Chapter 2 Good Citizen

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National Service Training Program

Lucban, Quezon

CHAPTER 2
GOOD CITIZENSHIP
I. Overview

The implementation of the National Service Training Program in all HEI’s in the country
provide opportunity among the youth to develop consciousness not only in national terms but also
in terms of global civil rights and responsibilities. The designed program components of NSTP
are structured in a way that the student-trainee’s notion of the relationship between the state and
the people has changed and the service opportunities have been a core means for learning how
citizenship is applied.

The NSTP thru its program components sees the youth as an excellent partners of the state
in promoting civic consciousness, and to develop their physical, moral, spiritual intellectual and
social well- being through civic service. Precisely in so doing, it inculcates patriotism and
nationalism in the youth, and advance their involvement in civic and public affairs with an
understanding of citizen rights, duties and roles in a civil society and provides theoretical and
practical learning experiences for civic- mindedness, service and community participation.

II. Learning Objectives:


At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:

1. Understand the principles underpinning good citizenship, rights and responsibilities of


citizens, service and volunteerism for national development;
2. Describe and analyze issues that relate to the good citizenship values, rights and
responsibilities of student-citizens in the country;
3. Make reasonable decisions, address issues, explain concepts and or solve problems using
relevant examples pertaining to exercise of rights, fulfillment of obligations, and promotion
of values towards responsible citizenship; and
4. Appreciate the significance of good citizenship towards the attainment of national
development.

III. Discussion/Lesson Proper

This module focuses on the rights and responsibilities of citizens. More specifically, it offers the
following themes:
1. The bill of Rights of Filipinos
2. Basic Values of Filipinos
3. Nationalism and Patriotism for National Development
4. Community Service and Volunteerism

Input No. 1: The bill of Rights of Filipinos

Article III of the Philippine Constitution is the Bill of Rights. It establishes the relationship of the
individual to the State and defines the right of the individual by limiting the lawful powers of the
State. It is one of the most important political achievements of the Filipinos (Smith, 1945).

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Importance of Bill of Rights

A bill of rights is a constitutional enumeration of rights and privileges guaranteed by the State to
all persons within its territory. It is the statement of individual liberties which citizens, residents
and sojourners in the country enjoy abuses in against the exercise of government power. In short
the people’s shield against government abuse.

The Bill of Rights provided for in Article III, 1987 Philippine Constitution:

Section 1. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor
shall any person be denied the equal protection of law.

Section 2. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses papers, and effect against
unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose shall be inviolable, and
no search warrant od arrest shall issue except upon probable cause to be determined personally by
the judge after examination under oath or affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may
produce, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

Section 3. (1) The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except upon
lawful order of the court, or when public safety or order requires otherwise, as prescribed by law.
(2) Any evidence obtained in violation of this or the preceding section shall be inadmissible
for any purpose in any proceedings.

Section 4. No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, of the press, or
the right of the people to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.

Section 5. No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without
discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the
exercise of civil or political rights.

Section 6. The liberty of abode and of changing the same within the limits prescribed by law shall
not be impaired except upon lawful order of the court. Neither shall the right to travel impaired
except in the interest on national security, public safety, or public health, as may be provided by
law.
Section 7. The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized.
Access to official records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or
decisions as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development, shall be
afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.

Section 8. The right of the people, including those employed in the public and private sectors, to
form unions, associations or societies for purposes not contrary to law shall not be abridged.

Section 9. Private property shall not be taken for public without just compensation.

Section 10. No law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.

Section 11. Free access to courts and quasi-judicial bodies and adequate legal assistance shall not
be denied to any person by reason of poverty.

Section 12. (1) Any person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall have the
right to be informed of his right to remain silent and to have competent and independent counsel
preferably of his own choice. If the person cannot afford the services of counsel, he must be
provided with one. These rights cannot be waived except in writing and in the presence of counsel.

