Boracay closure ‘good for business’

Boracay Island’s loss has certainly become other island’s gain. Last Sunday May 20, I flew in to the province of Dumaguete and from there took a 55-minute fast ferry ride to the island province of Siquijor. The first thing I noticed right at the piers of both islands was the turquoise blue water. It was clear to me that the place was not polluted as we assume of all ports. The next thing that caught my eye was the number of foreigners, western as well as Asian visiting both destinations. I’ve long known Dumaguete as a popular spot for foreign retirees but I did not expect Siquijor to be a newly discovered or popular destination for tourists.

On our second day in Siquijor where we held another BMeg Fiestahan event, I found out that it’s not that easy to get hotel rooms in spite of the many small hotels, beach resorts and B&B or Bed and Breakfast places that ring the island. Ever since Boracay island was closed last month, travelers who could no longer change holiday leaves or flights have simply gone in search of alternative destinations. According to our BMeg network in the Visayas, the island of Cebu, Siargao and here in Siquijor have experienced a boom. Siquijor may sound remote and unknown but it is actually developed and reminds me a lot of Bohol and parts of Mindoro towards Caticlan. All this should get the attention of the new DOT management to promote the lesser known but functional destination.

* * * The Philippine government is the largest employer in the country. It is also the worst recruiter by virtue of political appointments that have no strict standards or guidelines.

“Qualification for the position” is the first requirement for recruitment. The second all important standard for hiring people is that they must have the right character. Third and equally important is that the candidates have a proven track record for serving or service. All that combines to making them competent professionals, whether in government or the private sector.

But what happens when an “employer” simply decides to stick candidates into any position the candidate wants as a reward and not based on a need or requirement? What if the applicant accepts a lower position in order to gun for a higher position that he can never have? Or if the “employer” wants to fill occupancies as quickly as possible so the ship can leave the port? Chances are it won’t be smooth sailing. You will probably have mini-mutinies all over the ship or those same candidates will surely end up slowing the ship down or running it aground. That is currently the condition of the Philippine Ship of State; a boat crewed by too many political appointees who are unqualified, some overly ambitious, and lots of selfish people, all currently being exposed and terminated as the ship sails.

At this stage in the six-year term of the Duterte administration we have seen more political appointees being fired, terminated or asked to resign from their post; especially this month – May 2018. On the positive side it is a good sign that President Duterte will not suffer fools or allow the incompetent or corrupt to linger in government. On the bad side of it; how many more will be fired given the number of instant officials or political appointees that came into power under the current administration?

Getting rid of the undesirable or the disappointing may be the fastest solution but it does not address the more serious problem we have long been faced with; how do we prevent or at least minimize the political appointment of persons who are not qualified or who should be kept out of the civil service? First of all there is that sick and distorted belief passed on to us by colonizers that “To the Victor belong the spoils.” This is part of the reason why our nation, like America, is getting divided first along economic lines, religion and in the last 40 years along political lines. I sincerely pray that our younger legislators, leaders and members of media would begin to be critical about this practice and mentality. We the people elect politicians to office not through war or politically based hatred. If we do not attack, criticize or treat such attitudes with contempt, politicians and their minions will treat public trust and public service as rewards and opportunity for payback.

Can we mechanically or legislatively put a stop to making government a “supermarket for jobs” for political supporters by passing laws or rules that will impose a tough set of standards or requirements for political appointees? Why should political fans or supporters be allowed to waltz into a Department or government post while career officials or civil servants are required to meet so many tests, clearances and certifications? Anyone who is to be appointed to a public office from Cabinet Secretary down to Bureau Chief must have more than paper and the trust and confidence of the President or the backing of a politician or religious leader. It is time that those who would govern or “rule” civil servants should have the paper work, certificates, experience and track record. Retirement from government or politics should not be the end all or be all for appointment. They must have a mastery of the “subject” or the experiential equivalent.

Another thing to consider is the protection or job security for current occupants of positions aspired for by would be political appointees. I personally know of so many people, past and present particularly at the Department of Tourism and the Development Academy of the Philippines, where long term officers are or were “replaced” much like leaves when strong wind blows. Sadly, in the case of the DAP, the replacement was ousted by the very employees of DAP. At the DOT such disruptions have been bad for business and internal relations. Perhaps it is high time that we pass laws that limit political appointments ONLY to cabinet Secretaries. Let’s focus more on upgrading, re-qualifying and improving the expertise rather than continually appointing incompetents.

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