Reflection - Day 9

Instructions:

1. Click on the "Add submission" button below and type your answer in the box provided.

2. Download the Reflection Paper format PDF below to guide you on your reflection.

3. After submission, please click on the right arrow link near the bottom-right corner of the
screen to go to the next activity or wait for the next lesson to open the next day

Study Guide:

Disiplina Muna Advocacy Campaign promotes discipline. One should help maintain roads
that have been cleared of obstructions, cooperate in preparedness measures during
calamities, follow anti-smoking rules, cooperate in transparent and prompt business
transactions, follow regulation on liquor, help maintain cleanliness of tourist spots, and
abide by the law, observe rules and regulations and report a crime. How do you actuate
these discipline? How would your actions help in the achievement of an accountable,
transparent, participative and effective local governance?

The “Disiplina Muna” is a government-wide national advocacy campaign initiated by the

Department for fostering the value of discipline among Filipino people. It aims to activate the
real concept of governance where the citizenry takes part of a bigger cause; is aware of
their roles and responsibilities; and is practicing active participation in nation-building as a
Filipino people from where sovereignty resides and from where all government emanates
from. The campaign anchored on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 which
aims to lay down the foundation for inclusive growth by ensuring people-centered
governance towards Ambisyon Natin 2040 which envisions a matatag, maginhawa at
panatag na buhay para sa lahat. Nevertheless, as a public servant, a member of the DILG
family, a Filipino citizen and also as an individual, I realized that one’s action is indeed
contributory in the attainment of an accountable, transparent, participative and effective
local governance.

I am actually one of those individuals who think that the main problem of the Philippines
stems from a lack of discipline of its people.  The more I see the news, the more I realize that
Filipinos have the habit of questioning everything the government imposes. Starting from proper
waste disposal, especially in queuing up, to following standard health protocols (i.e. social
distancing, stay-at home orders during community quarantine, etc) during this pandemic.
This lack of discipline majority of the Filipinos has in values results to a great deal of
challenges and even damages we experience as a country. Challenges such as violated
laws, poor policy and project implementation, conflicts between the people and the
government; and damages to our own natural resources, tourist spots and properties. This
is why practicing and gaining a deeper understanding of the culture of discipline is a good
start in order to understand the societal problems in the country.

In my opinion, discipline is the quality of being able to behave and act in such a way that
involves abiding by the rules and standards set by a specific institution. It is a specific approach
for getting people to follow through the use of control mechanisms. It plays an important role in
addressing societal problems which are man-made and actually amenable to also man-made
solutions. The effectiveness of the rules in addressing problems and achieving desired
outcomes do ultimately depend on us individuals. Discipline or self-mastery enables us
individuals to follow a rule and keep with standards which can eventually promote public good.
In other words, discipline makes our lives better. Just like when we stay disciplined and
motivate ourselves to exercise everyday eventually makes our body feel and look better.
Just like when we observe and apply the principles of 5S and stay organized makes our
workplace and house look and smell better.

Hence, as an LGOO, it is essential that I instill within me the value of discipline in everything
that I do. By simply abiding by the rules of the local government is a way to achieving an
accountable, transparent, participative and effective local governance. In support to road
clearing, I always make sure that I park my vehicle responsibly and park only in designated
areas without obstructing main roads. In support to Oplan Listo, I make sure that I have
prepared my own version of “E-Balde” containing emergency goods in case evacuation is
directed by our barangay officials. With regards to anti-smoking rules and following
regulation on liquor, this is not a challenge for me since I never smoke and I’m a retired
drinker since it’s already been more than two(2) years since I drank an alcohol. For me,
stopping alcohol intake is a life-changer. What I can do is to encourage my friends to only
smoke only at smoking designated areas and drink responsibly and follow curfews.
Moreover, I also prefer walking to places is a more favorable option than driving vehicle.
This way, I lessen the smoke intake of our Mother Earth. As an advocate against graft and
corruption, I make it a point to report fixers to the Civil Service Commission(CSC) or Office
of the Ombudsman. When it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of our tourist spots, I
was able to take part in community volunteering in Boracay and Manila Bay. As an
advocate of the 5S principle, I will continue to observe proper waste disposal at all times
and continue to participate on volunteer works partaking in environmental activities as I am
a nature-lover. Lastly, I will continue to observe rules and regulations and report a crime or
any anomalies once I perceive one.

Hence, with discipline, anything is possible. Discipline is our best defense even during this time
of pandemic. In order to attain an accountable, transparent, participative and effective local
governance, we must foster the culture of discipline within ourselves even when no one is
looking. We, as part of the community, must enjoin and start the change within ourselves.