Unwitting ambassadors

ATree’s anatomy can be quite interesting. More particularly, its branches and trunks hold more weight and meaning than we may have initially thought or imagined. I recently learned that while these two major parts of a tree may appear to be “just made of wood,” the material, as well as the bark surrounding it, “consists of many types of cells adapted for strength, resistance to injury and decay, transport of liquids, and storage of starch and other materials.” however, when a branch (or twig) gets cut down, it is either thrown in a fiery furnace or is re-planted to allow for new growth. But, the cutting process from its “mother” source is always a complex matter. so much akin to a person being suddenly pared away from something he holds with extreme value, like a job or a business.

This ongoing pandemic and the consequential quarantine restrictions have resulted to a lot of “pruning” of the labor force. Our laws have allowed management to retrench (cut down on) employees, in good faith, whenever financial losses incurred are substantial, actual or reasonably imminent and that retrenchment is reasonably necessary to prevent further or expected losses. What can be lost in the application of retrenchment is the use of fair and reasonable criteria in ascertaining who would be retrenched or retained.

Recently, 1,300 employees of Philippine Airlines (PAL) availed themselves of voluntary retirement/ separation, while another 1,000 employees were retrenched to ensure the flag carrier’s continued survival. From a manpower of about 7,000, the flag carrier now only has about 5,000 employees in its work force. A large group of those retrenched understandably came from the flight and cabin crew inasmuch as daily flights were reduced from a high of 300 to around 90 flights on average. PAL President Gilbert Santa Maria reportedly prepared the employees for this eventuality as early as last

year via communication modes, which included interactive town hall meetings.

While the PAL separation package seems generous and compliant with legal and contractual obligations, these retrenched employees are now part of the growing number of unemployed Filipinos. At first glance, separation from a company, whether forced or voluntary, appears to be a sad chapter in anyone’s professional career. However, in due time, some of my former colleagues in Asia’s first airline will be back in the saddle. Whether it will be in the same industry or elsewhere, they will always carry with them whatever learnings and experiences they may have received from PAL. Its cabin crew in particular, PAL employees carry this unique brand of #Buongpusongalaga where they proudly exhibit the Filipino values of care, compassion, hospitality, among others, in everything they do. I am confident that these 2,300 unwitting ambassadors of the PAL brand will be well received by any company they wish to join.

But while who we are is readily seen in our Curriculum Vitae (CV), what we stand for is not. Our character will ultimately be revealed through our words and actions. Job interviews can only assess so much. Not all PAL employees can live up to that brand of care and compassion, in the same way that not all believers of Jesus Christ will remain true to His word. Like twigs and stems separated from our mother tree, some of us may unsuspectingly renege from our commitment to service, and yet others may carry on and continue with the values already entrenched in our character, raising the diplomatic flag of our Father in heaven. In the Bible, 2 Corinthians 5:20 tells us, “We are ambassadors of the Anointed One who carry the message of Christ to the world, as though God were tenderly pleading with them directly through our lips. So we tenderly plead with you on Christ’s behalf, ‘Turn back to God and be reconciled to him.’”

I have seen a few believers who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ but live a life of lies and deceit. Some are in government, unfortunately. They hear mass and keep Bibles in their offices, yet they display ungodly behavior, openly and publicly. Reflecting on my 16 years of public service, I sometimes failed to live up to the godly values of kindness and gentleness. I could get viciously furious and angry with colleagues and not allow misdeeds go unpunished. Such conduct is far from being Christ-like, like a hypocrite, I became.

Decidedly, in the midst of loss and adversity, especially when generated by a separation from our usual route, we should endeavor not to lose our IDENTITY. Who we are in Jesus Christ is something that ought to be permanent and will help us to persevere in whatever level of life we shall find ourselves in. Our foothold is found in the 2 Corinthians: 21, where we claim that “we are the righteousness of God in Christ.” Steady and still with this identity, we can always boldly get planted and be fruitful in our next undertaking, rallying like ambassadors of our families, our schools, our employers, and of our faith, mindful that what we say and do will always be reflective of who we are and what we stand for. We will surely have our momentary lapses where we will fail. But, as my pastor Niels always tell me, our God appreciates our progression and not perfection.

Interestingly indeed, like a branch cut off from a tree, the separation process goes beyond the literal. Those retrenched PAL employees may eventually find themselves trekking a new road, but they will carry with them the merit and message of goodwill, which only PAL could have given them. As believers, we may be led astray at one point or another, or be disconnected from our customary zone, but running confidently with our identity, we shall continue to walk like ambassadors of our “mother” tree, our Heavenly Father. For isn’t it reflected in the Bible, particularly in John 15: 5-6 that: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”

Prescinding from the anatomy of a tree, we are like a branch consisting of “many types of cells adapted for strength, resistance to injury and decay, transport of liquids, and storage of starch and other materials.” Filled indeed with so much worth and value, each one of us, wittingly or unwittingly, can be a credible ambassador of our Creator.

A former infantry and intelligence officer in the Army, Siegfred Mison showcased his servant leadership philosophy in organizations such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Airlines. He is a graduate of West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California. A corporate lawyer by profession, he is an inspirational teacher and a Spirit-filled writer with a mission.

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