Little Things Can Make Big Things Happen
“I am a believer in the power of little things. Small acts done daily can bring us to the level of being good to the level of being excellent.”
These were the words of Atty. Alexander L. Lacson during the Fellowship of the Servants (FOS) on the theme, “Love of Country” on February 28, 2011 at Mercedes Hall, Max’s Restaurant, Scout Tuazon, Quezon City.
Alexander L. Lacson, author of “12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do To Help Our Country” is also a lawyer, lecturer and philanthropist. He and his wife, Pia, decided to stay in the Philippines instead of seeking a greener pasture in other countries. Although it was a tough decision, they were determined to advocate a cultural revolution, based on faith and patriotism. They believe that Filipinos can help in improving the current state of the Philippines if Filipinos will take the initiative and responsibility to take small actions. Lacson also stated that, “The answer is in us as a people; [and] that hope is in us as a people.” One biographer commented that “Alexander Lacson is more than just an author – he is a nation-builder.”
Lacson’s 108-page booklet “12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do To Help Our Country,” published by Alay Pinoy Publishing House in Quezon City, is one of the expressions in furthering their advocacy.
The Twelve Little Things Stated are:
1. Follow traffic rules. Follow the law.
2. Whenever you buy or pay for anything, always ask for an official receipt.
3. Don’t buy smuggled goods. Buy local. Buy Filipino. (Or, if you read the book, he suggests: 50-50).
4. When you talk to others, especially foreigners speak positively about us and our country.
5. Respect your traffic officer, policeman and soldier.
6. Do not litter. Dispose your garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve.
7. Support your church.
8. During elections, do your solemn duty.
9. Pay your employees well.
10. Pay your taxes.
11. Adopt a scholar or a poor child.
12. Be a good parent. Teach your kids to follow the law and love our country.
FOS is a gathering of Alliance of Christian Development Agencies (ACDA) members for sharing best practices. There were four CEOs/Directors and Staff who came representing six organizations.
Some of the highlights include the sharing on how our member organizations instill the value of “Love of Country” in their organizations and partner communities.
The group had fun enumerating the unique traits and habits of Filipinos that sets us apart from others.
ORGANIZATION |
PRACTICE |
Onesimo |
Pag-awit ng mga Filipino Songs |
Onesimo |
Larong Filipino |
REACH |
Teaching children to obey their parents |
REACH |
Teaching values formation among |
High School students REACH |
|
PLM |
Praying for our national leaders |
PLM |
Patronizing Filipino Products |
CCT |
Parol Festival |
CCT |
Rondalla |
World Vision |
Mahilig sa “Tingi” |
World Vision |
Nakikipaglamay |
LILOK |
In terms of direction, landmark ang |
reference not N, S, W, and E. |
|
LILOK |
“Sutsot” to call attention |
Atty. Lacson ended the gathering with a challenge and possibility for ACDA members to be involved in the event celebrating the Bayanihan Spirit of the Filipino to coincide with the commemoration on August 29, National Heroes Day.
