Would you work for the government?

[batang uliran]

Why or why not and in what capacity or department?

[Kamatayan]

Sa Customs...

[archangel]

Yes. One reason is that government employees get high salaries! In a private hospital, a nurse would have a starting salary of 5-7 thousand inclusive of benefits, while in PGH for example, starting salary is 15,000+ exclusive of benefits. In the same setting, a resident of a private hospital (STUH)would get a monthly allowance of 3-5 thousand a month while in a gov't hosp. he gets more than 10,000.

[batang uliran]

The government salary thing is deceiving - maybe adequate at the start but a limited upside compared to private industry. Also, as far as resident physicians are concerned, I've always thought that one must go to a place where he/she would get the best training. Once you've gotten that, you can work on your income afterwards.

[batang uliran]

Kamats: with the new computerized valuation system, Customs has become less lucrative so to speak. However, computers can always be sabotaged....

[Ira]

and Kamats is just the person to do it.

[cathybee]

It is worth considering. The pay may not be good but at least you're doing something productive for your fellow people.

[Kamatayan]

BU: Sus if there's one thing pinoys are good at it's getting around the system...

[Yoshi]

I'd like to as a diplomat. Kung malaki na ang bayad and may travel oppurtunities pa, di go! :)

[chez-o]

i think i will....somebody hire me!!!!

[*~AzY~*]

yup, i've always dreamt of someday becomin a public servant. i'll make money first in the private industries then i'll run in public office para less temptation. i dont see a political career as some sort of profession kse, it's more like a vocation. so remember the name...it's AzY! vote for me...AzY for Congress! ;) btw, m really serious!

[shiva]

i'm not quite certain yet if i'm ready for government work. part of it is the lack of professional expertise. i don't think i've gathered enough knowledge to come up with policies to help a nation. but, the hesitation largely comes from the fear of being corrupted by the system. i'm not too sure i'm set enough as a person to be able to fend of the worldly lures that any government position offers.

but i would like to help somehow through finance. i've been thinking of joining the dep of finance or bsp or tsy dep later on in my career. but i tend to think nowadays that more can be done outside of the government. i've read of private financial institutions helping in low-cost housing and such projects in other countries. perhaps such endeavors are possible here in the philippines.

batang uliran, thanks for making me think about it, though! =)

[Agent 007]

i don't think i will...it's kinda frustrating to know the extent of corruption and "palakasan system" in the government can hamper one's qualification for the job...

[hudyat]

Is working for the government something you would even think about?

[BODACIOUS]

Definitely, I'm a very idealistic person and I know I can make a difference! ;)

[Meiji]

Yes, I want to work for the government. Just like Bodacious, I'm an idealistic person. There are things I wanna do and I hope that if I'm there I'd be able to do the things I dream of doing, the things I have to do and most esp. to serve my fellow countrymen.

*bows* http://www.pinoyexchange.com/lol.gif

[lupuS]

It's not a job for everyone. First of all, it doesn't pay very well, unless one chooses to be corrupt (please...). Secondly, it can be thankless. It has taken its toll on so many idealists wanting to do their share for the country (remember former Finance minister Ongpin, who shot himself in frustration?)

Even if you were honest and incorruptible, many of the people you'll be working with (or probably, against) won't be.

[Eterna]

well, why not?

[Eterna]

lupusnot anymore, i believe there is a bill passed making government remuneration at par with that of the private sector so that the so-called corrupt practices may be elimanated.

i know for a fact that quiet a number of private employees are seeking employment in the government becuase of the good benefits they offer among these work force include teachers.

[batang uliran]

The sad truth is the government does not have the money to even come close to matching the pay one can get in private industry and overseas. Even if such a bill is passed and funding is obtained, the gap would be slightly smaller but would still remain. And this difference in pay is even more pronounced when it comes to the best and the brightest.

[ebtg]

I'd like to work for UP. I think it's still part of the government naman, eh. It's the state university and it's being subsidized by the government.

I'd really love to teach in college.

[junh]

I have a friend from college who is currently working for the BIR and he tells me that although the work is hard, the pay is alright and the benefits are A-OK. He mentioned that their's a lot of 'palakasan' that goes on but he got used to it.

For me, I don't think I can imagine working for the government since I hate large scale bureaucracies and that stifles creativity and initiative. I would have to say no.


[listening to 'I Think God Can Explain' by Splender]
:walkman2: junh

[YaYiN]

in theory, yes, but in practice...probably not.

mapapaaway lang ako araw-araw! sa NGO siguro, pwede pa.:)

[katie]

i am working for the government as an R&D engineer and i must say that the starting salary for starters and fresh grads is a little higher compared to locally-based multinationals like intel and canon. plus, there is more freedom because my co-workers are practically in the same age range as i am. although there is so much work and so much expectation from us since we are spending the people's money for R&D, there is much satisfaction if you have accomplished something and you know that the entire country will benefit from what you have done.

*paw*

[Meiji]

I would :up:

I'll post my explanation later.

[gets]

sa customs din.. kamats might need some help.