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(2) No torture, force, violence, threat, intimidation, or any other means which vitiate the
free will shall be used against him. Secret detention places, solitary, incommunicado, or other
similar forms of detention are prohibited.
(3) Any confession or admission obtained in violation of this or Section 17 hereof shall be
inadmissible in evidence against him.
(4) The law shall provide for penal and civil sanctions for violation of this section as well
as compensation to the rehabilitation of victims of torture or similar practices, and their families.

For the remaining sections 13-22 as continuation of the lesson, please refers to the 1987
Philippine Constitution.

Input No. 2 The Desirable Filipino Values

Lesson Proper:

The National Motto


 PagkaMAKADIYOS
- Faith and belief in Almighty God, active spiritually
- Respect for life
- Order
- Work
- Concern for family and future generations
 PagkaMAKATAO
- Love
- Freedom
- Peace
- Truth
- Justice
 PagkaMAKABAYAN
- Unity
- Equality
- Respect for Law and government
- Patriotism
- Promotion of the common good
 PagkaMAKAKALIKASAN
- Concern for the environment

Volunteerism

Refers to an act involving a wide range of activities, including traditional forms of mutual
aid and developmental interventions, that provide an enabling and empowering environment both
on the part of the beneficiary receiving and the volunteer rendering the act, undertaken for reasons
arising from socio-developmental, business or corporate orientation, commitment or conviction
for the attainment of the public good and where monetary and other incentives or reward are not
the primary motivating factors.

“Volunteering is the practice of people working on behalf of others, without being motivated by
financial or material gain. Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity, intended to
promote good or improve human quality of life”.
Wikipedia
Benefits of Volunteerism to Volunteers
 Appreciation of teamwork- It gives an opportunity to work with people from different work
of life and teaches a lot about teamwork.

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 Development of various skills like management and leadership skills, communications


skills, technical skills. – Volunteerism serves as an opportunity to lead a team of volunteers
and develop skills an individual may not be aware of, or may not be developing well.

 Chance for international exposure and experience for cross culture diversity by signing up
for a volunteer in foreign countries by one of the sponsors.
 Opportunity to help others, feel involved and feel better indeed, a priceless benefit! Any
person will feel satisfaction in helping the needy.
 Opportunity to make a difference and realizing personal purposes
 Learning from others and making new friends
 The Volunteer Act of 2007 or the Republic Act No.9418 to promote participation of various
sectors of the Filipino society and (as necessary) the international and foreign volunteer
organizations in public and civic affairs and adopt and strengthen the practice of
volunteerism as a strategy in order to attain national development and international
understanding.
 The inculcation of volunteerism as a way of life shall rekindle in every Filipino the time-
honored tradition of bayanihan to foster social justice, solidarity and sustainable
development.
 The aforementioned was made possible through the enactment of the Republic Act No.
9418 or better known as the Volunteer Act of 2007.
 To better understand some of the terms on this discussion, below are definition of term
provided by the said law.
 Voluntary Sector refer to those sectors of Philippine society that organize themselves into
volunteers to take advocacy and action primarily for local and national development as
well as international cooperation and understanding.
 By Academic Sector include, but are not limited to:
- Provision of technical assistance
- Sharing of technology within the academic circle, target communities and other
clienteles; and
- Upgrading of the quality of education and curriculum methodologies while providing
career enhancement and exposure to the volunteers
 By Corporate Sector includes but is not limited to:
- Employee giving of material resources to specific causes;
- Employee-led fund-raising;
- One-time outreach activities;
- Environmental campaign;
- Medical and health related advocacies;
- Knowledge and change management;
- Scholarship programs; and
- Sharing of expertise, particularly of business and developmental skills through
mentoring tutoring training, business, consulting/advising and rendering of pro bono
services on a case-to-case basis
 By Not-for-Profit Organization include but not limited to:
- Provision of complimentary service delivery;
- Human resource development in underserved communities; and
- Advocacy and articulation of the cause of the disadvantage and vulnerable groups
 By Foreign Volunteer Organization include, but are not limited to:
- Provision of technical assistance not locally accessible in priority development areas
within the framework of technical cooperation and socio-cultural exchange.

