Sabah stand-off_5Mar'13

Engr Ramon Aguilus response to JTL email re PSME reunification effort 4Mar13

Thank you Sonny for your concern for PSME and for those other people who truly love their profession and the PSME. However we cannot have our own interest to be the deciding factor in the direction that PSME will go. We only have one voice just like any other member in PSME. We can have differences in opinion and that is just normal since we have our different background. All voices are welcome to be heard and issues can be discussed and if we need to divide the house, then we vote to have a decision.

This is the democratic process and issues are not decided by the one who has a strong or loud voice. Issues are discussed and decided by the majority and all members are supposed to abide by the decision of the majority and respect it since it is the will of the majority. The majority had decided that there is only one PSME, united with 85 chapters as of March 2, 2013 with address in Paredes, and I respect that decision because it is the decision of the majority.

My interest is subordinate to the interest of the society. We can always speak what we think is right but cannot impose it to the society if the majority has a different issues or factors to address and consider in making decision. Respect for each other is the only way that conflict can be resolve. Without respect no conflict can be resolved. We are human beings and we are not perfect. We have limited time as officers and we cannot do everything that we can in a span of one year. We will continue learning and improve our services to the members and that is my task and I will try to accomplished what I can do to accomplished these tasks.

I do not have time to spend in figuring out what went wrong in 2006 or 2007. I do not have time to investigate the audited accounts of PSME done by Banaria but I will not forget that Banaria report. I dont know who are responsible for squandering the member's funds and nobody was charge in court for misuse of the member's fund. What I know is that thru the united efforts of the members, officers and directors of the Paredes group, since the time of Pres. Vosotros, the Bayoran group became irrelevant. The majority of the our members had already decided to join the only PSME in the Philippines, with 85 united chapters at present.

I think as professionals and PSME members we should all respect that.

Regards,

Ramon D. Aguilos, PME, FPSME, AA
VP Technical      

Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers

Integrated Association of Mechanical Engineers

PSME reunification effort (2) &(3)

Election 2013 random thoughts (3)

Thirst.day restobar@NPC (1)

Election 2013 random thoughts (2)

Election 2013 random thoughts (1)

30 January 2013

Election season has definitely, but prematurely set in…well ahead of its official start on Feb 12, when senatorial candidates from the two major contending parties are scheduled to be proclaimed. This is reflected in the evident activities of a large number of competing politicians who try to outdo one another for the attention and favor of their constituents.

This early, the candidates’ veiled campaign schemes range from the subtle to the “garapal”, where they compete against each other for name recall, engaging in personality demolition and even going to the extent of committing murder, just to tilt the political playing field in one’s favor.

How else would one view it, for instance, when politicians suddenly come out in the various media forms (like print, radio and TV) as endorsers of products, or anything they find plausible to gain leverage for themselves. How else would one view it when not just the character of someone, but the person per se is assassinated, unquestionably for political gain.

This is sad because the violations are not only of our country’s law but also that of God’s law, and are perpetrated by (or at least done with the knowledge of) persons who aspire to be our leaders and who, unfortunately for us, are more often than not elected into office.

When one’s chosen leader does not have the discipline to respect laws, or recognize the value of fair play, or conveniently shuns moral dictums in pursuit of his own selfish interests, I wonder what kind of organization, community, or citizenry would develop? To my mind, pitiful would be the organization, community or country that would be in such a situation because my view is that it would stagnate, and much worst, deteriorate in terms of its progress, culture and morality.

Having said this, I am happy to claim that not all of our politicians are like what was earlier described. And to me, the best example is President Noynoy, who after two and a half years in office has not been personally tainted with graft and corruption charges. He also kept his bearings and has not digressed from his “tuwid na daan” as well as his campaign against the “wangwang mentality” despite the non-stop effort of his enemies to discredit him and down play the gains he has achieved regarding these advocacies.

The nation at large recognizes and appreciates what he has so far accomplished and (although, admittedly, a lot more needs to be covered) this has given Filipinos reasons to be more optimistic about the future. Proof of this are the high approval ratings that he has been consistently receiving as reflected in the regular surveys conducted by the likes of SWS and Pulse Asia, as well as the very positive, supportive and at times adoring messages from a large majority of “netizens” who make comments (or responses) to postings in the social network (or internet) concerning President Noynoy. Also worth mentioning is the practically continuous inflow of accolades for him and his administration that has been coming from the international community. And these were given in recognition of the gains attained in terms of governance and transparency, as well as, successes in the financial and economic fields, etc.

