by Nicasio Angelo Agustin
As I was reading a national paper, I felt so elated and a bit agitated to note the kind of progress that we have so far achieved when I came across a series of government-paid advertisement “Ganito Tayo Noon, Ganito Tayo Ngayon”. The material compares the social, economic and physical conditions some 10 to 20 years ago and that of the last 10 years based on acceptable indicators and backed up by hard facts and official records.
No one can possibly argue with the presentation; the figures and hard data can very well speak for themselves. Some may, however, express their concern that these data do not represent the circumstances of some individuals and communities around the country, and that is true and valid. And while some do not necessarily agree with the rosy picture being painted, we can not deny that indeed we have attained a certain level of national progress and growth.
Ordinary government officials and employees should feel proud – even if they have not realized yet that their mission as part of the government is to be able to contribute in bringing about growth and development – that what they have been working so hard for despite their very meager salaries and having to withstand criticisms from those outside the government, did not go for naught. They should likewise be commended for whatever achievement the nation has managed to attain in the last 10 years.
The paid advertisement is obviously intended to inform the public and create a positive image of the out-going administration and the government in general. It might be high time for the administration to proclaim what it has achieved. The President and other government officials have been the subjects of so much criticism, denigration and, to some extent, condemnation. Some years back, her Cabinet deserted the President due to some controversies. Since then, the approval rating of the President suffered great blows for a thread of scandals – valid, true, proven or otherwise. The dignity of the current administration – and all people in it – has to be restored as they prepare to leave Malacanang in June 2010. The trust of the people, the business sector, international community, and the general public in the government and what the government can do must be brought back; hence, the advertisement.
The government certainly invested a lot of funds for this campaign. It has to do this as part of its advocacy and outreach programs. Filipino people have the right to know what is happening to the country and where their taxes are going. This effort of the government to inform and promote awareness would go a long way and could generate immeasurable benefits. It could certainly benefit all of us Filipinos – even if we are cynical, skeptic, passive, pathetic and indifferent spectators! Positive benefits would come in more ways than one. That’s how public information campaign works.
All these said, the gains and benefits would surely outweigh the investment put into it but the magnitude of such would entirely depend on one’s perspective and his/her ability to appreciate and relate to the positive outcome of the promotional campaign.
Unlike the macro indicators which are seen as not representative of the plight of the marginalized segment of society, it is hoped that all of us would receive and enjoy an equal share of the benefits from this advertisement. But then again, that’s not how things work. We could simply ask ourselves “who would then benefit the most?”
Feel free to send your comments to nic_agustin@yahoo.com.
