Go placidly

THERE is so much that can be derived from Max Ehrmann's poem, Desiderata. Especially today when there seems to be an orchestrated move to unsettle and destroy the government, no matter how much improvements it has managed to whip out in a matter of months. "Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story."

This very much describes Social Welfare Judy M. Taguiwalo and how she leads the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) steadily on, unperturbed. Imagine, since the Duterte Administration took oath, DSWD has responded in quick time to massive floodings brought about by low pressure areas in August 2016 in Luzon and January 2017 in Cagayan de Oro. It has brought relief and rehabilitation to Batanes after typhoon Ferdie in September 2016, the Cordilleras after Super Typhoon Lawin in October 2016, in Camarines and Catanduanes also in October 2016 after typhoon Karen, and in December 2016 after typhoon Nina. It also addressed the needs of the vulnerable sectors affected by the 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Surigao on February 10, 2017.

All of these without fanfare and telethons by movie stars. Government has resources, she says, for indeed, government has resoures for as long as the money do not fall into greedy hands. "Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans."

There's Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael V. Mariano and Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol who work steadily on, without seeking out the media for every little achievement or plan that has been hatched and implemented. The smiles on the faces of the farmers are proof enough of another job done. And then there's President Rodrigo R. Duterte... "Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself."

Amid the noise and haste and the vexations to the spirit, we are sure of one thing, that we are Dabawenyos, that we are Filipinos, and we know where our loyalties lie... on the Filipino people who are working as one to build a better nation. This is not about political affiliations and loyalty, this is about nation-building.