Another good example is that of the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo who through his integrity and dedicated leadership succeeded in inspiring a lot of his constituents to become enlightened and dedicated citizens (as well as leaders themselves) and helped in elevating Naga City to the stature that it is now in. It just seems unfortunate that the nation lost him “so early in the game”… but perhaps (as I tend to believe) it is another “divine design”…similar to the sad passing of our beloved President Cory, but which brought about the emergence of President Noynoy who snatched the country from the jaws of another possible national leadership catastrophe and now is leading us towards a dawning prosperity.

There are others who, to my mind, are also in the mold of President Noynoy and Jesse Robredo… among them “Among” Ed Panlilio of Pampanga, Grace Padaca of Isabela, Joey Salceda of Camarines Norte and Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro to name a few. And I’m certain there are still a lot more of them –  of the same mold – who are embedded (and hibernating) all over the various sectors of our society, i.e., in the national government, LGUs, business establishments, NGOs, social organizations, labor force, student bodies, the OFW community, etc.

 I also believe that the “winter” is over for these “of the same mold” as the “spring” that is PNoy has finally set in. Now is the opportune time for them to sprout or flex their muscles and let their presence and influence be felt…for unlike in the 12 year “winter-like environment” of the last two administrations, there now exists the spring-like environment of the current government that would enable them to grow and bloom, and manifest their inherent value.

It is also my thinking that those of us who genuinely love the Philippines should not at this time burden ourselves with worrying about what our lot as a country would be in the next 3-1/2 years. This is because PNoy has already demonstrated, over the last 2-1/2 years, that “broad progress” (which involves not only economic concerns, but also others such as governance, health, security, basic rights and freedom, etc., that are relevant to the “quality of life” that a nation can bequeath to its citizens) is attainable with him at the helm. And more so, such progress would continue to be achieved, and possibly even at an increasing rate, as confidence and expertise in running the government is gained from experience over the coming years – in line with the principle of the learning curve – so that soon enough its empowering effects would be felt by the majority of our countrymen. What we should, therefore, instead focus on, is to pray to our Lord for the continued protection, safe keeping and good health of our President so that he would be able to serve the nation without hindrance over his term, and accomplish what he has set out to do.

But of course, as responsible ordinary citizens, we must also recognize and endeavor to perform our shared responsibility in keeping our country’s upward momentum going. This we can do by actively supporting the President’s “tuwid na daan” (by shunning and fighting corrupt practices) and his campaign against the “wangwang mentality” (by being considerate, disciplined, and adopting/practicing the virtue of integrity).

We should also be aware of and get involved in the battle (now going on) to make sure that those that would be eventually taking over as leaders of the country would be of the same mold as PNoy. This only means that those of us who want the current progress (now being enjoyed by the country) to continue can’t afford to be un-involved and just be a by-stander in this year’s mid-term election because the result of this election may very well dictate the results of the 2016 election.

More on this year’s election in subsequent articles. Meanwhile, comments/reactions will be appreciated and can be sent through this writer’s email (sl3.mekaniko@gmail.com) or through this writer’s blog (http://mekaniko-sl3.blogspot.com).

PSME reunification efforts

STCQC HS '68 (2)

STCQC HS '68 (1)

An issue about a BMW Car

13 January 2013

Can’t an air conditioner salesman own a BMW car? This was my rhetorical question to a Cebu based friend one afternoon, a few days ago. We were then discussing about corruption in general and suspiciously scrutinizing reports and observations pertaining to some of our common acquaintances when this friend commented about one of them very recently owning a BMW and started sporting a Rolex watch.

My Cebuano friend seemed stunned by my question, but has managed to stammer a response that in summation insinuates that owning a BMW in this particular case could be made possible only through corruption.

This exchange got me thinking long after we parted, as to whether it is fair to make such a judgment just on the basis of a person’s work position (or in effect his paying capacity). For there could be other reasons that can bring about such development, like one being gifted by a rich father, or maybe even becoming an instant millionaire after winning the lotto grand prize.

