The ‘correct solution’

After years of living with the mistake and not wanting “to rock the boat,” we finally have government officials who are brave enough to point out the mistake and offer “the Correct Solution.”

Among them are the newly appointed secretary of DILG Jonvic Remulla, Senate President Francis Escudero and DepEd, Secretary Sonny Angara.

While his appointment as Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government turned peoples’ head in disbelief, it may be that DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla could bring a dose of logic and pragmatism to the DILG.

For starters, the DILG secretary called out the fact that the Philippine National Police has far too many “generals,” approximately 130 of them, and that the number was far too much than what was needed. Remulla suggested that the number should be reduced to 25 instead.

This is not the first time that mushroom colony of “generals” in the PNP has become an issue. Several years back some people or legislators actually questioned the logic and propriety of having the rank of general in the country’s police force. If the PNP is a civilian peace keeping force, then it should not have leaders holding what is traditionally a military rank.

At the very least, it diminishes if not disrespects the title and honor that has always been military in nature. As for the police, there are existing ranks that have served police forces all over the world which are distinctly for the police. The practice also makes the PNP look like wannabe soldiers trying to look like their military counterparts.

Consequently, we now have police and coast guard units dressing up like they operate in an actual combat zone or military field of operations, armed to the teeth with assault rifles and equipment generally utilized for military operations. No wonder people are asking for the “demilitarization” of the PNP.

The best argument was posted by Sec. Jonvic himself when he pointed out that several police directorships or departments have two generals. Unfortunately, PBBM has suggested that the reduction should be limited to 30 instead of 105. It seems that PBBM does not want to rock the boat, even if it costs the republic millions upon millions now and in the future, does not promote competition and meritocracy.

Right sizing in this administration apparently comes with a lot of political considerations. With all due respect, PBBM should let his appointees conduct the science and research and let them decide. That is why he got them in the first place.

*     *      *

Another “correction” that has long been delayed is the re-nationalization of “farm extension workers.” In the days of FM Sr., the Department of Agriculture had “farm extension workers.” These are schooled, trained or experienced individuals in various sciences and technology related to agriculture, livestock and fisheries.

Long before Google and the internet, the farm extension workers served as advisers, lecturers, allies, co-workers, data gatherers, resource providers to the many stakeholders of Philippine agriculture. Even with all the digitalization that has entered agriculture, many farmers, fisherfolk, etc., still prefer to consult face-to-face with government farm extension workers.

Unfortunately, when the Local Government Code and devolution was implemented by law, instead of having actual programs, priorities and funding, many local officials treated the matter as an optional concern or minimalized agricultural support, except during elections or disasters when Malacañang tended to be on the ground.

The truth is many local officials are promoting the urbanization and commercialization of their towns, barangays or coastal barangays even if their areas play a vital role in our supply chain and food security. To make matters worse, the series of very destructive typhoons has ruined the productivity of the agricultural sector so much that they now need all hands on deck.

In response, Senate President Francis Escudero has called for the “re-nationalization” or return of farm extension workers under the Department of Agriculture. It seems that SP Escudero has been pushing for the return to DA since he was just a congressman but did not gain the support needed primarily because most politicians don’t want to ruffle the feathers or power of LGUs.

But decades under the Local Government Code has proven that many LGU officials are ignorant, indifferent or unsupportive of agriculture. They don’t like being labeled or branded as an agricultural LGU since the income generated is lower than urban LGUs.

SP Escudero’s timing is perfect, given the natural disasters, LGU indifference and the serious food inflation that is seriously affecting the entire economy. I hope SP Escudero delivers on this item.

*      *      *

According to my one and only source at the DepEd, Secretary Sonny Angara has quietly been “correcting” things. Angara has been so busy reviewing, analyzing matters at the DepEd and has been very focused on getting projects off the ground and forming teams or assigning people to address various concerns, especially those affecting teachers and DepEd officials.

From what I’ve gathered, the secretary has slowly formed Team Angara from volunteers or “Volun-tolds” from the private sector that has conducted an audit of facilities, properties and programs that are under-utilized. There are many unused buildings that could benefit from NGO-volunteer educators, trainers or foundations who could lift up the knowledge of parents as well.

One program that Sec. Angara might revisit from the time of FM Sr. is the school-based gardening and livestock projects involving the entire school, PTA and student body. This would teach people to plant, understand biology and botany and provide organic foods to reduce hunger and malnutrition. There is hope!

*      *      *

Email: [email protected]