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Input No. 3: Nationalism and Patriotism

Salient Provisions of Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines (as embodied in Republic
Act. 8491)

The Philippine Flag


A flag is a sacred and respected feature of the
nation which it symbolizes. Each nation’s flag has a
specific way in which it should be displayed and folded.
Our national flag is the symbol of our country. It
shows our unity as people. It stands for our high ideals
and noble heritage. Therefore, when you show respect
for the flag, you also show respect for our country and
people. One way to show respect is to handle the flag
properly.
The Philippine National Flag is said to be the
primary symbol of the nation’s camaraderie, solidarity and unity. It is therefore, the symbol of
nationalism and patriotism in our country. And so, let us learn more about its history and origin.
The national flag of the Philippines is a horizontal
bicolor with equal bands of blue and red, and with a white
equilateral triangle based at the hoist side; in the center of the
triangle is a golden yellow sun with eight primary rays, each
containing three individual rays; and at each corner of the
triangle is a five-pointed golden yellow star.
The flag was first conceptualized by Emilio Aguinaldo.
The first flag was sewn in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo,
her daughter Lorenza, and Doña Delfina Herbosa de Natividad,
niece of Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero. The flag is
displayed with the blue field on top in times of peace, and with
the red field on top in times of war. The Philippine flag is
unique in the sense that it can indicate a state of war when the
red field is displayed on top or on observer’s left when the flag
is displayed vertically, with the white equilateral triangle at the
top end.

Section 10 of RA 8491 states


that when the flag is displayed on
a wall during peacetime, the blue
field is to the observer’s left

Construction
The flag’s length is twice its width, which 180
translates into an aspect ratio of 1:2. The length of all
45

the sides of the white triangle is equal to the width of


the flag. Each star is oriented in such a manner that 10

one of its tips points towards the vertex at which it is 9 10 18

located.
45

90
Flag Protocol
The flag should be displayed in all
government buildings, official residences, public
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plazas, and schools every day throughout the year. The days of the 28th of May (National Flag
Day) and the 12th of June (Independence Day) are designated as flag days, during which all offices,
agencies and instrumentalities of government, business, and establishments, institutions of
learning and private homes are enjoined to display the flag. But in recent years, the flag days are
now from May 28 to June 30 yearly. By law, the Philippine flag must be permanently hoisted and
illuminated at night at the following locations:
1. Malacañang Palace, the Presidential Residence
2. The Congress of the Philippines buildings:
a. Senate of the Philippines building

b. House of Representatives of the Philippines building (Batasang Pambansa Complex)


3. Supreme Court of the Philippines building
4. The Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila
5. Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite
6. Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan
7. Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers
8. Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion
9. All international ports of entry
10. All other places as may be designated by the National Historical Institute

Half-mast
The flag may be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning. Upon the official announcement
of the death of the President or a former President, the flag should be flown at half-mast for ten
days. The flag should be flown at half-mast for seven days following the death of the Vice
President, the Chief Justice, the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of
Representatives.
The flag may also be required to fly at half-mast upon the death of other persons to be
determined by the National Historical Institute, for a period less than seven days. The flag shall be
flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the decedent was holding office, on the
day of death until the day of interment of an incumbent member of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet,
the Senate or the House of Representatives, and such other persons as may be determined by the
National Historical Institute.
When flown at half-mast, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for a moment then
lowered to the half-mast position. It should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the
day.
Folding the Flag
1. Hold the flag at each of its four corners and pull it taut. The folder holds the corners at the
end with the blue and red fields.
2. Fold the flag in half, lengthwise, with the red field covering the blue field. Pull it taut again
making sure the open side’s edges are flush with one another.
3. Fold it in half again, the closed side over the open side, again maintaining the flattening
tension, and parallel, flush edges on the open side. The blue field should now be displayed
face up.
4. Take the closed side’s blue field corner and fold it over the open side such that what was
the bottom edge is now parallel and flush with the open side forming a right triangle (a
triangle with a ninety-degree angle).
5. At the right angle, fold the flag again such that a new right triangle is formed, still keeping
the open edges parallel.
6. Fold the right-angled corner of the new triangle over such that it forms a new right triangle
with what had been the bottom edge now flush with the side of the flag below it.
7. Continue this sequence of folds creating right triangles until the flag is completely folded
into a right triangular bundle. The white field and yellow sun should now predominate in
the visible areas of the flag.