Resisting to be overwhelmed by the stance of this respected friend, I tried hard, in pursuit of objectivity, to craft a possible explanation or justification for the said luxury car.

Looking back at my 40 years of experience as a manufacturing professional, I have during my early years personally experienced being provided ordinary service vehicles as a junior executive. However, I was, later on, provided with more expensive “2 liter displacement” company cars during the 20 years that I was a senior executive of a medium sized manufacturing firm based in Makati City. I have also observed that it is not uncommon for vice presidents and especially presidents/CEOs of large or blue chip companies to be provided with company cars of luxurious European brands such as Mercedes Benz or BMW.

Focusing back on this acquaintance who was the subject of the scrutiny, I submit that he is not an ordinary salesman, but actually a sales manager, who I presume would be entitled to a service vehicle. I have, as a matter of fact, seen him using an ordinary (or non-luxurious) car about two years ago. And to be driving a BMW just two years afterwards seems to be a tremendous upgrade which could raise eyebrows and tickle malicious minds – unless there is a blatantly clear basis for such an upgrade. But to say the least, the guy is still a sales manager.

I’m reminded of my former boss who was our company president when I was still actively employed in that manufacturing firm. He, at one time, confided to some of us members of his senior staff how he discreetly monitors the behavior of his “critical personnel” like those from credit & collection, purchasing, sales, etc. According to him, he makes it a point to observe how they dress, especially their shoes, and looks out for a large disparity between their earning capacity and how luxuriously they dress, as well as lifestyle. His observations along this line greatly influence his moves and I believe that his technique helped in a great way his succeeding in weeding out those that are undesirable, and in instilling a culture of honesty in the company.

Now using my former boss’ method as a template, I don’t think that this sales manager’s income potential jibes with the cost of a BMW that, based on my inquiry, could range from P1.7 to P2.5 million for a four door car, Series 3 model. As to his other circumstances…I doubt if the guy has a rich father who could have gifted him with the luxurious car, because if this is so, he could have afforded and brandied it at a much earlier time. And unless he can prove that he recently won a lotto grand prize that would enable him to afford such a car, I think I will now readily agree with my Cebuano friend that this sales manager is a crook.

And suppose the guy is by any chance also a government functionary, then he is one person who should be reported by those who have knowledge of his misdeeds to the proper authorities (like the Ombudsman or NBI) so that his activities, in line with the President’s “tuwid na daan” effort, can be investigated and hopefully will result to his being charged and purged.

The President’s “tuwid na daan”, I would say, has successfully started to overcome the inertia of the “culture of corruption” that has weighed down on our country (as well as on us as a people) during the last 40 years. And this determined effort against corruption spearheaded by President Noy, despite just making probably a dent on this “monstrous culture” over the last two and a half years, succeeded in generating significant improvements in our economy (that hopefully would soon trickle down to the masses), and more importantly, impressed and caused us to get the interest and gain the support of, the international community. The little that has been gained along this line during the past two and a half years, I expect, would continue to grow given our President’s unrelenting effort, but I believe can develop into an exponential gain if more and more of us concerned citizens would take an active role in this fight against corruption. Let us stop being part of the silent majority and start taking active moves, no matter how small or insignificant we feel they are, in working against crooked practices in government as well as in other areas. Let us start making ourselves be heard, by participating in crafting our country’s destiny, so that most, if not all of us, particularly our children and grandchildren, would be assured of a better quality of life in their lifetime.

Comments/reactions will be appreciated and can be sent through this writer’s email (sl3.mekaniko@gmail.com) or through this writer’s blog (http://mekaniko-sl3.blogspot.com).

“Social Quality” observations/comments this Christmas season (2)

6 January 2013

Last December 28 we celebrated the 3^rd birthday of one of my granddaughters, Lucia Beatriz, in one outlet of a big fast food chain located along C5 in Libis, Quezon City. Upon reaching the place we found out that the parking slots were already filled up so we were directed by the security guard to park in a space located along the sidewalk of the road perpendicular to C5 and located immediately after the food chain outlet’s property line. When the party was over at about 7PM, we found out that the car of one guest was burglarized. The car’s window was broken and some traveling bags, one of them containing the guest’s laptop, were stolen.

