(Fourth in the Series of “I Had a Dream.”)
Dr. Janet R. Valdez, FRIEDr
(OIC College President, Bulacan Polytechnic College SY 2023-2024)
Eric Blair, whose pseudonym was George Orwell, was a British political novelist and essayist prominent toward the middle of the 20th century. Animal Farm was one of his most popular anti-totalitarian novels specifically themed on oppression, suffering, and injustice.
There was discontent due to the radical changes; thus, mornings started disguised as coffee breaks upon arrival at the school. This started morning sessions of buzzing about what was heard and experienced which turned out to be venues of offensive and defensive stories. These stories were not secrets since they were always leaked out by one of theirs. The venue of morning sessions turned out to be the meeting place of getting approval or disapproval for instructions; thus, there existed a developing conspiracy. One who was gone, my harbinger, always reminded me two things: never sign everything placed on my desk and to take good care of myself because the same people were working on a destructive campaign signed anonymously.
Tactician Snowball and Power-hunger Napoleon routinely checked on what could be carried out immediately. There were a couple of Snowballs and Napoleons. One would come check me at the office and would explain what needed signed right away with just enough time for reading. Another would say ‘yes’ for instructions without a blink of an eye; but, without immediate action. Many meetings were held at the old office and many plans were made. Armored with prayers, beacons of hopes, and optimism, the mission went on.
The persuasive and always morally correct Squealer stood by my side and hesitantly followed instructions. Her discontent could not be hidden from her burning eyes, gestures of headaches, pulling of dyed long hair, and left and right head sways. I liked how she openly discussed matters with me because that’s how things should be to create a successful teamwork. However, discussions and stories shared with full trust had been traced from the mouth of the immediate supervisor, who instead of directly giving me instruction opted to continuously get information through Squealer. Considering how stories run through the vines, they may be shared, more or less truthfully, or with distortions biased from her own point of view and interest, and expectation for fairness… nil. Human species prioritize own defense and survival!
The vain Mollie had worked closely at my office with reservation for future greener pasture, submitted a letter of resignation, which was later turned into long months of hiatus from work, was envied for being able to come back to work without any trouble. She was talk of disappointments for fairness among the rest. True enough: “All animals are equal; but some are more equal than others.” I offered her to work with me; but, excused herself saying that her stay was temporary.
The self-proclaimed most valuable Boxer had not valued any friendship, stood courageous enough to state disgusts persistently on matters, and was self-righteous. The arched eyebrows and big bulging eyes should not be surmised as those of enemies because her misdirected perceptions had been brainwashed for years of manipulations. Unsurprisingly, she was the most venomous of all.
A few, equipped with networks and connections, as well as, qualifications would do what should be. With genuine concern for the institution, they performed their best; however, credits had been grabbed from them. They seemed non-existent!
There are a thousand and one characters, more in number than the loud and brave ones, of better values and morals; however, due to fear of being ganged up like ‘kuyog’, (swarm) a Visayan word that highlights the culture of alliance and the concept that ‘we can do things better when we are together’ (kapit-bisig).
There are a thousand and one characters, more in number than the loud and brave ones, of better values and morals, who are frightened because they do not possess permanence of work; thus, feared instability of livelihood as well.
There are a thousand and one characters, more in number than the loud and brave ones, of better values and morals, who learned not to talk and stayed deaf and mute to disagreements. They felt numb to the old ways and submissive to whatever was there. They hid their true thoughts and feelings like chameleons. That was their safe haven.
There are a thousand and one characters, more in number than the loud and brave ones, of better values and morals, who just worked eight to five and acculturated the ‘never mind’ attitude. “Anyway, the pay stayed the same. Why go the extra mile?”
When one goes to work at 8 am., starts work by going from office to office, has a coffee break right away, and goes off from work at exactly 5 pm., how does a public servant maximize his time at work? How much time is spent for public service?
The fear and frightened looks of public servants due to the absence of security of tenure and stories of being ganged up in the past made them powerless and submissive up to a fault. They became territorial and evasive. They easily turned on and off. Their actions became robotic. Sadly, smiles were plastered on their faces to avoid detection that they were fish out of water.
Public service is public trust!
It is a farm full of sycophants and sybarites; hence, the mission was fulfilled and accomplished a lot, but failed.
