Blogging for good Governance

What is a “bloggers’ night?” What kind of people would be interested in blogging about good governance and ethical leadership? The topics, though important, do not exactly sound like a lot of fun, not in the way I imagine blogging about food or fashion would be. My curiosity made me want to attend “Bloggers’ Night” organized by the Kaya Natin Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership, an NGO that its convenor Harvey Keh describes as “a sanctuary for leaders.”

 I also wanted to know what a gathering of bloggers would be like. The bloggers I’ve met are people I knew from school or work. What would the dynamics be of people who interact with each other online but have never met in person?

 “Are you really a blogger? You have not updated your blog in a long time,” my son pointed out. He was right and his question made me wonder if I was qualified to attend. Thankfully, the Facebook invitation was updated and extended to writers and anyone interested in the movement. I officially belonged to the two categories.

 The event was held at a pizza place. Perky Kaya Natin volunteers manned the registration table. I picked a spot facing the screen and found myself flanked by men in their twenties. One worked for a TV show about business, the other was an IT professional. Across me were two women, also in their twenties, who said they were professional bloggers. My second question was answered: people with diverse backgrounds who love the Philippines. One of them even titled his blog “7,107 reasons to love Pinas.”

 The program included a talk about “The Kaya Natin! Champions,” a book about ten local and national public officials who embody the ideals of the group. A slim volume written by college students and young graduates, it is intended to be the first of many books about leaders doing a great job in government. Among those featured are Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Ifugao Congressman Teddy Baguilat, Senator TG Guingona, and former Isabela Governor Grace Padaca.

 Quezon City Congressman Bolet Banal and former San Isidro, Nueva Ecija Mayor Sonia Lorenzo, who are also featured in the book, spoke about their programs. During her term, Mayor Lorenzo was able to provide 95% of her constituents with social health insurance. Congressman Banal talked about a medical assistance program for indigent constituents and a program to promote reading among children.

 The questions asked by the bloggers gave me an idea of what their deepest concerns were: What can be done to fight corruption? Is the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) a breeding ground for corrupt leaders? Should the SK be abolished? The questions were directed at Mayor Lorenzo who answered that SK leaders should be appointed and not elected. She pointed out that the SK elections have become a proxy war for local government officials.  The most qualified youth leaders who do not have their political support do not get elected. A blogger echoed her statement, saying that SK leaders focus on holding basketball leagues while student leaders take on projects more meaningful for the community.

 My first question was answered: a bloggers’ night is an event bringing together people from different backgrounds who are passionate about the same subject. Everyone in the room was earnest about wanting to change the way things are run in this country and they were not afraid to show it. It was so strange and refreshing not to hear a cynical or snide remark  for two hours.  Then again, maybe I’ve been hanging out with pessimistic angry people for too long.

Margaret Mead wrote: “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” Kaya Natin continues to look for, and make known, stories of public servants embodying “effective and empowering leadership with integrity.” I want to believe that they will find more than a few caring people who can change the Philippines.