When we complained to the security guard on duty regarding the damage and the loss, we were disappointed and even felt offended by his cavalier response. He seemed unconcerned, saying that he did not notice anything and even emphasized that a valuable item, like the laptop, should not have been left in the car.

With this we brought the matter to the attention of the store manager, relating to him how we (their customers and guests) somehow expected a certain degree of protection for our cars given that we (yes, including myself) were directed to park outside of the store’s parking lot by their security guard. After inspecting the scene with us, the manager suggested and volunteered to report the incident to the police.

Within 15 minutes, a police car manned by 3 personnel arrived to investigate, and who suggested that the victim (who is a medical intern) have the theft blotterred in the police station nearby. The entire group proceeded to the police station to do what was suggested.

Although it is true that it is one’s personal responsibility to make sure that one’s valuables are secured, those of us who were directed to park outside the store’s property were not warned at all (or at least reminded to secure valuables verbally or through a sign) given that the place – according to the police - is notorious for motor vehicle burglary. This also may justify pointing a guilty finger at the management of that food store for failing to appreciate and address the threats to the properties of their customers…which, as far as I am concerned, sorely depreciates their “quality of service”.

I believe that our group’s bad experience was not the first time that such an incident happened. Otherwise the police wouldn’t have “labeled” the place as notorious. Such a condition should have prompted the store’s management to enhance vehicle security measures by implementing a systematic inspection of the temporary parking space where guests are directed to go  every time a parking overload occurs (which I believe happens frequently). They could have also provided a CCTV for the said area to act as an additional deterrent and a means of identifying culprits if a burglary does happen. It would have been a nice display of higher “social quality” if the store management and the assigned security guard did the so called “extra mile” to protect their customer’s property without prodding.

By the way, the interaction with the policemen at the station, I would say, was surprisingly a pleasure - with the system set in place for the blottering activity (which was prominently and neatly posted on one wall), and to a big extent, by the decorum shown by the desk sergeant. It also turned out to be quite interesting as we were able to pick up from our conversation with the policemen certain information which to my mind somehow deters the station’s ability to fight crime. I gathered that each of the patrol cars in that station (all of which I understand came from the local government) is allocated with only 5 liters of gasoline for each 8 hour shift. And my personal appreciation of this condition is that, if each vehicle is required to show its presence in its area of responsibility every hour, they can use only about 0.625 liter per hour, or travel only 7.5 kilometers for a given hour (given a car with a consumption of 12 km/liter). This does not provide much support for the mobility of the policemen, which I believe has a direct impact on their effectiveness in deterring crime.

Surprisingly, we also found out that flashlights are not readily available in that police station because one member of our group tried to borrow a flashlight to search something in his car, and my understanding of the response was that none was available as the lone flashlight was used by a mobile that went on patrol. This made me quip that security guards seem better equipped (when it comes to flash lights at least). It seems also that they have not been visited by their higher ups, as one officer reluctantly answered in the negative when queried as to how frequent the senior officers inspect their station. I believe that such a situation represents failed opportunities for leading and boosting the morale of personnel on the ground.

If my observations are correct, I hope that it is not the norm in the other stations nationwide. It may be worthwhile for the current PNP leadership to look deeper into the matter and formulate/implement whatever corrective action that may be needed.

Comments/reactions will be appreciated and can be sent through this writer’s email (sl3.mekaniko@gmail.com) or through this writer’s blog (http://mekaniko-sl3.blogspot.com).

“Social Quality” observations/comments this 2013 Christmas season (1)

30 December 2012

The tons and tons of litter left by the Christmas Day revelers at the Rizal Park was a prominently featured news item (both in printed and broadcast media) last Wednesday December 26. Although this is not an uncommon by-product of small or big social/public events here in our country, it, to me, says a lot about the magnitude of the effort we need to undertake, as a people, to improve national discipline.

Although the Christmas Day litter, at first glance, may be regarded by a large part of our citizenry as trivial, I dare say that it says a lot about the level of our national discipline which I believe is among the first things that need to be urgently addressed and improved – on a national scope. This dent in our “social quality” has to be repaired so that the initial gains attained in the last two and a half years (e.g., improved GDP growth and bright economic growth projections by international financial institutions, improving assessments/ upgrades from independent economic and sovereign credit monitoring institutions, internationally acknowledged and independently validated gains in the fight against corruption, the projected 18% increase in tourism this year, etc.) may be continually sustained.