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Prohibited Acts
According to Republic Act 8491 itself, the flag cannot be used in the following rationales:

1. Defacing or ridiculing the flag by dipping the flag as a salute, or adding additional marks
on the flag;
2. As a drapery, festoon, tablecloth, a covering, or as a part of a costume or a uniform;
3. As a trademark or for commercial or agricultural labels or design;
4. As part of merchandise or in any advertisement or infomercial; and
5. As a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles.
Moreover, the flag may not be displayed “horizontally face-up, or under any painting, picture
or platform”. It may also not be displayed in “discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs,
casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or where frivolity prevails”.
Pledge
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine flag, “Panunumpa sa Watawat” (distinct from
the Patriotic Oath of Allegiance, “Panatang Makabayan”) should be recited while standing with
the right hand with palm open raised shoulder high. Individuals whose faith or religious beliefs
prohibit them from making such pledge are permitted to excuse themselves, but are required by
law to show full respect when the pledge is being rendered by standing at attenThe law makes no
statement regarding the language in which the pledge must be recited, but the pledge is written
(and therefore recited) in the Filipino language.

Filipino English Translation

Ako ay Pilipino I am a Filipino

Buong katapatang nanunumpa I pledge my allegiance

Sa watawat ng Pilinas To the flag of the Philippines

At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag And to my country it represents

Na may dangal, katarungan at With honor, justice and freedom


kalayaan
Put in motion by one nation
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang
For God
Maka-Diyos
for the People
Makatao
for Nature and
Makakalikasan at
for the Country.
Makabansa.

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The National Anthem

Bayang magiliw,
Perlas ng Silanganan
Alab ng puso,
Sa dibdib mo’y buhay.
Lupang Hinirang,
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa manlulupig,
Di ka pasisiil.
Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag ang tula,
At awit sa paglayang minamahal.
Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y
Tagumpay na nagniningning
Ang bituin at araw niya,
Kailan pa ma’y di magdidilim,
Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati’t pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo,
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.

The National Anthem is entitled Lupang Hinirang. It shall always be sung in the national language
within or without the country. The following shall be the lyrics of the National Anthem

The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with
the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.
When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or by singing
or both, or reproduced by any means, the attending public shall sing the anthem. The singing must
be done with fervor.
As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there
is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor. At the first note,

all persons shall execute a salute by placing their right palms over their left chests. Those in
military, scouting, citizens military training and security guard uniforms shall give the salute
prescribed by their regulations. The salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem.
The anthem shall not be played and sung for mere recreation, amusement or entertainment
purposes except on the following occasions:
1. International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative;
2. Local competitions;
3. During the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television stations;
4. Before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater
performances; and
5. Other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.
All officials and employees of the national and local government, and any agency or
instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations, privately-owned
entities or offices displaying the national flag and government institutions of learning are hereby
directed to comply strictly with the rules prescribed for the rendition of the anthem. Failure to
observe the rules shall be a ground for administrative discipline.

