I have stories about politics and this is one of them.
Two men were stopped by a TV newswoman doing street interviews about the upcoming presidential primary election.
“I’m not voting for any of the candidates,” the first man said. “I don’t know any of them.”
“I feel the same way,” the second man said. “Only I know them all.”
Another person who is quite knowledgeable about politics says: “In Congress someone gets up to speak and says nothing, nobody listens, and then they all disagree.” Why is this so?
After doing the values and leadership training some time ago for practically all the Barangay Captains of a certain city I would leave unnamed, another invitation was given me to conduct an afternoon leadership and values training to all the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) heads and I readily accepted it.
Held at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay the expected participants for the conference should have numbered a little over 800. There were 2 batches of participants and while the first day training went very well, I noticed that there were municipalities representatives that were conspicuously absent especially on the second day. Headcounts reveal that the 800 will not be reached.
Curious I asked around for the reason why and guess what I found out? There were groups who did a “No Show” simply because their political parties are not aligned with that of the governor. Sure there were a lot of “technical” reasons why they couldn’t make it to the conference but when you come right down to it, it’s politics period.
Doesn’t that break your heart?
We should change our books. We should change our values. We should change our teachings and we should shout out to the whole world that our local officials exhibit unquestionable loyalty to their political parties but not to their country.
The first part of the conference talked about rules and regulations pertaining to their positions. The second part of the conference where I came in dealt with leadership and values. The training is everything but political. The governor’s intentions were to equip the young leaders with leadership skills so they can serve their communities better.
But guess what? These young people have been taught in their very young age the importance of partisan politics. That personalities are more important than principles. Political partisanship is more important than values and skills equipping. And then we wonder why we are so poor? Duh!!!
Doesn’t that break your heart?
This is proof that our country has too many politicians and too few statesmen. While the statesmen are concerned with the next generation, the politicians are terribly concerned with the next elections.
Doesn’t that break your heart? It surely broke mine.
But then again there is a shimmer of hope.
Those who attended, those who were serious and those who displayed maturity approached me, talked to me, send me a barrage of email expressing their gratitude for the things they learned during the session.
What did I teach them?
I taught them leadership principles. I taught them to respect authorities. I taught them to respect and obey their parents. I taught them to strive for personal excellence. I taught them responsibility and accountability. I taught them to exercise servant leadership and I taught them that the community and the country is more important than politics and parties. I challenged them to study hard, work hard and be an example for the youth to follow. And as I looked into the excited eyes of the young SK leaders who loved the session, I silently prayed to myself that this generation would rise up to make a difference in their community and make this country a better place. The innocence and idealism of the young should not be corrupted by the greed and malice of their seniors. This should not be.
Thomas Jefferson says: “Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.” A little trembling will do all of us some good wouldn’t it?
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tama po kau marami pa rin kabataan ang sinusunod ay un mga taong politiko puro daldal llang ang alam kapag me seminar ayaw mag-aral gala at inom lang ang gusto sekretarya ang pinag-aaral tapos mayayabang p pagbalik sa kanilang lugar ganun ang idolo nila sana mamulat n sila katulad ng mga naging kabataan dito sa aming lugar sa loob ng tatlong taon sa panunungkulan ang tanging nagawa paliga na d natatapos at kurakot pa pondo nila at now sasabihin taos noo sila at kaming naiwan sa barangay ay walang kuwenta naku nagsipag-aral p sila sa UP bastos naman (d po lahat ng taga up po) wish ko po ang new kabataan namin maiba naman at sana kau rin po ang kanilang marinig sa seminar mabuhay po kau galing nio po nakita ko n po kau Godbless po!!
I am reminded of U.S. President Obama’s Prayer Breakfast Speech where he honored Tom Coburn’s presence (Note that Coburn is Republican and Obama a Liberal). Even with their differences in political beliefs, they chose to join in a prayer event for their country. That’s how they loved their country. But that’s the U.S.
I’ve been praying for unity for the Filipino people despite our differences. Although this is heartbreaking news, the groups you mentioned that came still poses a glimmer of hope for our future. Thanks for your efforts sir Francis.
Here’s a link where you can read Obama’s speech:
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/main/cameron-strang/blog/24320-praying-with-president-obama
Thank you for accepting that invitation. Indeed this is very much needed specially at this point in time. At least they have this chance. I was an SK and never had this opportunity. Thats why SK should be abolish now, ( and maybe establish a better one considering the deeper study on how to get rid of the political control and dynasty ) because politics is embedded already in the culture of the SK/youth. In my term it is even worst….But on a positive note, if people like you will continute to do this kind of act, and if only “intelligent people” like those who graduated from suposed to be “top schools” with all the flying colors/awards with them will just ACT and DO something, NOT JUST TALK, then we will have a better nation….I beleive any government leader should always put in thei mind set. God, Country and Family…God Bless you.!
To Mr. Francis Kong, thank you so much for your enlightenment.. the message is so true nowadays.. I can’t find the best word to describe your “doing” … God will surely bless you millionfold..
As always, such an inspiring message address to our future leaders. We really have to work hand in hand for enable us to break the mediocrity of our political mindset.
i totally agree, i m still hoping for a good change to my Country! God bless the Philippines!
yeah i agree with you…duh most of us are questioning why we are poor yet remain blind on what is happening on the political side….it is really a heart breaking realization that most of our politicians are trading our good old values and morality for a time bounded things…the severe ones is that they are passing this to our young leaders…i really thank you for accepting the invitation as a speaker at least they heard what is rightfully to be done…thus they are accountable for their action….and application..