Inherent in the Filipino culture is the giving spirit. We give whatever we have, even if what we have is not enough for us. But I think there are two kinds of givers in this world—the one who gives in anticipation of something in return and the one who freely gives from the heart without expecting anything in exchange.
As part of their campaign strategy, traditional politicians usually give whatever to whomever they think is necessary to get elected. This quid pro quo arrangement has been in place since time immemorial. In contrast, almost all of those who work in nongovernment organizations (NGO) give whatever they think is necessary to nourish their own hearts and souls. Regardless of the amount, I see them giving whatever they have. In the words of Mother Theresa, “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” This kind of giving is what our country needs today.
ILOVE stands for Investments in Loving Organizations For Village Economies. Its founder and prime mover, former Environment Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez, aims to utilize Philippine biodiversity “to improve the lives of local communities, with area development and inclusive growth at its core.” When I first heard her speak a few years ago, I heard her heart not her tongue deliver one of the most passionate PowerPoint presentations I have ever seen. ILOVE’s basic premise is to share one’s blessings with love and only love. Ms. Lopez has been looking for investors as partners to develop far-flung areas around the country and build them into successful business enterprises, citing Ugong Rock in Palawan, for instance. This community-based sustainable tourism project has managed to eventually generate a respectable amount of income when investors, in collaboration with ABS-CBN Foundation-Bantay Kalikasan and in partnership with the City of Puerto Princesa and the Department of Tourism, financed the construction of a zip line facility near the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Underground River). With a seed money of about P2 million, the community business venture is now earning more than P20 million annually on average for the past three years. Best of all, the locals of Ugong Rock are benefiting from this initiative with more sources of income coming from tourists. From a simple limestone formation with a breathtaking view of the natural landscape of Palawan, Ugong Rock has turned into a commercially viable and community-based venture, all because of simple acts of giving, the kind that comes from the heart. We should support ILOVE and many other social enterprises, such as the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation and Health Futures Inc., by simply giving and sharing whatever blessings that come our way, whether it is money, talent or time. In the Bible, 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
In Philippine Airlines, our Vice President for Human Capital Maria Antonia “MeAn” Llamzon has initiated numerous “giving” projects for the benefit of PAL employees. She has selflessly devoted her time and talent in improving employee engagement and will soon introduce culture-changing habits. Aside from the usual increases in financial compensation and benefits, MeAn has spearheaded morale boosting activities, such as wellness programs in the workplace, continuous training of middle level managers, shorter if not more flexible work hours for all employees, and an employee recognition program known as Star Awards (Shining Through Appreciation and Recognition). She does these things not only because she wants PAL employees to be happy. She does these and more because, borrowing from author Ben Carson, “happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” Giving from the heart benefits the giver more than the recipient. I think that is the reason PAL and its owners, the Lucio Tan family, directs management, MeAn included, to find ways to give… from the Heart of the Filipino!
Culturally, it should not be difficult for Filipinos to keep on giving to their heart’s delight. Whether our employees refuse to appreciate whatever we give, or we are in a relationship where the other fails to reciprocate, we must still give—for our sake. In the Bible, 2 Corinthians 9:11 tells us that whenever we give —“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” Our act of giving is one of the best ways to give thanks to God for all the blessings He has given us. Good things happen to cheerful givers as they receive more whenever they give more. It may sound like an oxymoron, but those who give from the heart can only get richer! After all, in the words of diarist and writer Anne Frank, “No one has ever become poor by giving.”
For questions and comments, please e-mail me at sbmison@gmail.com.