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The National Motto
The National Motto shall be “Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao,
Makakalikasan at Makabansa.”
The National Coat-of-Arms
The National Coat-of-Arms shall have: Paleways of two (2) pieces,
azure and gules; a chief argent studded with three (3) mullets equidistant
from each other; and, in point of honor, ovoid argent over all the sun
rayonnant with eight minor and lesser rays. Beneath shall be the scroll with
the words “REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS”, inscribed thereon.
The Great Seal
The Great Seal shall be circular in form, with the arms as described
in the preceding section, but without the scroll and the inscription thereon. Surrounding the whole
shall be a double marginal circle within which shall appear the words
“Republika ng Pilipinas”. For the purpose of placing The Great Seal, the
color of the arms shall not be deemed essential but tincture representation
must be used.
The Great Seal shall also bear the National Motto.
The Great Seal shall be affixed to or placed upon all commissions
signed by the President and upon such other official documents and papers
of the Republic of the Philippines as may be provided by law, or as may be
required by custom and usage. The President shall have custody of the Great
Seal.

The 12 Little Things We Can Do For Our Country are Small Acts of Patriotism

First: Follow traffic rules. Follow the law

1. Traffic rules are the most basic of our country’s laws. If we learn to follow them, it could
be the lowest form of national discipline we can develop as a people. A culture of
discipline is crucial to our destiny as a nation.
2. Whenever we follow traffic rules, we show our love for our neighbor, our love for the
Filipino.
Second: Always ask for an official receipt

1. Asking for ORs leads to higher tax collections, which means more funds for our
government, which could strengthen our economy and lead us to progress.
2. Whenever we help our government in helping our people, we show our love for our
neighbor.
Third: Don’t buy smuggled goods. Buy Local. Buy Filipino

1. Our money should support our economy, not the economy of other countries. Buying
Pilipino means supporting the Filipino.
2. Whenever we support one another as Filipinos, we show our love for our neighbors.
Fourth: Speak positively about us and our country

1. Every Filipino is an ambassador of our country. Each one of us, wherever we maybe, is
a salesman of our country.
2. Whenever we speak positively of our people, we show our love for our neighbors.
Fifth: Respect your traffic officer, policeman & other public servants

1. Respect honors and dignifies a man. It compels him to do his job right.
2. There is love of neighbor whenever we respect those in authority.
Sixth: Throw your garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve

1. Philippines is the country given to us as a people. It is the birthplace of our race. It is the
home of the Filipino. We should keep it beautiful.
2. When we keep our environment and our country clean, we show our love for our people.

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Seventh: Support your Church

1. When we help our church, we help our Creator in His works on earth.
2. Whenever we help our church, we show love for our neighbor.
Eighth: During elections, do your solemn duty

1. When we fight for our votes, we fight for our right to make our own destiny, as a people
and as a nation.
2. There is love of neighbor when we elect good leaders for our country and people.
Ninth: Pay your employees well

1. A company must bring prosperity not only to its owners but also to its employees.
Blessings must be shared. It builds families. It builds our nation.
2. There is love of neighbor when we value and pay our employees appropriately.
Tenth: Pay your taxes

1. Taxes are the lifeblood of our government. It is what builds our public schools, hospitals
and roads. It is what pays our teachers, soldiers and other public servants.
2. There is love of neighbor whenever we pay our taxes properly so our government can
help more people.
Eleventh: Adopt a scholar or a poor child

1. Investing on our youth is investing on our country’s future. Every family who can afford,
should adopt one poor child as a scholar.
2. There is love of neighbor whenever we help a child get an education.
Twelfth: Be a good parent. Teach your kids to love our country

1. If we start planting seeds of patriotism in the hearts and minds of our youth today, they
would become giant patriots of our country someday.
2. There is love of neighbor whenever we teach and raise our children as patriots, by loving
our country through loving our people.

Love of neighbor, God’s Second Highest Commandment, is contained in each of these 12


Little Things.

Based on the Book

12 Little Things Filipinos Can Do To Help Our Country

By Alexander Lacson

Input No. 4: Leadership and the Youth

Leadership is the highest potent quality of an individual to be greatly successful in life. It


is the key dynamic factor that can encourage one to actively participate in many ventures that can
lead to the attainment of goals. It is also the key force to developing teamwork to ensure completion
of common goals or purpose.
It is in this premise that the youth, in their role as nation-builders, must develop leadership
potentials such as knowledge, skills and positive attitude to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in
meeting their goals and develop the spirit and ethics of service for the good of others. Hence, the
need for training the youth to be servant leaders is very essential.

