State Of the Nation Address (SONA)

The President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo delivered her State Of The Nation Address (SONA).

"I will defend democracy with arms when it is threatened by violence; with firmness when it is weakened by division; with law and order where it is subverted by anarchy; and always, I will try to sustain it by wise policies of economic progress, so that a democracy means not just an empty liberty but a full life for all….
I never expressed the desire to extend myself beyond my term. Many of those who accuse me of it tried to cling like nails to their posts….
I am accused of misgovernance. Many of those who accuse me of it left me the problem of their misgovernance to solve. And we did it….
I am falsely accused, without proof, of using my office for personal profit. Many of those who accuse me of it have lifestyles and spending habits that make them walking proofs of that crime….
We can read their frustrations. They had the chance to serve this good country and they blew it by serving themselves….
Those who live in glass houses should cast no stones. Those who should be in jail should not threaten it, especially if they have been there….
Our administration, with the highest average rate of growth, recording multiple increases in investments, with the largest job creation in history, and which gets a credit upgrade at the height of a world recession, must be doing something right, even if some of those cocooned in corporate privilege refuse to recognize it….
Governance, however, is not about looking back and getting even. It is about looking forward and giving more—to the people who gave us the greatest, hardest gift of all: the care of a country."

---some parts of the President's speech.
Inulan na naman kahapon ng batikos ng mga hindi kaalyado ng Pangulo ang SONA. Her detractors accussed her administration of massive corruption. Lack of transparency. Poor regulatory environment. Poor justice system. Cronyism. Hunger with power, the author to rewrite Constitution and shift to a Parliamentary System that will allow her to remain in power. If we took at the bright side, marami naman nagawa ang Pangulo na puwede pa nga niyang ipamana sa susunod na liderato. She is a working President. Sino ba namang lider ang ayaw magkaroon ng Strong Republic?
We need to elevate the standard of public service, this is possible if leader is honest and has integrity, who will set aside personal ambition for the good and welfare of the Filipino people. Good governance means good public service.

Iglesia Ni Cristo Day

July 27, Monday, marked as the 95th Anniversary of Iglesia ni Cristo, a special national working holiday mandated by Republic Act 9645, signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. This is more than a historical event. A global celebration, expanded to 86 countries, and 4 territories across the globe. The church today remains an anchor of hope to its millions of members.
The Iglesia ni Cristo has remained at the forefront of spiritual evangelism, good will and honorable peace, thus enriching countless Filipino lives, leaving an indelible imprint in Filipino society and bestowing upon our country and people a lasting spiritual legacy.
The INC is a Christian religious society, not a political organization, but it does public sevices including the conduct of outreach programs on education, youth development, family counseling, as well as health, socio and economic community extension services, pressing social concerns that affect not only the life of its members but other marginalized Filipino families. The church remains socially responsive, caring for its members and society at large and addressing social issues such as poverty and peace and order. It educates its members to remain disciplined and responsible citizens, abiding by the laws of God and men.
A distinction of the Iglesia is the strength of its leadership, from its first Executive Minister, Felix Y. Manalo, whom the faithful recognized as God’s messenger, to the incumbent Executive Minister, Brother Eraño G. Manalo. Brother Eraño has remained faithful to the Biblical principles and administrative system.
May makapag-iisa nga ba sa mga tao? Pinatunayan ito ng mga kapatid sa Iglesia ni Cristo---- kaisahan at disiplina at higit sa lahat pananampalataya sa Amang Dakilang Lumikha.

BBPA class pix

With Professor Sonia Gumabon
Foundation of Public Administration

Back to School

Saturday, 9AM, I was there in Pamana Bedista Multimedia Room to joined the batch of BBPA students, San Beda College Manila in partnership with Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila opened a degree program in Bachelor in Business and Public Administration for non-academic personnel.
Back to school, after a long time. The value of education is a lifetime treasure.
Public administration can be broadly described as the development, implementation and study of branches of government policy. The pursuit of the public good by enhancing civil society, and effective public service.
I have no political ambition. But as a citizen of this country I have social responsibility, the desired change in society, bring forth the critical social issues and encouraged to solved them.
PA are related to the democratic values of improving equality, justice, security, public service.
PA course is good for future leader,trained to become person who would uphold accountability, transparency, dedication and excellence in work; who would place the interests of the nation above his own; who would breathe efficiency, effectiveness and economy; to become, in short, public servant.