Kaya Natin!

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/may/01/yehey/opinion/20090501opi4.html

At what point do we let pragmatism overtake idealism? When do we say it is better to become practical than to continue to fight for what is right and for our dreams for the country?

Most, if not all politicians at one point in their political careers faced these realities. Venturing into politics is not entering into an easy life—at least for those who take their oath of office and their promise to do good by their constituents seriously. It means sacrificing your privacy, time for yourself, your family and loved ones, being on the beck and call of the people, kissing your fantasies of sitting on money and enriching yourself goodbye. Of course there is also the campaign and election season that take you out of your comfort zone. The gargantuan task of convincing your voters that you are the right choice, making sure you are not cheated, for those running for re-election—spending to no end what limited resources you have (since you are not corrupt and did not enrich yourself unjustly to begin with!).

I would suppose that it is in moments like this—when you have dreams and plans for the country yet are faced with the possibility of losing the elections and losing a life of comfort one is accustomed to in order to serve the people—that these thoughts start to haunt.

“I should have perhaps taken that little thank you token of my contractor . . .”

“Siguro, konting jueteng lang di naman masama . . .”

“Maybe Adviser A was correct—I should have run with the seemingly more winnable candidate than with the right group that actually stands for principles I myself believe in . . .”

“Perhaps accepting the funding from Mr. Anti-CARP Crony or Ms. Illegal Logging Gambling Lord would make this bid for a higher office easier anyway, wala naman daw promises . . ..”

Maybe that’s when pragmatism and idealism begin to loudly collide.

The launch of the new Kaya Natin! Champions on Friday, reminded me that while there may be an overwhelming sense of mediocrity in government and less than ideal public servants prevail, there are still those who, despite the odds and the difficult situations they are in, continue to try to remain true to their being servants of the people. They ceaselessly strive to fight for the highest ideals.

Mayors Florante Gerdan of Sante Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, and Fermin Mabulo of San Fernando, Camarines Sur, both won by very minimal margins: 120 and 31 votes respectively. The uphill battle with very little resources did not stop them from throwing their lot into the electoral race.

Had Mayor Gerdan given in to practicality, the people of Santa Fe would not have been able to reap the benefits of a participatory government that has seen the involvement of students, elders and NGOs in the development of his town.

Had Mayor Magdalo, as Mayor Fermin Mabulo is fondly called, not kept his idealism, he would not have returned from South Wales to serve the people of San Fernando as one of the most promising mayors in the region.

Gov. Grace Padaca and Gov. Among Ed Panlilio also had similar tales of fighting the odds. Had Governor Grace been more pragmatic in her election bid in Isablela, no way would she have imagined beating a well-entrenched political dynasty. In the end, the province would not have been able to enjoy the benefits of her strong drive against illegal logging.

If Gov. Among Ed had chosen to remain on the sidelines in the last elections, Pampangueños would not now enjoy the reforms especially in the delivery of government services in the province.

The story of Gov. Teddy Baguilat Jr., of Ifugao also tells of the battle between pragmatism and idealism. While most other Ifugaos seek to try their luck outside, he decided to take up the burdens of preserving their heritage and culture and fighting for the restoration of one of the country’s most prized creations: the Ifugao Rices Terraces. If he were more practical, he would have stayed in Manila, gone fully into his career as a journalist and probably today bask in wealth and fame. But he chose to fight the good fight and return to his roots to serve the Cordillerans.

Indeed the battle to remain true to ones ideals is not easy. But as Mayor Mabulo said—“Power without idealism is corruption. Idealism without po-wer is frustration. Power with idealism is reform.”

Let’s continue searching for—and helping—true reformists in government. That will be a sure way to remake our country into one that is run on idealism, justice, compassion and service.

[Eirene Jhone E. Aguila graduated in Management Engineering from Ateneo de Manila University and later took up law and graduated also in the Ateneo. Comments are welcome at eirenejhoneaguila@gmail.com. Help in the work of one or all of the Kaya Natin! Champions. To learn more about KAYA NATIN! check out www.kayanatin.com.]