Honor and sacrifice

Greetings of peace! (clearly we all need this at this time).

I write to share my thoughts and open my heart. There is nothing inside me apart from the heart of a public servant, other than the random thoughts of an ordinary citizen trying to make a modest contribution to the lives of our people.

The marching orders of the President were, and still are crystal clear. That for our nation to prosper, corruption must be removed. Institutions such as MWSS must reform. Not only on the soundness of financial prudence but also on the fundamental truth that the resources of government must serve its greatest purpose and higher reason; that the very soul of our government life is to level up the lives of millions of people that continue to be poor.

I can see that there are people who have been critical of the way this government has pushed reform. Bureaucracy has a way of numbing one’s spirit. It can even paralyze the will. But true change can only happen when you draw from all that you have and tirelessly draw from that which you didn’t even know you had to swim against the ocean’s tide. Ang hirap. Nakaka-pagod. Nakaka-upos.

MWSS has made modest gains as a GOCC. (From 3 years of negative income in 2008 to 2010, MWSS has posted a steady turn-around of positive income from 2011 to 2013.) But I am equally excited about the projects that may reach implementation stage; an ADB funded project to augment water tunnels built in 1939, treated water for Bulacan that has been MWSS’ mandate since 1993, and a new water source that has been studied and re-studied since the 1980s. But prayer is an armor that I use because I’ve seen so many twists and turns in 3 years and 7 months in government. That no matter how prized, how valuable a project is to the lives of people, the smallest unit of government, a barangay, an NGO, private proponents, funding institutions, politicians, media, anyone that has a voice can put a halt to what is necessary and good. That process has overtaken purpose. That material gain has exceeded humanity.

What is the reason for this letter? I am not sure. But I feel for my President. I am guided by the simplicity of his cadence. Honesty. Eye on the ball. And his genuine desire to help our nation’s impoverished sector.

In my years of public life, I have seen, (not “A Few Good Men”) many men and women in government that follow his stride. I am witness to their passion for change and deepest care for this nation. I am blessed to peep through their hearts. Honor and sacrifice are the badges they carry.

I believe the President because he risks all for the nation’s good. And gains nothing. He knows too well that his life on this earth will end. And that these six years are his offering to Him. Squarely he stands on that. No matter what…

Thank you and peace be with you.

— GERRY A. I. ESQUIVEL, MWSS Administrator