Today I celebrate my first 100 days in public service. I thank God for the everyday grace of strength. It has been a very insightful journey so far. Allow me to share three realizations from my government experience:
1.) For the majority, the word government is synonymous with bureaucracy, corruption, or inefficiency. Sadly, there is some truth to this. However, this does not wholly represent the daily functions done in government. If you tell me 10 negative things about government, I can tell you 100 more stories of hope and compassion by selfless government workers I have known. Some government employees just do what is asked of them and no more, but there are far more employees who are driven to achieve more than just the bare minimum. These are employees who work under the scorching heat of the sun, sometimes even more than 8 hours in a day, despite the fact that their average monthly pay is even less than what most people get in a week. In government, I witnessed great stories of modern day heroism which are not products of politically-driven agenda, but rather, of simple day-to-day sacrifices so that others could live better lives.
2.) Government has complex system of rules in place which can be frustrating especially to people who need to see immediate results in order to be fulfilled. Real, lasting results are sometimes slow in the making. This could be the reason why it is not only civilians themselves who give up on government, but also many of those working in it. We need to “reinvent” our government, to change the culture that hampers its progress, and to set off chain reactions in the system that will make a transition from a seemingly hopeless system to one that is more empowering to the greater community.
3.) If we want the best government, we need to put the best people in government. Ask random professionals who graduated on top of their batch. How many of them actually opt for public service? Not so many, probably because they are not likely to become financially stable on their government salary or that they see government as futile. Private firms can give even ten times more than what you can get from government. Of course there are also other meaningful ventures to dedicate your talents. However, the public sector also needs candidates with strong education and experience. Decisions that influence the vast majority are made in government. We need brilliant minds and ideas to think big.
I look forward to the day when government becomes a choice, and not just an option, for people whose intellect, skills, and leadership are needed most. We need you to drive our government to its optimum capacity. I also look forward to the day when many people will work together with government in making a difference other than paying obligatory taxes, may it be in a private firm, NGO, or even in campus. We need you to make greater things possible. AMDG
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