A Rant on Inefficiency
I have yet to deal with a government agency that comes close to receiving a passing grade from me. For some reason, many of our government offices (if not all) seem to consider being efficient and giving excellent service such an unbecoming act by a public servant.
Case in point: phone manners
Call them up for something that does not even require a technical expertise, and it would take you at least three days before your phone call gets answered (in many agencies, this is not an exaggeration). And if, for some miracle, someone does pick up your call, that person would tell you the one who could answer your query or concern is not in the office. He or she would then proceed to tell you to call the next day, or the following week, without even trying to understand what your problem is (as he or she would cut you while you are explaining your predicament), and without even pausing to reflect if your problem is something he or someone else in the office could actually attend to.
This has happened to me many times, and it has just happened a few minutes ago. It’s just so annoying.
I’ve worked in different private offices for almost a decade (eight years to be exact), and while I’ve seen some weaknesses in their systems as well, they’re nothing compared to what we experience from government offices. For one, calls you make to private offices are almost always answered. Missed calls are returned. And, people who take calls, even if they are not the one in charged (of whatever your concern is), would always listen to you and see if someone else can come to your aide. If the person you are looking for is away (and you really need to talk to that particular person), they would take your number and would ask the person to make a return call.
Sadly, I have yet to experience being afforded that kind of courtesy from any government office. To think that I am among the millions of taxpayers who are paying for their salaries.
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November 10th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Try this Buddy:
Hello, this is Malacanang calling….
November 10th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
one word: bureaucracy
welcome to the real world
hehe
have a great week ahead
stay safe!
raft3r’s last blog post..Won’t Get Fooled Again
November 10th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Hey VF! When that happens, I’d know that something must have become very wrong, indeed….
… or maybe a great miracle had happened.
Hmm… I haven’t made up my mind yet.
Which is which? Help!
November 11th, 2008 at 1:14 am
Hey Rafter! Naku friend, sinabi mo.
Minsan nga, before dealing with them, nire-remind ko na yung sarili ko na govt sila, so i should expect na mabagal kumilos, etc.
So nagbibigay na ako ng ridiculous na alawans para hindi uminit ulo ko.
But you know what, there had been instances na super kulang pa yung allowance na binigay ko! What you can normally do in 30 minutes sa private offices, aabutin ng more than half day sa govt! Kaloka!
November 11th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
hi ate!:-) thanks a lot for the great comment. IT’s overwhelming to find a good friend on the net, especially one found through the blogging world. I have finished the story and was able to critique it to my good friend. Dami ko pa gustong ayusin, since it is just a draft. (note: it was a story assignment for an online writing stint) Ill be keeping it and hopefully, “restructure” it. My friend suggested readings to be familiar with writing styles. And will mull over them when I have time:-)
Haaaay..thanks a lot a. Regarding the career. Hmm…can i just make kwento na rin?
Hmm, ikaw lang ang sasabihan ko nito, kasi, I don’t really like the wjole world to know na din. Hehe, since I feel comfortable already to tell some thoughts.
Ayun, about the career change. Ever since, I always wanted to be a writer, kaya lng, when I graduated from college, I decided to work in a call center because of the high pay. I set aside putting into practice writing( fyi, I graduated journalism)since I have responsiblities to fulfill in my family.
BUt now, I feel like I have taken so much time with aworking environment which is challenging, but not really my cup of tea.
I feel like taking the plunge into a writing career. BUt I feel afraid, since I have to start all over again, and I need to adjust, especially in terms of helping my family financially.
Another year is going to end, and I feel like starting the new year with the career which I have been dreaming to be in for almost a lifetime should see its day.
Haaaay…
Just some extensive thoughts to tell you!:-)
nyanya’s last blog post..random thoughts this sunday
November 11th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
hmm…i have those set of experiences with government agencies. I was also able to blog about it a year ago, and what I must say, government agencies can make your blood rise to extreme levels. It’s red tape.. Which is a product of regulation loopholes + low salary given to its employees + de-motivated employees/workers.
