TOWARDS SHARPER AND FASTER GOVERNANCE

TOWARDS SHARPER AND FASTER GOVERNANCE Let’s give good intentions a chance. In a recent statement, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin described President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s cabinet reshuffle as a “bold reset,” signaling a shift in the administration’s approach to governance. According to Bersamin, this move is meant to usher in a new phase—one that is sharper, faster, and more fully focused on the people’s most pressing needs. While some observers remain skeptical of whether this vision will be realized, the President’s words and actions offer a glimmer of optimism that deserves attention. In an age where trust in government is fragile and many Filipinos have grown disillusioned by slow or ineffective public service; the promise of sharper and faster governance is more than just rhetoric—it’s an aspiration for meaningful change. But what does “sharper” and “faster” really mean in the context of governance? “Sharper” implies clarity of purpose, decisiveness, and precision in policymaking and execution. It means fewer vague directives and more measurable objectives. In a sharper government, every department knows its role, and every agency has a clearly defined mission. There is no room for guesswork or bureaucratic muddling. It calls for leadership that cuts through red tape and focuses on delivering outcomes rather than simply processing paperwork. “Faster,” on the other hand, speaks directly of efficiency. It is a cry against the sluggish pace of project rollouts, infrastructure implementation, and public service delivery. Filipinos are tired of waiting—for better roads, for more classrooms, for affordable healthcare, and for responsive disaster relief. To be fast is to be responsive, proactive, and agile: traits that the public sector must now urgently adopt. To the President’s credit, the call for realignment came with action. The call for courtesy resignations among his cabinet members—controversial as it may be—at least indicates that the administration is prepared to make difficult decisions to achieve its goals. While some may view it as political maneuvering, others see it as a necessary step toward performance-based leadership. Yes, there are valid concerns. Skeptics question whether this reset is driven by genuine reform or political consolidation. They wonder if underperforming officials will simply be reshuffled instead of replaced. These questions are fair, and transparency is essential moving forward. However, if the administration follows through with clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), accountability mechanisms, and open communication, this reset could set a precedent for more responsive and responsible governance. Admittedly, many Filipinos are feeling disillusioned. Rising prices, inadequate social services, and political noise have dimmed public trust. But in this context, even a spark of hope can be powerful. If the President is serious about realigning his administration with the needs of the people, then we should give this recalibration a fair chance. As citizens, we are not called to blind loyalty, but to hopeful engagement. Sharper and faster governance is not just a slogan—it is a challenge. And if the administration is truly ready to rise to it, then we, too, must be ready to hold them to it—with both support and scrutiny. After all, we have nothing to lose—and perhaps, everything to gain. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 06-25-2025