by ES Subong

Iloilo City (12 October) -- National Security Adviser Norberto B. Gonzales told officers and members of the Regional National Government Executives (RANGE) and othet government officials in his dialogue with them, that as public servants they are the foundation of good governance.

Secretary Gonzales was in Iloilo City in his series of trips to dialogue with national executives, local government units and the media on what he calls "understanding the fundamentals of love of country in order to accept change and reach our aspirations."

Gonzales also said that it is the quality of the bureaucracy that brings the nation to its peak, as he added that it is the bureaucracy that can make the aspiration of the Arroyo Administration to bring the country into the First World category, a reality.

He said that the fundamentals of good government and love of country are tools against corruption.

"It is a matter of our young people, of Filipinos being taught and trained on love of country, on how to defend the country, that can battle corruption," Gonzales said.

He further urged the government executives to bring to him their concerns and how they would want him to help them in starting out an internal campaign to cleanse their ranks of graft and corruption and make them serve the country better.

Presidential Assistant for Panay and Guimaras, Dr. Raul Banias, for his part, said in his message during the forum, that security is not just pertaining to being free or prepared for threats of invasion and violence, but also one that is being brought about by efficient and effective, as well as comprehensive provision of services like health, education, nutrition, and other social welfare and human resource services.

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 6 Director and RANGE President Atty. Janet C, Mesa said the dialogue was facilitated by the RANGE for its members to forge a concerted action for good governance and strengthen the framework of democracy through government procedures and services and contribute to the efforts of national security.