[DELISYUS]

i have worked for 2 government agencies already....both income generating.....

people may not believe it (seeing that i post everyday....and maniacally at that!), but the misconception of TGs being lazy and stuff isn't true everywhere.....

i have yet to work in a non-stressful job in the government...

lately, the government IS for giving the jobs to younger people, enticing fresh grads (esply those who graduated with honors) with higher salaries than in the private industry (well, except maybe for clerical positions)

in my first work....i was a tax credit specialist.....analyzing applications for tax creits and duty drawbacks by Filipin exporters (mainly Chinese and Indian-owned)....it was a great job (if you don't mind going on visits to steamy factories and inspect their raw materials....or going thru their audited reports, sales books, purchase books etc) because i was working with people my age.....we had lots of fun, we didn't wear any uniform, there was internet connection!!! but the stress of having to deal with private companies padding their sales, faking their sales etc etc (yup, i've experienced having colleagues run because ABS-CBN crews come rushing in our office)...and the anxiety over possible trials (whether you did nothing wrong or not) just became too much for me.......i transferred.....

here in my second job, i work side by side with really old people.....as a corplan analyst...mainly computing budgets, planning programs, monitoring projects.....laboring my way int financial statements i do not understand.....

and yes, i earn about P400/day (i think) but being a government employee means i annot lie on my taxes...and that i'd have to pay numerous eks (like Medicare)......and yes, i do sometimes mourn the fact that others who just e-mail clients all day...or answer fones....earn more than i do....

but we have a coop here....we have bonuses.....we have security of tenure.....and it gives me a HIGH when i can buy groceries for my family.....

and working at the port area......limits my mall time....so less expenses :)

but......i tell you, the intrigues and the shushhh times in the government are sometimes scary.....

it was a problem in my old job...what with people not working sabotaging our work......

good thing i don't have to worry about it here.....

but turnovers (such as what happened after EDSA 2) can be hell......and budget calls!!!! ughhh.......

and oh....uniforms are almost always UGLY :)

[Meiji]

I want to work at the Office of the President or Congress (either House) or the Department of Labor and Employment.

Call me idealistic or stupid, but I really want to pursue a career in public service. My mind has been psyched that I would work for the government so that I can be of service to my country and countrymen. I know that there are other media like NGOs, working for NGOs is definitely an alternative. I feel that I'm suited, my skills are suited for government work. I like to give it a try.

[ü fLiK ü]

i'd love to try..

:redsmile:

okei kasi, coz my mother works for a government banking institution!

[leelayce]

:hopeless:




:mecry:


help!

[sedfrey]

meiji, the DOLE is supposedly one of the most corrupt gov't agencies. what kind of work do you want to do there, as a Labor Arbiter ba? if so, do reform the DOLE, and remember me when I file cases there. :)

if i were appointed SC or CA justice, i would certainly work for the government too! :) pero i heard that working for the OSG (Solicitor General) for a few years as a starting lawyer, then going out of it to go into private practice is a good idea.

[KuyaDanny]

A poll has been added to this discussion.

[Lightspeed]

Yes!

I cannot go on ranting and ranting about how ineffective and inefficient Government is if I am not willing to go into the frying pan and see for myself why the system is the way it is.

But I'd like to be given enough power and leeway to change the things that make the system inefficient. I cannot contribute much if I am powerless to make systematic and structural change.

Siguro powers on that scale would be on the Director or Assistant Director level.

[CaRaMBa]

Nah. Mashadong magulo, and the pay really isn't enough. I have respect for those who work in the government (those who are clean) but I don't think it's for me.

[yehveybey_14_gsmb]

pa-post lang to donate a peso for the Children's village foundation...:D

[beams]

i spent quite a few years being on the rah-rah side, that my mindset doesn't easily buy the idea of reforming the state "from within". but with age, i'd like to believe i have become more mature and more grounded in reality.

i do think that reform is possible but it takes a lot of perseverance and hard work to be able to make a difference within the bureaucracy.

if i would work for the government i'd be very choosy. maybe i'll work for a tañada or a roco, or maybe work for the DA or the Office of the President (not necessarily under GMA, and i really wouldn't).

but as of now, i'm happy working for an NGO. i like it here. i have a community, a network, lots of contacts, acquaintances and friends. it can be a bummer sometimes, but the key is finding where one's passion is.

i guess i still need a lot of convincing and a really good motivation to make me work for the government.

[BabyFATS]

Why not? It's a chance to make a difference in the so-called system of governance.

[DELISYUS]

and i think it also depends on your priorities.....and if you can find a government position catering to those priorities....

we've recently contracted the services of the Devt. Academy of the Phils (DAP) for P6.2 M

i have been working side by side with them in critiquing survey agenda and questionnaire and methodologies etc.

most of them are in their 20s (those involved in our project)...and they admit that the pay is sh!t...the hours are long....but the fact that they get to travel all over the country, the fact that they get to really study different aspects of our society (be it zoning, lighting, port users needs, etc>)...and the fact that they are sharpened and constantly stimulated intellectually and emotionally.....

masaya sila.......marunong sila......and it's one hell of a training ground for them when they pursue other positions in the future......

[jaypogi]

Under ......................

