Are you a good person?

That's right, Kidsters. Are you a good person? The word came to my mind after hearing all about the good things that the late Department of Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robrero has done in his life.

For the past two weeks,the goodness of this man has been talked and written about and it inspired many Filipinos who came to know more about this former mayor of Naga City and cabinet secretary. In fact, when his small plane crashed, he had just come from Cebu to represent President Aquino in an event. And after he passed away, many honored him because he was a good man and he had done many good deeds as a politician and as a public servant.

The dictionary says that the word "good", an adjective, means agreeable, pleasant, humble, true, kind, loyal and competent. In other words, Kidsters, being good to oneself, to your family, your neighbors, and to your community, classmates, as a whole.

Being a good person is doing what you are supposed to do in the best way you can without making a lot of noise. A good person is one who is not always concerned with being the center of attention, but to focus your attention to what the others need. Being good also means being simple and not have this feeling of self-importance.

The late Secretary was all these and more and many recognized this in him. This is why he was given many awards for his good deeds. And you know what? Because of the many good things he did for his family and community, they all turned out well.

He left this world leaving behind good children, a city that is now prosperous, clean and green, and his fellow Filipinos looking at him for inspiration and as a good example or role model.

I know that it is hard to be a good person today because of many temptations. But you just have to be disciplined and focused enough to avoid all the distractions around you.

That's right, Kidsters. Start with little things, little acts of kindness until it becomes a habit with you. Let us all be good persons so that we can have better surroundings, better lives, and yes, a better country.