Compassion, the DSWD way
Successful people
have overcome challenges because they refused to give up despite the odds. Their
success stories included the support of family and friends and most of all, God's
grace.
There are also challenges
that are faced on a wider scale, such as how a town and its residents can successfully
recover after a typhoon, how people can get out of poverty, and how to empower
more people in order to put an end to hopelessness.
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DSWD Undersecretary
Dr. Angelita Medel
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This is not the
work for one person but a bigger network such as the Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD) which is composed of people who miss family members’ birthdays, graduations, and other special
occasions in order to respond to the community's needs. They are called the
DSWD responders.
Last February 2016,
the DSWD Field Office VI celebrated its 65th anniversary by recognizing the
responders and the local government units, agencies and individuals who
supported their cause. DSWD Undersecretary Dr. Angelita Gregorio Medel was
their keynote speaker.
Usec Medel’s words are
an apt reminder that we can be responders wherever we are. Here are some
salient points from her keynote speech:
1. Compassion is
not about sympathy and empathy. Compassion means to suffer with. It is the
capacity to see clearly in the nature of the suffering and recognize that we
are not separate from it and thus need to act and respond to the situation.
It is like saying,
“Can I make a sandwich for you?” “Can I help you with the work you left at the
office?” to people who need our help.
2. Success depends
on human service. In DSWD, the capital is not financial but the quality of
people who serve. Success is based on three competencies and they are commitment
to public service, delivery of results and personal effectivity. Two ways to
achieve success is to educate the heart and sharpen the mind.
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Some of the awardees
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3. Educate the
heart to be compassionate. Our sacrifices can make us feel entitled and think
that we could use our resources freely as we want. When we offer help, we feel
like God. Don’t ever think that. Do not think that helping them would feed your
ego. Rather, humbly serve our people.
4. Sharpen the mind
by harnessing the power of imagination. In applying imagination, consider the
reality of where you are. Look at your surroundings and your condition.
Creativity requires strategy and an understanding of reality. Innovation
requires experimentation and being ready to spring back amid failures.
Just like the DSWD
logo of a heart cupped by two hands, indeed we are connected and our hearts (survival)
are on each other’s hands./Kathy Villalon
VIDEOS
Check out this
video shared by DSWD Usec Medel to explain compassion. The unforgettable story
of Great Britain's 400m runner Derek Redmond, whose hamstring snapped during the
Barcelona 1992 Olympics but was determined to finish the race.
Also watch this
video of Yeng Constantino and Quest. Kaya Ko Ang Pagbabago (Official Music
Video) created for DSWD and its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
