‘Religious’ Government Offices

A couple of months ago, I went to Pag-Ibig Fund in Caloocan City branch to pay my dues. I noticed an altar in one of its offices at the second floor. The scenario is a strong imagery of a dominant religion’s inevitable influence in the government in terms of space.

An Altar at Pag-ibig (HDMF) Caloocan City Branch

Apart from being proud of one’s religion or projecting an image of religiosity, could this also be an intentional ploy for image management to subtly tell its members that our government is doing its job well because we respect God hence we have integrity? I opt not to be pessimistic because so far, compared with other government agencies that I have dealt with, I could really say that Pag-Ibig is quite organized and well-run.

In Valenzuela City, it is also a unique culture of its local government employees to display their faith. On Mondays, during flag raising ceremonies, bible verses are read and reflected on by certain Christian pastors. On Fridays, almost always without skip, Friday masses are held in different venues – AVR, amphitheatre, lobby, tax payer’s lounge, etc. I also learned that there are certain offices at the Geronimo Angeles Building (the Finance Building) that briefly pause their operation every afternoon for the three o’clock habit. While the radio is turned on and the loud prayer flutters on the airwaves, the employees stop whatever it is that they’re doing, for them to feel the presence of the Lord in their work space. If you’re a taxpayer who’d get to chance upon this scene, you’d probably quiver inside.

The 3 O'clock Prayer
Source: Pinterest

In our country, we often hear the notion of “Separation of Church and State.” Some say this should be reinforced, whatever this implies. The concept is profound and may be debatable. From a sheer observer’s perspective, most especially in small-scale practices, I see no harm in diligently exercising your faith. If your religion can guide you and remind you each day to behave accordingly and be upright in all government transactions, not only will you become a model employee of the institution you’re in, you’ll also become an effective handmaid of the Lord. It’s a win-win, whichever angle you look at.