[aticus]

At this stage in my life, the answer is yes. I'm at that point where I want to contribute something substantial to my country. My only issue, of course, would be earning enough to feed my family, but I could always have a side business for that.

[arrowhead30]

I agree with the pexer who said that in theory it would be great to work for the govt but not in practice...

I'd love to one day be able to help for example in the central bank or department of finance but unless I'm satisfied with my own financial achievements and goals... I'd probably avoid it muna.

Its easy to think that one would never fall for things like corruption but then there's just so many temptations there. If I have financial security on the other hand, then I'm sure those temptations would be less appealing and that I would be able to do my job better.

[DELISYUS]

shhhh.....

walang pera sa DOF...unless sa OSS-Center ka...and even there, you may go to jail for the crimes of your bosses


shhhh.......

concentrate on the GOCCs......and other revenue-generating agencies....

ala din daw pera sa Customs...pero kung halang-halang bituka mo.....pede ka din dun :) yun nga lang, sobrang hirap pumasok....

[Cerberus]

Yes.

In fact, I'll be.

[PUGSLEY]

YES

[mac_bolan00]

worked with the gov't for a total of 4 years. it has its rewards and the job was a lot more challenging than most jobs i had in the private sector.

[pbrg]

Yes, in fact up to now pero foreign govt. lang nga

[bongskidudel]

YES! eh ngayon nga sa govt ako work eh. mas magaan workload so makaka sideline ka (buss. ore teaching etc.):)

[I'mBigMe]

Originally posted by junh
I have a friend from college who is currently working for the BIR and he tells me that although the work is hard, the pay is alright and the benefits are A-OK. He mentioned that their's a lot of 'palakasan' that goes on but he got used to it.

hi! :wave:
I work for the gov't, altho not in BIR. I'm with PIA.
yeah, the work is tough, masyado silang demanding and yes, they offer handsome compensation package. :)
re: palakasan, hindi sa lahat eh,
well, me, for one, i was a walk-in applicant.
yung kasabay ko, anak ng somebody who's in position pero among us five applicants, sya lang ang hindi natanggap.
case to case basis siguro. :D

and i like the security of tenure, i'm working only for more than a month pero regular na agad ako sa position ko.

downside lang, puro senior citizens ang officemates ko, so wala ako kasama gumimik on weekends...pag may nahilang college friend, ayun, yun lang social life ko hehe...almost everybody's really busy na kasi.:)

[mellowscream]

it depends on what office or agency. there are some offices that have good records.

[mellowscream]

Investing in good governance

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

President Arroyo, according to Palace officials, is “overworked and underpaid.” That line proved irresistible to the opposition, whose members advised the President to find a better paying job elsewhere.

The verbal exchange arose from a proposal to double the salaries of the President, the Vice President, members of Congress and civil servants in next year’s national budget. But Budget chief Rolando Andaya Jr. has clarified that under the law, the proposed increase cannot include the President, the Vice President and members of Congress.

The controversy should spur a review of the pay scales in all branches of government, and encourage debates on how much the nation is willing to invest in good governance. Honest and efficient bureaucracies do not come cheap. It is no coincidence that the most professional government workers in Asia are also among the highest paid – the civil servants of Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Companies pay good money for top managers. Running state affairs, especially in a global economy, requires a nation’s best and brightest. Governments can compete for top talents only by offering competitive rates, unless there is a national ethic that prizes personal sacrifice in the name of public service.

Apart from attracting top talent, high salaries can stop the Philippine brain drain that has led to crises in public education and health care. Public school teachers prefer to work as maids overseas because of poor pay in their own country. Doctors are leaving government hospitals to work as nurses abroad because they want higher salaries. Even pilots of the Philippine Air Force rarely think twice about grabbing an opportunity to work for commercial airlines, where they can earn up to 10 times more than what the military can offer.

There is another reason for giving public servants competitive salaries: ideally, decent pay discourages corruption. Although this may not be true for the immoderately greedy who build family fortunes on multimillion-peso commissions and overpricing of government projects, well-paid civil servants ideally should find it easier to say no to graft. And ideally they should find it easier to blow the whistle on the corrupt.

For many Philippine politicians and top public officials, however, even a substantial pay raise cannot compete with the vast wealth that can be had through corruption. Legislation can focus on the lower echelons of the bureaucracy, where decent pay can still make a difference.


http://philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25

[haripoter]

i loved to but di me pumasa sa civil service... :(
mama ko gov't employee...

may mga bakante daw sa kanila kaya lang hawak na daw ng mga matataas na opisyal... kasi yung kamag-anak ng mga yun ang ipapasok nila hehe...

thats what she said...

[mellowscream]

pwede naman na mag-take ulit ng civil service exam

[jackbrng]

nung pumasa ako ng civil service exam, pinaldahan ako ng form at tinatanong ako kung saan ko gusto pumasok na government office. Nilagay ko COA, Landbank and BIR. Kaso ni isa walang nag-reply sa akin, hehehe. Pero gusto ko talaga magtrabaho sa mga yan, lalo na sa BIR.

[windrider12]

I am working for the government right now.. i'm a nurse, i work in a government hospital....