I’m fed up na din with dealing with some government agencies.:-(
nyanya’s last blog post..random thoughts this sunday
November 11th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I agree with the above comment. It’s bureaucracy, and to be honest, it’s universal. Sometimes it’s the result of simple laziness, other times it’s some worker who themselves have been worn down by the system they work for, and in a not-so-diplomatic way, find it more comfortable to pass the problem on to someone else. I understand your frustration — it occurs everywhere. The bottom line is people should treat people the way they themselves wish to be treated.
Robert Aquino Dollesin’s last blog post..Leopard
November 11th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I wonder what regular people like us can do about it.
Niel’s last blog post..Doll Inventory (Part 1)
November 12th, 2008 at 12:38 am
Government agencies are the same everywhere! I have yet to find one that I think is decent or efficient.
almostloved’s last blog post..date with temptation
November 12th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
It’s no better in the UK! The bureaucracy here is terrifying, being kept on hold for an HOUR on the telephone is one thing I’ve had happen, and I didn’t dare put down the phone as I knew I’d lose my place in the queue. Having very important papers lost is another. Actually can we talk about banks too? The rudeness of my bank for 15 years made me switch. the new one seems far less troublesome but I still hate it when I know I have an enquiry or other dealing with them that I can’t put off.
You know who I never had trouble with? THE TAX MAN!
lol, of all the bureaucrats he is the only one who has ever behaved decently and helpfully to me, who would have guessed 
November 12th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
I agree with you. I’ve experienced this answer many times, “The person who is handling this matter is on leave.”
What? You mean there’s nobody to take over while he’s on vacation?!
Btw, thanks for your comments in my blog, I appreciate it very much.
zunnur’s last blog post..My Last Words
November 13th, 2008 at 1:13 am
I think we should have our own login and password so we can just do it all ourselves…
November 13th, 2008 at 3:30 am
oh well. what more can i say. thats the kind of system our government has and it has been pulling our economy downhill. still hopinf there would be a change. somehow…
jhum’s last blog post..poetry and photography… part 2
November 13th, 2008 at 4:13 am
For a moment I thought you were writing about England and our Civil(?) Servants (the last thing they do is serve)
Seems it’s the same the world over.
henry
ps: Sorry I haven’t been around for a while…work overload I’m afraid.
November 13th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Hello! Good morning!
Looks like we have the same experiences!
Niel, that’s a very good question. What can we do? I cannot think of a good answer.
Hi Robert. I agree with you. I think, no matter how much they (and us) are fed up with the system, we should still treat people the way they should be treated — with respect.
I’m thinking, if they are so fed up with the system, why do they stay — and pass on to us their discontent or whatever it is? I think it’s the system that breeds this very kind of people. The security that they have makes them lenient. Or it could be the lack of competition. In government agencies, we talk more of tenure than competence. So all they have to count is the years they have served, not how well they have served.
I remember when, for a short while, government offices were open only Mondays through Thursdays. The employees had to stay longer hours per day to cover the Friday that they don’t have to go to work. So they had to work until 6:30, I think. An officemate whose mother was a government executive had been exasperated, telling us that by the time the clock turned 5pm, her mother and the rest in that office would already be packing or playing some kind of sports.
So are they really overworked? I don’t think so. Everytime I go to government office, I notice several things in common: the employees are most likely not on their desks, or, if they are, there will always be chatter — so while working they are talking about small things, with one or two completely not working, fully concentrated on the chatter… while you wait there, because the person who can attend to you is not on his or her desk, or because it’s taking him or her a long time to work on your request. Or worst, while you wait for your turn to be served — on a very long queue!
Another thing is perhaps their promotion system. You get promoted when you attend seminars, or you pursue higher education, or you get published (even if the paper that published your work is a tabloid
), and NOT on how great you are in your job, or how satisfied people are in your performance. If only they review their promotion system, and if only there is competition from within, perhaps they will smarten up. I hope! 
