Set the Crocs Free

Image is really important, isn’t it?

Being conscious about the image you project to other people really does change your behavior, consciously or subconsciously. It can be taken advantage of, both in a good and bad way. For example, Christians are (often) careful to project an image that is in accordance with the commands of the God they worship. They are careful, because whatever they do would reflect on Jesus Christ who they claim to follow.

I wonder if the same mindset can be applied to those working in the government. I asked this because ever since I could remember, I think government officials were never held in utmost respect, in general. As a nation, we don’t have that notion of awe whenever talking about the government, because for the longest time, we have been plagued by corruption and greed. We even call politicians crocodiles just because they liken the crocodiles' ravenous appetite to human greed (which is totally different and is disrespectful to the animal if you think about it.) The image of the government is not good, and sadly, it seems most of us have learned to accept this ugly image. Some even say it doesn’t matter anymore who wins in elections, because the result will be the same—a corrupt government.

How about we change that? How about we all work together to create an image of the government that is of honor and respect? For those working in the government, you have to remember that it is actually a privilege to be part of it. It is a privilege to serve. The positions and ranking do not even matter. Even though you have the most menial job, as long as you are working in the government, you must hold yourself with high regard. Think of being careful, because whatever you do would reflect on the image of the government we want to project—that which is honorable and trustworthy.

On the other hand, we as a people must continue to demand accountability from everyone working in the government, and I mean, everyone. Yes, even the government employee who takes charge of office supplies (and brings home a ream of bond paper for home use). We must not give up and simply accept our sorry state, not just for our sake but for the sake of the future generations. We should be consistent with reminding everyone who is part of the government of the image we are trying to build, not for show, but because that is what is right and that is what the people deserve.

I really do dream of that day when the image of the government changes. That, when I learn that someone is working in the government, I go ‘Wow! That is amazing! Ikaw na!’. The change in mindset has to start from both sides—those within the government, and those outside of it. One side alone won’t cut it. Difficult, yes, but not impossible.

And maybe we should start with setting crocodiles free from the negative image we subjected them to.

P.S. This was written sometime in 2020 I think, back when I was still my too idealistic self and still in the process of earning my degree. But now that I'm working in the government in 2025, it's just...really difficult. Reading this now, it is so timely yet it pains me that I wasn't able to fulfill what I wanted government officials to be. It was a slap to the face. Admittedly, I wasn't able to remain 'clean'. I made mistakes, albeit small, but they are willful nevertheless and my shame might never totally disappear. All I can do is try my best to live up to what my 2020 self wanted me to be--an upright employee who can be proud of working in the Philippine government.