Collaborative leadership

Last week, I was informed by my friend that in a dinner in Tondo, President Duterte mentioned Go Negosyo as one of the organizations that can help bring employment and develop enterprises. Along with SME loans provided by financial institutions, Go Negosyo can provide mentorship and guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs. This is the beginning of the change. “But the change, if it is to be permanent and significant, must start with us and in us.”

This is a direct quote from President Rodrigo Duterte during his inauguration speech last week. Though I was abroad, I am tuned in on the reports and updates on the inauguration. I was even able to catch his speech after taking his oath.

His inaugural address was clear and straight to the point. Unlike his usual speeches during the campaign season filled with unnecessary side comments and foul words, his inaugural speech was meaningful and insightful. He focused on the important matters such as those issues he wishes to resolve and the changes he will implement.

First, he acknowledged the Filipino people who have given him their full trust and faith to lead the country. He said, “No leader, however strong, can succeed at anything of national importance or significance unless he has the support and cooperation of the people he is tasked to lead and sworn to serve.” As we all know, more than 16 million people voted for Duterte, a large percentage of whom came from the youth sector and OFWs working abroad.

Then, he identified the “problems that bedevil our country today,” such as corruption in the government, criminality, illegal drugs, and the breakdown of law and order. All these have been the focus of his campaign since day one and we know that these are rampant in the society today. He plans to remove these social diseases that has brought the country to its lowest ebb.

With corruption cases filed against many government officials, people have lost their trust on government, thus resulting in loss of confidence in the system. I cannot blame the Filipino people. How can they trust the people in the government when these people whom they voted for are stealing their money or doing illegal acts?

But as President Duterte said, “Indeed ours is a problem that dampens the human spirit. But all is not lost.” We still have hope.

He assured the public he would adhere to due process and the rule of law. “As a lawyer and a former prosecutor, I know the limits of power and authority of the president.” There have been doubts on how he will implement his plans but rest assured that as a president, he will not bend laws to favor himself.

“Malasakit, tunay na pag-babago,” these are the slogans that were used during his campaign and will now be the main focus of his government: to deliver “real change.”

We have been wanting, craving, for change, but no one can deliver. This time, we can all hope that President Duterte will. But as I have said in my column last week, the change must also start with us. As members of the community, we should also try to change ourselves.

His last statement revealed his urgency to serve the country. “I am here because I love my country and I love the people of the Philippines. I am here, why? Because I am ready to start my work for the nation.”

Somehow, we are assured of his plans. We can trust the government again to push for change. To bring real change will take time, but with the kind of leadership President Duterte promises to carry out, we can hope that after six years, we are a better Philippines.

On the same day, but in a different time and venue, Leni Robredo also swore her oath as vice president of the Philippines. Both of them have the same vision for the country, to bring inclusive growth to the country. I believe President Duterte and Vice President Robredo can collaborate to give hope to the underprivileged members of the community. Leni has always vowed to serve those who are on the fringes of society.

She plans to resolve hunger and poverty, provide healthcare and education, and inspire people empowerment. She also called for those who want to help and contribute to her plans to visit her in her office and together, they will work for a better life for our fellowmen.

Despite having no position in the Duterte cabinet yet, Leni has promised to work and after a continue what she has started.

I believe that despite coming from different political parties and after a heated election, both Duterte and Robredo can lead the country by addressing the concerns of the Filipino people. With our cooperation, we can achieve the progress we have long craved for. Let’s rally behind them and support collaborative leadership.

As what Jesse Robredo said, which Leni also mentioned in her speech, “What brings us together as a nation is far more powerful than what pulls us apart.”