Contrary to the beliefs of the many, working in the government is not always as easy as pie. Yes, it has its perks but most of the time, we have to deal with its drawbacks.

Touch more lives. Give more hopes. Help others.

A Quick Backstory

After graduation, I got hired by a private company which offers customer service to their clients. I was trained to be nice even to unreasonably irate customers. Basically, I was used to providing good customer service and expect to receive the same.

So, when I was offered a position in the government sector, I wasn’t sure if I was just making a rod for my own back. Of course, I heard of the prejudices and inclinations of some people about government employees which were often negative ones. To some, government employees are lazy, unapologetic and lousy service providers. Inefficient. Corrupt.

Aside from my heroic yearnings to somehow make a difference, I also wanted to pay the province forward for helping me all throughout college. The Provincial Government of Bukidnon sponsored my college education and I was so humbled to acquire such in one of the country’s finest schools. So, I took the challenge. I accepted the job.

The Real Challenge

The decision itself to accept the job is already a challenge. I am aware that I will be stereotyped and judged. Also, I am giving up my spot in the corporate world which means I have to readjust my lifestyle and expenses according to my current earnings. Believe me, the salary in the government sector is not as promising as what the private corporations offer. All these are in addition to the common qualms of public servants including delayed salaries, sub-standard equipment and technology and the unequal manpower-workload ratio (i.e, nurse-patient ratio).

Working in the executive department allowed me to grasps a lot of realizations in our society. I write communication letters to our partner agencies in local, national and international scenes. I prepare memoranda and create messages and speeches for the Provincial Governor. Also, I read everyone’s letters address to the governor including the futile ones. Do you know what is more important in my job? I hear the pleas and desperation of those who need help especially those at the grassroots level.

Yes, most of the time, I work silently in the background. A supporting character. I filter all communication to make sure that they are forwarded to the right department. So, I read all of them. I read how people seemed so hopeless that they ask the government for their daily needs, even as basic as toilet bowls or their next meal. I am so unaware how destitute some of our brothers and sisters are. It truly saddens me.

I encounter these entreaties on a daily basis. I hear cries of hopelessness and there are cases that I cry with them. Not all their needs will be catered or at least not instantly. So, if there is a need to turn them down, I always ensure to soften the blow.

It is best to help but if your hands are tied to the policies and you need to refuse them, at least say it nicely. I am a firm believer of the famous line from an unknown author,

It’s not what you say. It’s how you say it.

In my few years working in the government, I have encountered the infamous kind of employees. However, I would like to believe that not everyone is like them. There are still a lot of them who genuinely serves the public. I often remind them that we are here to serve and we should be thankful that we are on the giving side and not on the other end.

The recent war in Marawi City has tested the nation’s resilience and strength against terrorism. This has also tested my willingness to help. The war destroyed their homes and seeing how everyone struggle to find their daily needs is also a heartbreak for me. It was one of the most awakening moments I have ever experienced.

We weren’t allowed to go the war zone to avoid adding stress to the rescue team.Although all relief operations are done in Iligan City, I was still able to witness how broken the entire community was. It was hard seeing people wanting to go home but they can’t because they no longer have a place to go home to.

Apart from all these, I guess the real challenge working in the government is teaching the people to finally independently stand on their own. The government will always be there to support them but it would be better if such support is provided to uplift the lives of everyone such as creating more sensible and lasting programs instead of just putting temporary solutions to their needs. We would not be able to move forward if we are stuck on the basics.I hope everyone would understand and put into practice the famous lines,

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Again, if your mindset is poor, you will be forever poor.

My Two Cents

I am a public servant and in my little ways, I always make sure that the people that I am able to mingle with will experience the best services from me. I am aware of everybody’s needs and I want to somehow ease their pains.

Thus, whenever people ask for a recommendation letter for a job application, I personalize it and make sure to get away from the generic ones. I want them to get the job. Going the extra mile will not hurt. So, I try to give them extra attention and time whenever they need my assistance. Also, at least in cases when I will not be able to instantly fulfill their request, they will remember how I treated them and not my refusal.

I have extended help to our indigenous brothers and sisters who need assistance. Most of them were not able to go to school. Thus, I have to be extra patient when assisting and instructing them. They cannot read and write. They also use a different dialect which I am not familiar with. So, I have to really take time to fully understand their needs.

While I am helping them express their needs and find their fulfillment with the services from the government, I am growing as a person. I was able to learn gratitude and patience. While I am helping those who are in need, I am also helping myself to understand the world in a deeper sense. Patience, understanding, gratitude, and selflessness are few of the things I have learned from my job and I am very positive that I will have more of these lessons in the years to come.

So, as you can see, there are a lot of things going on in the lives of those who work in the public sector. In fact, some put their lives on the line for the welfare of the general public. I, for one, would really like for the people to give us a chance. Allow us to serve you better by trusting us again.