I believe that one way of instituting the needed improvement in is through the adoption of the Japanese housekeeping system “5S” on a nationwide basis by promoting them in organizations, both government and private - whether big or small, as well as in schools. This housekeeping system which has been attributed as a significant factor in bringing about the successful recovery of the Japanese industries/economy after World War II is composed of 5 basic simple but systematized activities, or elements, that needs to be participated in by everyone in an organization. These five elements are Sweeping, Sorting, Systematizing, Sanitizing and Self-Discipline.

The Sweeping element involves the regular – daily or as needed - cleaning (or sweeping) by an individual of an assigned floor area as well as walls. As a result, the cleanliness of floors and walls would be automatically maintained.

Sorting involves the systematic identification of items/materials (in one’s assigned area of responsibility) into what’s essential/non-essential and the proper disposal or appropriate relocation (if possible) of those identified as non-essential to other areas. This activity would facilitate the “de-clogging” of a particular area, or space, and can bring about a more effective/efficient utilization of assets.

Systematizing involves organizing one’s area of responsibility such that each item/material that’s essential to the area’s operation, or activity, is provided with a proper and clearly assigned location. Doing this would assure a better or faster access to needed materials and items (e.g., spare parts, tools, instruments, etc.) as well as improve their care and protection. Such a streamlining would have a positive impact not only on efficiency and effectiveness, but also on cost.

Sanitizing involves the implementation of steps that would assure the cleanliness and sanitation, not only of one’s area, the items/materials as well as the activities involved therein, but also that of the personnel located in that area. Doing this would be addressing the health and safety concerns regarding not only the personnel, but also of customers who may be accessing such area, or who consume products produced there.

Self-Discipline, which is the ultimate target of the “5S” housekeeping system is generally automatically developed once the first four elements (namely Sweeping, Sorting, Systematizing and Sanitizing) are “institutionalized” (or regularly implemented – based on documented procedures - by individual members of the organization, without prodding).

As I earlier opined, one way to improve national discipline is through the nationwide adoption of this Japanese housekeeping system in the government (LGUs, Agencies/Offices, GOCCs, etc.), the private sector (business establishments, NGOs, other organizations, homes, etc.), and most especially in all levels of our educational system where it can already be instilled in the minds of the our young so that they can grow up with it and be an influence to them in growing their frame of mind. Such a scenario, I believe, could only result to improving our national discipline – especially in the long term – and can permanently repair this “social quality” dent because the discipline that’s developed in the individual through “5S” can enhance the individual’s ability to develop or strengthen his/her discipline in other responsibilities demanded of a good citizen…like shunning corruption.

Although this housekeeping system may strike those that are unfamiliar as simple, those that have adopted it will say that it is not so. This is because success in adopting it is really dependent on the “active development” of the right system for each of the five elements (i.e., creating the necessary procedures and guidelines and continuously revising as necessary to make them appropriate and effective), as well as in developing the discipline in practicing and making the elements a way of life. Given this, it means that although the complete “5S” education can be given in one sitting, it may take some time and involve a lot of struggle and determination to develop the discipline to succeed in adopting it.

But what has so far been said is intended for the long term, and the immediate concern that I look at, at this point in time, is the coming New Year’s Day, January 1, 2013. What can be done to prevent the recurrence of that not so pleasant “mega-littering” that happened about a week ago at the Rizal Park. On this I would subscribe to the suggestion of one of the obviously disgusted workers assigned to collect the litter and clean the park last week. That is, for revelers to bring containers (like a plastic bag, etc.) where they can consolidate their garbage instead of throwing them anywhere/everywhere, and then just pile these garbage bags beside a park garbage can before leaving. Hopefully, this make-do system will prevent the repetition of the Christmas Day “mega-littering”.

It will also perhaps help if more posters are installed all over the park advising revelers to refrain from littering, and to just throw their garbage in the park’s garbage cans/bins which I hope are sufficient in number. ‘WISHING EACH AND EVERYONE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Comments/reactions will be appreciated and can be sent through this writer’s email (sl3.mekaniko@gmail.com) or through this writer’s blog (http://mekaniko-sl3.blogspot.com).

Shameful entrapment at PRC