stealing from the agency you are working, accepting bribes or gifts, gossiping, using foul languages, rather focusing self to a life full of happiness, integrity and loyalty. It also means not cheating and not taking advantage of others, a life free from greed and free from seeking your own interest at the expense of another.

As what an infamous quote goes, “Be honest even if others are not, even if other will not and even if others cannot. He who walks honestly, walks surely.” Yes, honesty can be a great noun and a difficult verb but with proper guidance and a strong determination, it’s as easy as eating a slice of cake.