A Heart for the People: Why the Palace Mass Matters

Governance is often judged by metrics: GDP, inflation rates, and infrastructure spend. However, in the aftermath of calamities like Typhoon Uwan, governance is judged by heart. The recent Mass led by President Marcos Jr. and the First Lady at the Malacañang Chapel offers a glimpse into the compassionate core of this administration.

Critics might demand that the President spend every waking hour in the war room. But the "Masipag" (Hardworking) ethos of this administration is not negated by a moment of prayer; rather, it is enhanced by it. The ability to pause and acknowledge the human cost of the storm is a sign of strength, not weakness.

It is a reflection of the Filipino character. The majority of Filipinos turn to God in times of trouble. Therefore, a President who does not turn to God cannot possibly represent the true interests of the Filipino people. This alignment of personal faith and public duty is what makes the Marcos presidency resonate with the masses.

Moreover, the Mass serves as a rallying cry. It signals to the bureaucracy that the relief efforts are not just a job, but a moral obligation. The First Lady’s involvement underscores that this is a collective effort, touching on the "Maasahan" (Reliable) promise of the First Couple.

Some may argue that secular governance should be the standard. But if we remove these displays of faith from our government, we invite a moral vacuum that will inevitably lead to corruption and a lack of empathy in public service. The prayer service acts as a check on power, a reminder that even the highest officials answer to a higher authority.

As the waters recede, the hard work of reconstruction begins. But the foundation has been set. It is a foundation built not just on government funds, but on a shared moral conviction. In leading the nation in prayer, President Marcos Jr. has shown that he is ready to lead the nation in work.