THERE is a forthcoming book that everyone should read, especially in these times of chaos, apathy and hopelessness. The book, aptly entitled “Equipped for Battle” is a virtual primer on active citizen involvement in local governance and community development. It is written by Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao, former Finance Secretary in the Aquino Administration who later established the prestigious University of Asia and the Pacific and is now the Founding Chairman of the Institute for Solidarity in Asia.

        He has been in Naga City for several occasions now, mainly for his research and collaborative work and constant dialogues with Mayor Jesse Robredo, other city officials and the different sectors in the city in the advancement of good governance. He likes himself to be called an adopted son of the city even as he expresses admiration for the Nagueños’ genuine pursuit to become good citizens for the sake of the city and the nation.

        The brilliant technocrat and academician prefaces his book by stressing that almost everyone talks about the urgent need for good governance in our country today. “But good governance has to be supported and complemented by something that, unfortunately, is much less widely emphasized. That crucial element is “responsible citizenship”, Estanislao explains.

        Essaying further in the succeeding chapters of his book, Estanislao points out that in the midst of today’s messy landscape, the message of responsive, faithful, and responsible citizenship becomes attractive; is timely and is the demand of the times.

        But while the message is attractive, there is yet another hurdle to surmount: the messenger should be attractive as well. “How can we make ourselves, as messengers of this kind of citizenship, all that much more attractive?” he asks.

        The author himself prescribes the three Cs:

        Charity. Other people must see and feel that we truly care for them and for the country. They should get the message not from what we say only, but above all from what we do. Our love and commitment to service must shine through our example and our life.

        Clarity. We should be clear about where we stand. We cannot be wishy-washy. We cannot flip-flop on important issues and key demands connected with steady, responsible citizenship.

        Creativity. We need to be more creative in trying to convince our people about the imperative of living and working accordingly. We need to reach out to others with a sense of urgency and with deep conviction: our country is on fire, and we all need to work together more effectively to put out the blaze. Then we must begin to the long, sometimes tedious task of rebuilding our nation. And let us not forget: we need to get people to the cause of committed, responsible citizenship, not only through their mind but also through their heart. The author stresses that it is not only their cold rational conviction we need, but also their hot emotional commitment. In other words, we must get our fellow citizens to commit their entire being to the cause of our country and our people. Many great nations have done that and there is no reason why we can’t.

        Indeed, this country moves slowly, if not in disarray, because we forget the basic, easier things to be done to get us to where we are going. In governance and nation-building, responsible citizenship should always be the first step. Reading Dr. Estanislao’s book will greatly help, especially for those who have forgotten what good citizenship is.