Integrity and anonymity

Title

Creator

Sinco, Vicente G.

Language

English

Year

1966

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

INTEGRITY AND ANONYMITY In his address to the gra duates of the Baguio Mili tary Academy President Mar cos brought up two points which are not given enough value and significance in the social life of our people to day. One is integrity and the other is anonymity. Integrity is often given a lower priority in the selec tion of persons for critical positions in the government and in private enterprises. Ability, forwardness, social qualities are considered suf ficient factors for the choice of men and women for places of power and responsibility. These are indeed desirable qualifications; but by them selves we have known from experience that in the long run they cannot provide strength against the in fluences of corruption and official malfeasance. What the nation needs today more than mere smart and clever men, more than fine orators and highly sophisticated arm twisters, are men and women of integrity. Unless we have them in positions of in fluence and responsibility, the Philippines will remain a jungle of crime, confusion, and mendacity. When President Marcos mentioned anonymity as an attribute of superior value to a public servant he struck a chord that had never been heard by our people nor given the slightest signifi cance by our leaders not only in politics and business but also in education and civic life. In urging gra duates to perform their du ties well without any thought of being awarded medals, decorations, and honorary citizens, President Marcos gave a heavy blow to the common practice of many who for any movement they do they would have their pictures taken and published in the newspapers. It is this kind of men who cannot stand the atmosphere of ano nymity ancl so they sally forth to secure honorary de 2 Panorama grees and go to the extent of telling lies and delivering ghost-written speeches in order to appear great among people who consider news paper publicity as Biblical truth. Self-advertising is a common practice among ma ny of our so-called leaders. Public relations blow up the image of petty personalities; and because they rise high up with nothing really solid within them, they accomplish nothing of great value, they serve only as soap bubbles for child-like minds to ad mire. In holding up anonymity as a great virtue President Marcos should suit his action to his word. — V. G. S. TO HELL WITH YALE There is tne story of a Harvard man who spent some days in Egypt, and enjoyed during that time the services of a French-speaking native guide and courier. As they parted, the guide requested, “Sire, teach me words of English, with which I may attract your countrymen.” The Harvard man did so. Some time later, he returned to Egypt, looked up his guide, and said, “How did you make out with the English I taught you?” "Sire,” said the guide, "some there were who smiled and came with me, others there were who were angered and turned away.” March 1966 3

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