November 13th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Hi almostloved and Henry! Honestly, I am shocked to read your and the others’ comments about it’s being the same all in your countries. I thought we had the monopoly of an inefficient system!
I don’t know if I should sigh with relief (because we’re not alone) or to be sadder (because apparently, while I am exasperated where I am, there are others who are feeling the same way. Who would console me?
) Or how about because apparently, I cannot escape the system of ineffciency because it seems to be a worldwide affair? 
November 13th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Bird! Welcome back, my friend! It’s so nice to see you here again! Your comment about the tax man cracked me up!
Hi ZunnurOh, thank you for coming over! I deeply appreciate it. I hope you’d stay around. Yeah, you made a great point there! I can’t understand how people could actually tell you the person who can attend to you is on leave without blushing! Where I worked, if you go on leave, someone needs to take over. Otherwise, your department will be crippled!
Helmey!Welcome, friend! Hahaha! Your comment is a crack up! Indeed! Hehehehehhehehe. But come to think of it, I think that would work, like in big banks where we have passwords and login and we do our business online. Hmmmm! No, perhaps it’s not a crack up. It’s a great idea. Only, the government people might not like it. They’ll lose their job!
Hi JhumYes, let’s hope for change. I still believe it’ll come. Yeah, I’m an optimist.
Hi Henry! Its so nice to have you again! Goodluck with work my friend. But do try to find time to rest.
Hey Nyanya! I wanna read that blog of yours about govt agencies. I don’t blame you for getting fed up with them. I’m guessing it’s music to their ears to know people are annoyed with their brand of service. Hmmm
I’m drafting my response to your other post up there. It’s kinda long.
November 13th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
madalas ganito ang dialogue ng nanay ko sa mga yan.
“ayaw mo ba ng trabaho mo? mag-resign ka! hindi ako nagbabayad ng tax para pandilatan/ isnabin/ at sigaw-sigawan mo ha!
naku ilang beses ko ng inaawat nanay ko sa mga pakikipag-away niyang ganyan. Pero diba tama naman siya. huli kong nakitang ginanyan niya iyong receptionist o secretary sa isang tanggapan sa Camp Crame.
hitokirihoshi_kawaii’s last blog post..Best friend, wer n u?
November 15th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
hi. nakakalungkot mang isipin pero yan ang cancer na sumisira sa mga government agencies.
i like the idea of helmey self service nalang..hehe
November 17th, 2008 at 4:55 am
Hi - papa here!
A retired federal government employee who was employed w/a USA government agency for over 20 years. I appreciated the tax payer dollars who paid my salary and now my retirement check!! 
So all you USA tax payers, keep paying those taxes - please?!! 
Mama needs your tax dollars to buy papa a nice Christmas gift!! 
Indian Lake Papa’s last blog post..Our Church - Our Family
November 17th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
One public office that is full of egoist and egotist people is the DFA and its satellite offices abroad, Philippine Embassies. Absentee ranking officials and or signatory officers should learn to endorse their authority to whoever is left in the establishment. Common worst scenario in our embassies is that the ranking officials are always late to arrive and first to go home –just as when you need them most!
Ah, there goes the saying –PA-importante!
Ei, BT, try this with a big, firm voice and you’ll get a red carpet reception: Allo, I want to donate….
[So you see, pa-importante is all you need to get their attention!]
November 17th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
ewan ko ba
ang hirap talaga nila ka-deal
paminsan isip ko baka sa liit ng sahod nila kaya ganon
pero hindi rin, eh
i have been to govt agencies na balitang ok ang sahod, pero ganon din ang serbisyo nila
lousy, as ever
raft3r’s last blog post..The Bitch Is Back
November 18th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Oh! it used to happen a lot(still happens) in India. I call it the slave mentality. The British came, took what they could and left the country to the “natives” but the natives think the other Natives are their slaves. I havent yet figured why its so tough to understand that how a person acts and behaves is a reflection of how much respect he/she has for their own country.
