BY EDISON MARTE SICAD
“This Christmas season, we must once again find a balance within our busy lives: between giving and receiving, between work and rest, and between serving others and caring for our own needs.” – Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo
THE CHRISTMAS message of Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo emphasized the importance of having a holistic and fulfilled life.
And I find this very challenging. I would sometimes use my work as an excuse for not giving ample time to my family. In the same manner, I use my family concerns as valid justifications for not giving my best attention to my work.
Indeed, balancing life and work can improve a person’s ability in managing his or her priorities. More so, it gives the person the opportunity to develop his or her integrity.
The Iloilo City Hall of Justice officials and employees had their Christmas celebration last December 12, 2024, with the theme “A December to Remember.” It was indeed a memorable one. Allow me to share some insights that I gained from the said occasion.
1. Good people are easy to find.
I realized that there are many good Hall of Justice employees who are very willing to help. I learned a lot from them about teamwork, camaraderie, and personal responsibility. Moreover, the “busyness” in the preparation of the program became an exciting task because of the “good stress” along the way.
From their “teaching moments,” I learned that regardless of any situation, it is possible to be a good person—a mature and responsible employee.
2. Instead of complaining, find ways to be of help.
Sometimes, in preparing for an activity, the assigned task or agreed upon obligation may go awry. And it happened one day before the program. My immediate reaction was to complain and to blame the person concerned. But then I realized that others were readily lending a hand. From then on, I decided to just find a way as to how I could help.
If there is one attribute among the Hall of Justice employees and judges that I learned that day, it is magnanimity. I am deeply impressed by the virtuousness of the people here. In other words, despite the vileness, deception, or plain rudeness of others, there are those who maintain their composure, fairness, and strength of character.
Of course, we will never run out of whiners or self-entitled people. They are ubiquitous. And yes, we can validly use these people as reasonable excuses for not helping or doing well. But I learned that we can also choose to be proactive.
I’ve seen these many times in the Hall of Justice. I am humbled by such experiences. I asked myself, “How can this person still respond in a very mature and professional manner? If I were in his or her shoes, I could have already gone berserk.”
3. Work can make a person’s life fulfilled.
It is commonly argued that work can drain the life out of a person. The rat race, as we call it, will make us all losers. We may win at work, but it could just be a Pyrrhic victory.
But I learned that it is possible to enjoy working hard.
Personally, my work here in the Hall of Justice is very rewarding — intellectually and financially. My day-to-day activities challenge me to be truly competent. The judges and employees inspire me to remain steadfast and serve others conscientiously — with all humility.
Hon. Yolanda M. Panaguiton-Gaviño, RTC Executive Judge, in her Opening Remarks during our Christmas celebration, has aptly conveyed the true spirit of Christmas to the hearts and minds of the Iloilo City Hall of Justice officials and employees. She said:
“Today, we gather not only to celebrate the season but to honor the year we’ve shared — a year of dedication, service, and unwavering commitment to justice. As the holiday spirit fills the air, it reminds us that amidst our responsibilities, it’s moments like these that strengthen our bonds and bring joy to our hearts.
This year’s theme, “A December to Remember,” invites us to reflect on the memories we’ve created, the milestones we’ve achieved, and the unity that defines our community. It is a time to celebrate the gift of togetherness, rekindle the warmth of camaraderie, and embrace the hope and promise that Christmas brings.
As we embark on this festive occasion, may we find joy not only in the lights and laughter but also in the shared purpose that connects us all. Let us make this December truly unforgettable, a season to cherish and carry into the new year ahead.
Once again, welcome, and may this celebration fill our hearts with happiness and gratitude. Merry Christmas, everyone!”/PN
