Executive Secretary Ralph Recto called on the 857 new graduates of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) to build a government that is fair, efficient and honest.
Recto urged DAP graduates to uphold a people-centered public service — purposeful, not popular.
“But let me remind you: Unpopular is not the same as unjust. At ang tama, hindi nangangailangan ng (And doing the right thing does not require a) clapping track,” Recto said in his speech during the Second One DAP graduation ceremony at Philippine International Convention Center on Friday.
“In other words, DAP trains public servants who can answer today’s demands with governance that is efficient, with governance that can better the lives of our people,” he said.
Recto emphasized the importance of doing what is right even if not likable or worthy of applause to many, as well as standing by fairness and truth despite political noise and preferential treatment.
He said a true public servant chases outcomes instead of applause.
“A career in public service is not measured by likes. It is measured by Filipino lives improved, by systems fixed, by trust rebuilt, by dignity protected. And when history looks back, may it say this about you: That you chose to lead when it was easier to follow. That you chose what was right when what was popular was easier. That you chose the people – not the praise,” Recto said, as quoted in a news release of the Office of the Executive Secretary on Saturday.
Recto said that as “stewards of the public good,” it is never wrong to side with the people.
He also reminded them that governance is a battlefield where enemies “come dressed as red tape, incompetence, corruption and indifference.”
Amid clamor for a faster, smarter, more responsive government, Recto said the country needs a generation of leaders with new perspectives, supported by advanced technologies to implement development programs.
Recto acknowledged that nation-building “cannot be done in 30 seconds.”
“And to be clear: Siding with the people does not mean pandering. It does not mean promising what you cannot fund nor giving them illusions. It means giving them what they have always asked for: A government that works for them, that is fair. A government that is honest enough to say no when needed and brave enough to say yes when it matters,” he said.
“So, serve well, lead wisely and always, always side with the Filipino people,” Recto added.
Established in 1973 as the country’s premier government learning and development institution, the DAP advances national development through training, research and consultancy, with a focus on good governance, productivity and public sector excellence.
The DAP has so far conducted 358 education programs and 1,078 training programs nationwide. (PNA)