Leadership Defined

Leadership is a process of giving control, guidance, headship, direction and governance to


a group or organization. It is a key dynamic factor that motivates and coordinates organizations to
accomplish their objectives. Without being inspired by a leader, the whole organization or a

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Department might drift along with no definite focus on key objectives such as trying to improve
the worker’s safety.
Leadership is the art of influencing and directing others to do assigned tasks or goals, in
such a way as to attain them. There is obedience, respect, loyalty and cooperation. Leadership can
be exercised by anyone irrespective of the framework of command. Also, it is the process of
guiding and directing the behavior of the people in the work environment.
 Leadership is the ability to inspire, to build confidence and gain support among the
people to attain organizational goals.
 Leader as a Guide is one who assumes the role of a director, organizer, mentor,
guru or adviser.
 Leader as a Frontrunner is one who can spearhead, shading light, a trailblazer, and
groundbreaker.
 Leader as a Head is one who can be called as chief, manager, superior, principal,
boss and superior.
Servant Leadership is a kind of servanthood and done as a sense of vocation. It also implies
stewardship of good citizenship and community. It is a means of serving others more than oneself.

Principles of Servant Leadership


According to Spears (2002), the following are the principles underpinning servant
leadership:
1. Listening. The servant leader seeks to identify the will of the group and helps clarify
that will. He or she will seek to listen receptively to what is being said.

2. Empathy. The servant leader strives to understand and empathize with others. People
need to be accepted and recognized for their special unique spirits.

3. Healing. One of the greatest strengths of a servant leader is the potential of healing
one’s self and others because many people have broken spirits and suffered from a
variety of emotional hurts.

4. Awareness. It aids one in understanding issues involving ethics and values and view
most situations from a more integrated and holistic position.

5. Persuasion. Another characteristic of a servant leader is the primary reliance on


persuasion rather than positional authority in making decisions within an organization.

6. Conceptualization. Servant leaders seek to nurture their abilities to “dream great


dreams”. The ability to look at problems from a conceptualized perspective means that
one must think beyond today’s realities.

7. Foresight. This enables the servant leader to understand the lessons from the past
realities to the present and the likely consequence of a decision for the future.

8. Building Community. Servant Leadership suggests that the true community can be
created among those who work in business and other institutions.
Qualities of Servant Leaders

The following are the qualities of a servant leader.

1. Puts others ahead of his own agenda. Is the ability to put others ahead of yourself
and your personal desires.

2. Possesses the confidence to serve. The real heart of servanthood is security. Show me
someone who thinks he is too important to serve and I’ll show you someone who is

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basically insecure. How we treat others is really a reflection of how we think of ourselves.

3. Initiates service to others. It is a way of serving without being compelled. It manifests


one’s concern to do things for others especially during crisis. You can really see the
heart of someone who initiates service to others. Great leaders see the need, seize the
opportunity and serve without expecting anything in return.

4. Is not position-conscious. Servant leaders don’t focus on rank or position. When


Colonel Norman Schwarzkopf stepped into that minefield, rank was the last thing on
his mind. He was one person trying to help another. If anything, being the leader gave
him a greater sense of obligation to serve.

5. Serves out of love. Servanthood is not motivated by manipulation of self-promotion.


It is fueled with love (willingness to serve). In the end, the extent of your influence
depends on the depth of your concern for others. That is why it is important for leaders
to be willing to serve.
To internalize the deeper meaning of servant leadership, one must apply the following
process:
1. Reflecting on It. As a leader, one must reflect about himself to determine who he is as
a person and identify his inner leadership intention.
“Where is your heart when it comes to serving others? Do you desire to become a
leader for the perks and benefits? Or are you motivated by manipulation of self-
promotion?”
If you really want to become the kind of leader that people want to follow, you
will have to settle the issue of servanthood. If your attitude is to be served rather than to
serve, you may be headed for trouble. If this is an issue in your life, then heed this advice.
a. Stop lording people, and start listening to them.
b. Role play for advancement, and start risking your own interests for other’s benefit.
c. Stop seeking your own way, and start serving others.
d. It is true that one who would be great must be like the least and servant of all…

