Passport To A New Philippines by Kapatiran Partry - HTML preview

2.1 BASIC EDUCATION

The election of good leaders depends on the kind of voters we have. We get the public officials we deserve. Their virtue, or lack of it, is not only a judgment on them but on us. Every political choice we make also affects the persons we are. Hence the need to educate the voters from whom good and morally upright candidates  (servant-leaders)  will  emerge. “Any sound tree cannot bear bad fruit any more than a decayed tree, good fruit” (Mt. 7:17-20).

The   key   to   good   politics   is   good   national   character.   A good education does not simply supply knowledge  but,  more importantly, builds character.

2.1.1 WHAT IS CHARACTER?

1. Character is the sum of the stable and unique qualities that determine our response to a given situation.

2. Character is who we are at all times and circumstances.

3. A good, strong character helps us do right, even when   no one is looking.

4. The best index to our character is how we treat people who cannot do us any good, and how we treat people who cannot fight back.

5. Everything we say or do, and all that we allow to be said or done in our presence, either reinforces or undermines the credibility of our message about the importance of our character.

6. Children will judge our values not by what we say,  but    by  what  we  do  and  what  we  permit  them  to  do.  They will judge us, not by our best moments, but by our worst act.

7. We are born with a distinct character, just as we are born with a distinct body. It takes discipline to shape each into  a healthy component of our person.

8. Making tough choices, when the cost of doing the right thing is high, is what shapes character.

2.1.2 SIX PILLARS OF CHARACTER

9. Trustworthiness

a) Be honest and reliable.

b) Have the courage to do the right thing.

c) Build a good reputation.

d) Honesty is the most essential quality of a leader.

e) Honesty is the best policy.

f) Trust is vital to building and sustaining community life.

g) Duplicity kills trust.

10. Respect

a) Follow the Golden Rule (Treat others the way you would have them treat you (Mt. 7:12), or “That which displeases you do not do to others” (Rabbi Hillel).

b) Be tolerant of differences.

c) Use good manners, not bad language.

d) Be considerate of the feelings of others.

e) Do not threaten, hit or hurt anyone.

f) Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements.

11. Responsibility

a) Perform your duties well.

b) Persevere in what you do.

c) Always do your best.

d) Use self-control.

e) Be self-disciplined.

f) Think before you act: consider the consequences.

g) Be accountable for your decisions.

12. Fairness

a) Play by the rules.

b) Take turns and share.

c) Be open-minded.

d) Listen to others.

e) Do not blame others carelessly.

13. Care

a) Be compassionate and show you care.

b) Express gratitude.

c) Forgive others.

d) Help people in need.

e) Pray for others.

14. Citizenship

a) Help make your school and your barangay  better.

b) Cooperate.

c) Stay informed.

d) Vote.

e) Do not sell your vote.

f) Be a good neighbor.

g) Obey laws and rules.

h) Protect the environment.

(Adapted with permission from Josephson Institute of Ethics)

2.1.3 CHARACTER BUILDING

Character building requires discipline. The basic natural virtues that help in the conduct of human affairs are prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. Around them hinge all the other virtues.

PRUDENCE helps us to correctly apply moral principles to particular cases, and to overcome doubts about which good to achieve and which evil to avoid.

JUSTICE consists in being constant and firm about giving what is due God and his fellow men. Justice demands that each one respect the rights of others. Justice is both the aim and the intrinsic criterion of all politics.

TEMPERANCE moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance within the limits of what is honorable.

FORTITUDE endures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. It enables one to conquer fear, even to the extent of renouncing and sacrificing one’s life in defense of a just cause.

2.1.4 THE EXERCISE OF GOOD CHARACTER

2.1.4.1 Good Manners and Right Conduct

1. Say “Please.”
2. Perform acts of kindness always.
3. Take and use only what is necessary. Avoid wastefulness.
4. Show deference for older people and women. Show respect for persons in authority.
5. Perform your duties cheerfully and promptly.
6. Say “I’m sorry.” Say “Excuse me.” Be prudent in speech. Be tactful. Avoid idle talk and gossip.
7. Greet people politely according to the time of day. “Good morning. Good evening.” Listen attentively when people talk to you. When entering a house, greet the host. Say goodbye properly when leaving.
8. Dress properly. Be neat and clean in your person.
9. Fall in line. Wait for your turn to be served.
10. Say “Thank you.”
11. Be punctual. Keep your appointments.

2.1.4.2 Back to Basics

1. Uphold and respect human dignity.
2. Observe cleanliness and a sense of order.
3. Plant and grow a tree.
4. Pay taxes and be vigilant in guarding its use.
5. Deplore violence, exploitation and corruption.
6. Promote honest labor, simplicity of life, and cooperation.
7. Share your blessings.
8. Side with the truth and what is fair.
9. Protect our hard-earned freedom.
10. Extend a helping hand.
11. Respect the peso and develop the habit of saving.
12. Build a home.
13. Promote anything beautiful.
14. Preserve the sanctity of the ballot.
15. Make God your best friend.

(Sagip Ka 2000 Foundation Inc.)