Makati holds the distinction as the first local government unit to send their traffic officers to a seminar at the renowned John Robert Powers (JRP) personality development center.
Once they complete the seminar, the traffic officers would be re-assigned to man the streets of the CBD.
"The training is part of our campaign to show a professional side to government service. We are presenting government employees who are able to project a positive image of the city and their uniform," said Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay said. "In line with the continuing search for excellence by the city of Makati, an integrated program series will be implemented, customized according to the peculiar requirements of participating sectors in the organization."
A study conducted at a major university in the US showed that 55 percent of impressions come from the physical, non-verbal sphere, inclusive of appearance and body language.
JRP, which has been in the business since 1923 has outlined a program that would teach officers the basic techniques in maintaining poise and posture as well as proper walking, sitting and standing positions.
They would also be taught about proper grooming and how to wear their uniform properly.
Improving their conversation skills is also needed since at the CBD, they would be dealing with businessmen and foreigners. They would also be given tips on how to deal with difficult clients.
In his proposed ordinance, Councilor Greco Belgica explained that "inculcation of values and incorporation of righteous terms and expression on our language and gestures as a sign of respect must be harnessed and developed in an effort to provide for a more civil, humane, and morally upright society."
He said that good manners and right conduct should not only start from the family but should also be extended and practiced in schools and learning institutions.
Among the phrases that Belgica want students to master and use are: "Please," "Thank you," "Good morning," "You’re welcome," "May I help you?," "I’m sorry, take care," "God bless you," and "I love you."
Belgica said the significance of these and other related terms and expressions "reflects the kind of good quality of moral upbringing which needs to be molded and ascribed upon the youth".
Once enacted, the bill will make it mandatory upon Manila’s schools and learning institutions to require all students "to practice and display friendly, inspiring, and accommodating terms, expressions, and gestures" such as those previously mentioned, as well as other phrases or "magic words of care and concern."
Any student who is found violating the ordinance upon the proper report of the teacher in-charge would be reprimanded and made to do one day community service on the first offense.
A second offense would result to a reprimand and three days of civic work. A third offense would result to a reprimand and one week of civic work.
The city mayor will formulate the corresponding rules and regulations to ensure that the ordinance will be "efficiently and effectively carried out," Belgica said in his proposal. – With Nikko Dizon