Distance Learning Program Reflection

When office becomes boring, I look for something to do. And I found myself enrolling in a Distance Learning Program of the Civil Service Commission last May 2016. Let me share my 2-page reflection regarding the whole Program. For you to see how will it look like when you do it RUSH. You know...PROCRASTINATION! :)

2-PAGE REFLECTION:

“Whoever renders service to many puts himself, in line for greatness- great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation, and great joy.”

-      Jim Rohn

I never regret enrolling in the Distance Learning Program of the Civil Service Commission though at first, I find it hard sometimes to manage my time answering the cases due to my busy work. When I started reading the lessons on Norms of Conduct for Public Officials and Employees, especially on the details of Republic Act 6713, I was hooked and made me want to read more about it. Honestly, it was my first time to have readings on this law through this program. I was able to understand its beauty if only it is well-implemented in our Government Offices. Through this program, I was able to appreciate more the public service. Thinking the welfare of many over our personal interest is just the same as being a hero.

I was enlightened with the greatness of being on the civil service while reading the lessons and answering the cases on the different situation that will test how strong one is based on his/her integrity in rendering services. Yes, when we say commitment, we are bound not just intellectually but also emotionally to do our work in order to deliver our utmost service to the Filipino people. A public servant does not only doing the work for compliance, he/she works with dedication aiming to help for the betterment of society, and Philippine Government as a whole. Every action an employee does, no matter how small it is has a huge impact. If only these things are internalized by all of the employees, we could have a better country.

Also, the patriotism in me awakened. Honestly, I got sick of the kind of government we have, employees that are unfair, only favors of the rich and well-known in this world of “whom you know”. I remember doing a transaction in one of the government offices in our area, this didn’t happen to me, but I was able to witness how they treat the clients whom they think that are less educated, they shout at them because they could hardly get the instructions in filling out forms instead of teaching them how to do it. Is it the employees’ responsibility to give proper assistance? Maybe, they don’t treat this kind of individuals because they are just normal people. I was beginning to hate having transactions with the government offices due to slow services and unfair treatment but I have no choice because just like other Filipino citizens, we rely too much in our government. We need them and unfortunately, we are getting used to the services they offer. But, while completing this Distance Learning Program, I saw the beauty that lies behind the government offices, that there is still hope if these rules of conduct and ethical behavior in the civil service is instilled in our minds through our actions. I got inspired to work with the government and apply what I have learned in this program to the best of my ability. Just imagining a scenario where clients leaving government offices with a smile because they are satisfied with the transactions they’ve made with you feels great and moving. 

We are the mirror of our government and as a public servant, we must act according to the provisions of the law mandated by us with all our heart. These are the norms and conduct for the government employees that we must impart in our daily works under RA 6713 that were discussed in the program; First, COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC INTEREST, the core value that every employee should have. Working in the government means rendering services and using the government resources efficiently and only to be used for the public service. We should always set aside our own desires and maintain giving the best service for everyone. Second, PROFESSIONALISM which means one should not only bound to the kind of duty given to them. He/she must work with full excellence and should continuously work for personal growth and professional development in order to deliver work with excellence. We should not boxed ourselves and learn more things since learning is a continuous process and be dedicated with everything we do. Third, JUSTNESS and SINCERITY where we have to treat every client with fairness regardless of their status, and providing what they need by respecting their rights. We can’t deny the fact that injustice really happens around us especially to the poor and marginalized people. It is our responsibility as a public employee to somehow make them feel that they are not abandoned by the government, that they are given the right assistance in the government offices. POLITICAL NEUTRALITY is the fourth, it is the same with justness and sincerity but with emphasis to abstaining from any participation in the matters of political parties. Be neutral by not favoring any of the parties to avoid issues in carrying out our duties and responsibilities. People should receive services in the government promptly and giving the appropriate services they need by serving them properly. Government offices are coined as turtle-moving agencies in terms of processing that we must erase in our culture so, we must be quick to respond to the needs of the public thus, RESPONSIVENESS TO THE PUBLIC is the fifth norm. The employees should also project NATIONALISM and PATRIOTISM to the government by being proud of being a Filipino and patronizing our own resources, COMMITMENT to DEMOCRACY where we give importance to living in a democratic way, our voices are not only being heard but listened to. SIMPLE LIVING being the last norm is not only being simple in the way we dress but our way of life as a whole.

Yes, there is still hope in our government, we could still change the perception of others towards the public servants. But, most of all, change should start within ourselves.