As we move into 2026, many Filipinos may find their well-intentioned New Year's resolutions already fading. The common practice of writing promises "on water" leads to forgotten pledges. However, for those genuinely committed to building a better self or a better Philippines, a strategic approach grounded in clarity, prioritization, and accountability can make all the difference.
1. Make Resolutions Measurable and Specific
The first step to successful change is moving beyond vague intentions. A goal like "character change" or "a more healthy lifestyle" is too broad to track. To be effective, resolutions must be concrete and measurable.
For instance, instead of a general health goal, a specific resolution would be: "I will jog twice a week for an hour, refrain from eating lechon, and visit the doctor twice a year." Similarly, limiting daily cell phone use to less than an hour and a half provides a clear target. This precision transforms a wish into an actionable plan.
2. Clarify Conflicting Priorities
It is common for resolutions to clash with one another. A person might aim to earn more money while also vowing to spend more time with family. Often, the pursuit of greater income pulls one away from loved ones.
The solution is to establish a clear hierarchy of values from the outset. One must decide which goal takes precedence. In this example, presence in family affairs should be ranked above business-related concerns. This principle applies equally to national affairs. The country must define its priorities, such as choosing ecological sustainability over short-term monetary gains, local employment over labor export, and investing in health and education over projects like 'Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo.' Social justice should also be prioritized over a narrow focus on counter-insurgency.
3. Set Realistic and Public Time Frames
Perhaps the most critical element for accountability is setting a definitive time frame. Vague promises are easy to ignore. History shows that even public figures with specific deadlines often fail to deliver.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte, for example, promised to eliminate the drug problem in three to six months, among other time-bound pledges on issues like rice cartels and traffic decongestion. His term ended without these solutions materializing. The current administration appears to follow a similar pattern. The National Government pledged to jail so-called "big fishes" before December 15, 2025, yet figures like Chiz Escudero and Joel Villanueva remain free.
On a local level, successive Cebu City mayors have provided specific timelines for the completion of the Cebu City Medical Center and the operationalization of the Bus Rapid Transit. However, the actual completion dates grow murkier daily.
The answer is not to avoid deadlines but to set them responsibly. Public time frames demonstrate a willingness to be judged by constituents. They must stem from rational analysis, not bravado, and once set, every effort must be made to adhere to them. This principle extends beyond politics. For instance, the new Archbishop of Cebu, Alberto Uy, is commended for revitalizing efforts to establish a standardized living allowance for the clergy. While the sensitive issue shouldn't be rushed, it is trusted that he has a definite, albeit undisclosed, timeline in mind.
Avoiding a Sisyphean Fate
The journey toward a better self or nation need not be a Sisyphean labor—a futile, repetitive task like pushing a rock up a hill only to watch it roll down again. By applying these principles of measurable goals, clear priorities, and accountable timelines, both individuals and the nation can break the cycle of unfulfilled promises. The challenge for 2026 is to ensure our personal and collective histories do not merely repeat themselves, but chart a new, achievable course forward.