2. Bringing It Home. To improve your skill in servanthood, you must do the following:
a. Perform small acts. When was the last time you performed acts of kindness to
others? Start with those closest to you: your spouse, children, and parents. Find
ways today to do small things that show others you care.
b. Learn to walk slowly through the crowd. One of the greatest lessons I learned as
a young leader came from my father. I call it walking slowly through the crowd.
The next leagues, or employees, make it your goal to connect with others by
circulating among them and talking to people. Focus on each person you meet.
Learn his name. If you know it already, make your agenda of getting to know each
person’s needs, wants and desires. Then later when you go home, make a note to
yourself to do something beneficial for half a dozen of those people (anecdote of a
leader, anonymous).
c. Move into action. If an attitude of servanthood is conspicuously absent from your
life, the best way to acquire it is to start serving. Begin serving with your body and

your heat will catch up. Sign up to serve others for six months at your Church, a
community agency of a volunteer organization. If your heart changes then it works.

3. Daily Take-Away. Albert Schweitzer wisely stated, “I don’t know what your destiny
will be, but one thing I know. The ones among you who will be really happy are those
who have sought and found how to serve”. If you want to lead on the highest level, be
willing to serve on the lowest.

In the truest sense, servanthood is the gift of doing good for others which
sometimes include the exclusion of meeting personal needs. Servants look for ways to

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National Service Training Program
Lucban, Quezon
do for others both within and beyond the congregation and community. Servants do not
choose to serve, but serve from a sense of identity and call. Gifted servants never feel
put upon or taken advantage of, but see each opportunity to do for others as a way to be
true to self and in service to others. As leaders, the need to reflect on it, bring it home
and take it away is a great passion for going along with one’s inner intention for the
good of others.

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People


(by Steven Covey)
Covey presents an approach to being effective in attaining goals by aligning oneself with
principles of a character ethic that he presents as universal and timeless.
1. Independence or Self-Mastery. The first three habits surround moving from
dependence to independence. (i.e. self-mastery):
Habit 1: Be Proactive. Take initiative in life by realizing that your decisions (and
how they align with life’s principles) are the primary determining factor for
effectiveness in your life. Take responsibility for your choices and the subsequent
consequences that follow.

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind. Self-discover and clarify your deeply
important character values and life goals. Envision the ideal characteristics for each
of your various roles and relationships in life.

Habit 3: Put First Things First. Plan, prioritize, and execute your week’s tasks
based on importance rather than urgency. Evaluating if your efforts exemplify your
desired character values, propel you towards goals, and enrich the roles and
relationships that were elaborated in Habit 2.

2. Interdependence. The next three have to do with interdependence (i.e. working


with others):
Habit 4: Think Win-Win. Genuinely strive for mutually beneficial solutions or
agreements in your relationships. Valuing and respecting people by understanding
a “win” for all is ultimately a better long-term resolution than if only one person in
the situation had gotten his way.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood. Use empathetic


listening to be genuinely influenced by a person, which compels them to reciprocate
the listening and take an open mind to being influenced by you. This creates an
atmosphere of caring, respect, and positive problem solving.

Habit 6: Synergize. Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork,


so as to achieve goals no one person could have done alone. Get the best
performance out of a group of people through encouraging meaningful
contribution, and modelling inspirational and supportive leadership.

3. Self-Renewal. The last habit relates to self-rejuvenation:


Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw. Balance and renew your resources, energy, and health
to create a sustainable, long-term, effective lifestyle.

References:
- The 1987 Philippine Constitution
- Labuguen F.L et. al, (2012) Understanding the National Service Training Program
- Espiritu, R. et. al, (2012) National Service Training Program

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