Beyond the Net Satisfaction ratings published, one cannot help but wonder- did P-Noy deliver on his inaugural message of HOPE and CHANGE?
By all accounts and all indicators, P-Noy is a WORK IN PROGRESS, he had made his first step towards honest and responsive governance, while balancing with economic, political and social realities.
For instance, emphasizing the need for DISASTER PREPAREDNESS/ RESPONSE, P-Noy personally went to the flooded areas of Cotabato City. It is important to note that Cotabato City is the capital city of the AUTONOMOUS REGION OF MUSLIM MINDANAO (ARMM), making his visit timely and a poignant reminder that the OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT is President to all Filipinos, especially those in Muslim Mindanao, who had long yearned for national concern. P-Noy had correctly postponed the ARMM elections considering the present existing calamity in the ARMM areas. Could there be a credible ARMM elections if the electorate have to wade through flood waters in order to vote, or is it not more prudent to speculate that in view of the calamity, many voters would stay home?
However inspite of P-Noy’s personal concern and efforts, the Mayor of Cotabato City lamented that: ”P-Noy did not bring concrete solutions to the flood problem!”
This where the common mentality of local leaders is reflected- most LGU leaders look towards the national government esp. President to solve all the problems of their locality. In fact, this is reflected by the low rating P-
Noy got from the Class-D segment of the populace.
Flooding is a result of several omissions or negligence or indifference to environmental responsibility of both the leaders and citizenry. Lack of proper solid waste management, indiscriminate concreting of areas with no provisions for drainage, degradation of forest, cutting down of trees, etc. considering that some areas are below sea level. Do we blame P-Noy solely for not solving the flood problem?
This is where we have to recall what Jose P. Rizal said: “for every citizen’s right, is a corresponding responsibility”;
This is where a paradigm shift has to be made on educating our people, staring from the formative years in the elementary, with regards to the duties and responsibilities of a Filipino citizen. Inculcating civic duty, is lacking on our dysfunctional Filipino psyche. This is evident by the fact that most Filipinos only ask, “what can P-Noy do for me, but not, what can one do for the country?
Like Manny Pacquiao, we should sometimes say:”Para sa bayan ito!”
Because by performing our duties as Filipinos, in thought, in word and in deed, we help build a more responsive and responsible citizenry, thus, making the PROMISE OF HOPE and CHANGE possible.
P-Noy is trying his best, he has the legacy of his parents to live up to, but, he cannot be a SUPERHERO capable of solving all the problems overnight. Each Filipino should do his share, and then, maybe, we can all help build a better, kindlier tomorrow for the next generation
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO MARK THEIR FIRST YEAR IN OFFICE!