I hope you got your job done inspite of the unnecessary delay. :). Have a wonderful week.
November 19th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
so bakit nga kya majority ng mga tao sa gobyerno ganyan ang asal? Surely we have some friends or relatives who knows someone working there… pero anu nga ba magagawa nateng pangkarinawang mamayang para gayahin nila mga nagtatrabaho sa private sector? hmmm
vhincent’s last blog post..Slight Changes at chizmosa lounge
November 19th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Tom’s last blog post..Memoirs of a Psychic Investigator: the bouncing idol
November 20th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Hello friends! Sorry, I’ve been unable to respond to your comments! I hope you know I appreciate your comments! Very much!
Hito Hehehe. Minsan, hindi mo rin kasi talaga maiwasan ang sobrang mainis. Heheh. Tuwa ako sa nanay mo!
Eli. Cancer. Yes, it is. Malignant cancer, with a very poor prognosis!
Self-service, pwede pa! Haha!
Hi Papa!
I’m sorry about the rants, but… well… it’s nothing personal. I have friends who work in the government. And they also complain…
…of their inefficiency.
I think it’s good that you are here. Honestly, I am shocked at the comments. It never occured to me that this problem might be universal. But many of the commenters are saying it is.
I am wondering… from the point of view of someone who had come from within, what do you think might the problem be?
Perhaps we will understand better.
November 21st, 2008 at 12:02 am
The comment about the tax… I am sad I have to make that… but when you get an annoyingly poor service from the people who are paid by the people’s taxes, and if you know that more than half of your tax are being corrupted, and you see that there is a lot to be desired in your government buildings, in the facilities and equipment, and you read everyday in the papers that millions of your countrymen are getting hungry while your government offcials flaunt their wealth and go shaming themselves in a foreign country, bringing with them large amount of undeclared people’s money, and you know CHANGE is almost impossible, perhaps not in this century for us, and then you read in the papers that two years before elections, many of your government officials have already started campaining, and you are there waiting — completely being ignored, cut off, or being made to wait for a ridiculously long time — you will remember every deduction in your monthly salary — and you’ll feel bad realizing where it went — to pay for the inefficient service you are getting.
November 21st, 2008 at 12:10 am
Ah, yes VF! The government is unbelievely fast when it knows it’s gonna get cash out of your wallet. You’ll be treated like a royal family. When was the last time a politician approached you? Hehehe. Shucks!
Rafter I don’t think it’s in the salary. I know of people in private offices who are paid very low, yet their service is good. I thik it’s the culture within.
I worked as a student assistant for two years. In that university, if you requested for a true copy of grades (that was about a decade ago, the system wasn’t computerized then), you’d be asked to come back after two or three days. I always wondered why because a TCG could be prepared in 5 minutes (provided all the records are in order — which should be) even if it was done manually.
And hear this. Whenever I got a TCG request, I would do it asap. Then one of my supervisors told me not to, because people might realize it was actually easy to do!
November 21st, 2008 at 12:21 am
Mysoul! How are you? It’s been a long time!
Ah, being colonized do change us as a people. Usually in a negative way! 
No, I wasn’t able to get something from them. I tried to find other means. A private entity! 
Vhincent!How are you? It’s been such a loooong time! I hope your baby’s fine? I have some relatives who worked for the government. Which makes me wonder… hmmm…
Hi Tom!I’m sure there are good workers there as well. Efficient. But I think the system eventually destroys them. Or the culture.
February 27th, 2009 at 4:45 am
…..Don’t ask what the government can do for you……..
…..I promise you they gonna hear from us!…..they did…..
…..We need change!…..Let’s start it guys…..!
September 9th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog. :) Cheers! Sandra. R.