Published at Sunstar Davao Weekend August 8, 2009
NO, THIS is not another Cory article. But somehow her death reminds me of a story about my friend's experience at a government office.
He is one of those young and promising entrepreneurs who has a brilliant idea about an export business. So after few weeks of researching and asking around, he finally decided to visit the concerned agency to ask for details on how to start an export business.
Being new in that industry, he wanted to know all the ins and outs, especially because he has heard a lot of "under-the-table" stories of some entrepreneurs who are already industry players for some time. For sure he wanted to start it right, and do it right all the way. He believes in business integrity and that everything we give to the world will always come back to us. He was looking forward to meet all requirements so that he can start a legal business where he could earn and the government will have its exact share of taxes.
It was a shock for him when a government employee finally sat down to address his concerns.
Asked what kind of business he plans to engage in, he said, "Hindi ko po pwede sabihin sa inyo kung ano exactly kasi trade secret po yun until we know our requirements and start our business na."
The employee answered, "Kailangan po namin malaman kasi for example sabihin nyo na second-hand cars ang i-export nyo, bawal talaga yan. Pero pwedeng magawan ng paraan iyan."
I could just imagine my friend's blood pressure shooting at that moment. But he was holding his temper and even smiled, while thinking, "Kung bawal, eh bakit ang daming nagkalat sa buong Pilipinas?"
Still my friend was determined to know all requirements to put up his business and just listened to the guy.
"Eto practical advise po ha. Kasi masyadong matagal humingi ng accreditation. Around five months to six months pa yan. So why wait that long kung pwede ka naman na mag-start ng business? Gamitin mo lang ang pangalan ng mga current companies na accredited na sa amin. Magbayad ka lang sa kanila ng around P5,000 siguro for the use of their name. Para makapasok ang products mo," the employee said.
My friend was so flabbergasted; he couldn't believe he was in a government office and talking to a government employee who seems intent on teaching aspiring entrepreneurs how to cheat their way.
The government employee wasn't done with him yet, and said, "Kung ang products mo ay ganito, pwede mo na rin ilagay dun kahit ano para mapuno ang container van mo."
"Eh bakit ko po lalagyan ng iba, eh kung ano lang po ang dineclare ko yun lang po ang ilalagay ko. Mamaya mahuli pa ako ng (name of the agency)," my friend retorted.
To which the guy replied, "Eh taga (name of the agency) naman ang kausap mo eh."
To make that story short, my friend left with a heavy heart, not knowing what to do. He thought he could find real partners in government who would help him do business the right way. He was disappointed.
I am not stereotyping all government employees. But I am sharing a true to life experience that could be a wake-up call to everyone. It could be true that there are people who take advantage of their power and position to serve their own agenda, but there are still those who know their job and do it well. And I am so blessed to have known plenty of unsung heroes from the government who are worthy of emulation.
I still believe that there is hope and there is a great future for our country. For as long as we do our part, no matter how small it may be. We can only do so much within our circle of influence. Why worry of bigger political or socio-economic problems, when we cannot even solve our bills, tuition fees of our children, food allowance for the whole week or haven't even settled grudges with our family or friend(s)?
I'm not saying that we become insensitive to what is happening around us. What I'm trying to convey is that each one of us has own unique responsibilities that if only we give our best in every task entrusted to us, we are already doing our country a big favor. After all, the real change starts from within us... a place where only righteousness, peace and joy should reside.:) Happy Sunday
