The Chinese proverb “To know the road ahead, ask those coming back” is expressed in Mandarin as: (yù zhī qián lù, wèn guī lái rén). In Waray-waray, these roughly translates to; Para han maupay nga pagmalakaton, pakianhi an umagi na!
This proverb emphasizes the wisdom of learning from those with experience. It suggests that if you want to understand what lies ahead, you should consult people who have already traveled that path.
In the field of Governance, it is important to tap old wisdom and even people with experience on the field or in the arena of the profession.
This proverb aligns with evidence-based governance—the idea that decisions should be grounded in data, history, and expert consultation. It encourages humility in leadership: acknowledging that wisdom often lies with those who have already faced the journey.
Thus, in our field of Public Governance or any Leadership position, the lessons of the past , the mistakes of long-ago are vital lessons to prevent history ofr bad history repeating itself.
Thus, this year, 2026, let these proverb be a guidepost, to ask those who are coming back. What have been the lessons learned on the people who once lead and are now retired. The experience and knowledge picked up along the way are indispensable and can be applied today.
In the Career Executive Service Board, our assessors are mostly Cabinet Officials with sterling records and had been at the forefront of Good Governance who sown great seeds without allowing themselves to the contaminants of corruption that abounds.
They can be resource persons, experts and mentors of our youth and rising leaders. They may be coming back, but they have been there and they have survived the grind, unadulterated and yes, they have overcome the temptations!
