How do you feel now for the country? Do you now feel a sense of pride for her knowing how powerful Filipinos are as people? How would you show your love for her? How much do you care about her?

        I’ve always been proud to be a Filipino. In the history of our nation, we can list many of our countrymen whom we consider as heroes.  They are the ones who gave their all, even their lives, for the good of our country.  The best example is Jose Rizal, who stood against the Spaniards and who became our National Hero.  There are many other men and women who courageously fought enemies in defense of our motherland.  The rest of the world admired the Filipinos for the peaceful bloodless revolution during the EDSA Revolution that took place in 1986.  Thousands of Filipinos participated in a peaceful way to effect change for our country.  Those who took their part overcome their fear of danger, even of being killed.  With this, we can see that Filipinos could unite for the love of our country.  I also believe in what Ninoy Aquino has said: “The Filipino is worth dying for.” To show my love and care for her I will help improve the economy by being industrious and diligent in my work and by patronizing Philippine products and the pay the right taxes and obey the other laws of the land.  I care so much about the Philippines that I will not bribe police officers or government officials or employees in my community.  I will vote for deserving candidates.  I will also take part in our democratic processes, not only in elections but in other ways.  I will not be afraid to voice out my beliefs that are according to God’s will. 

            The welfare of our country is in our hands, and so are the ways to make it happen and prosper.  Let us thank God that He has placed us in this country. Though we may have so many problems, yet we can see that we are truly blessed by God as a people.

How can you show responsiveness?

Being responsive will help me make better decisions and easily get along with other people.  It’ll help me achieve more and earn other people’s respect. Responsiveness to the public is completely devoid of politics and discrimination.  Regardless of the race, age, economic status and origins, connections in society and looks, we should treat everyone equally with respect and integrity.  There are many ways on how I can show responsiveness to the public. One way is acting promptly on clients’ requests.  I won’t keep them wait for too long.  I should be more polite and patient.  Well, being polite to people costs nothing and it can help me earn respect of my colleagues and as well as the people I serve. Patience and tolerance are also vital in dealing with people. Being able to understand other people’s feelings is also a great skill, which will enable me to be more tolerant of their behavior and eventually serve them effectively.

      Social justice is one aspect of responsiveness which means “giving to each what he or she is due” regardless of the socio-economic status. I have heard of a phrase “the rich get richer; the poor get poorer.”  This mindset has misled millions to believe that they are doomed to poverty and that there is no more hope for them to succeed in life. As a result, many people accept life the way it is.  My family is not rich, but we cannot also be considered as the poorest of the poor.  My parents’ income is just enough for a living, enough to give us children good education.  When I am still a kid, every time I see other people with things that we do not have, I tend to compare ourselves with them.