A must-read book on ethics
The 50th anniversary of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) this year has been highlighted by an inspiring milestone: They launched the book “Ethics: Black White (or Gray)? in a program held at the Bangko Sentral Executive Lounge on 8 October 2018. This book is a collection of experiences, thoughts and insights from 52 authors as a timely reminder to all of us, as expressed by Ms. Zondy Garcia, Chairman of the FINEX Ethics Committee, of “the principles of being ethical.”
I will not lift excerpts from the articles, because such will be very lengthy, nor will I name the contributors because they are so numerous (except to say, with your pardon, that I am one of them). The more important reason is that it is best to feel first-hand the spirit, enthusiasm and idealism of the authors as they describe the meaning and value of ethics to them, with no gray area between right or wrong, and between black or white. Thus, it is best to order your own copy from FINEX and partake of that personal experience.
From an overview, I find significance from the following factors:
Participation in the project was broad-based in terms of the wide spectrum of the institutions represented by the writers. Aside from FINEX and its membership of course, these would include government institutions, industry associations, professional organizations, universities, foundations and other strategic partners. Individual participation, consisting of the 52 writers, plus all those who assisted in the publication, was as immense as the fields of profession and endeavors they represent, covering as much subjects as you can think of relating to ethics. It is easy to relate to their anecdotes covering the various stages of life and career, from childhood and school days to family, community and work experiences. Each article imparts a lesson to ponder and remember on ethics.
With the varied background and scenarios depicted in the articles, it is notable that all these consolidated and tapered towards a unanimity: The importance and value of ethics in our life, within our family, within the community and within society. In other words, ethics is a part of total relationships. The commitment emanating from everybody involved in and supporting this project certainly enkindles a hope, an inspiration and an impetus to always move forward towards a better future, notwithstanding trying times and difficult challenges along the way.
Kudos to Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao, the icon on good governance, who wrote the preface, and to the prime movers of this book, namely, Ms. Zondy Gracia, Ms. Flor Gozon Tarriela, FINEX Chair for the Ethics Book, and Ms. Sherisa P. Nuesa, FINEX VP for Ethics. Congratulations to all for this excellent work!
***** The above comments are the personal views of the writer. His email address is jzuniga@bsp.gov.ph