Ramon Magsaysay, the Philippine President, was inspecting a new irrigation project on the island of Mindanao. The President was worried about the project since the supply of pumps from abroad was delayed. But on arriving at the spot he noted that the project had been well ahead of schedule. He was told that some old US diesel trucks had been bought, torn apart and adapted to work in place of the pumps that had not yet arrived.
The President sent for the public works engineer. "Are you responsible for this?" he asked, pointing to the improvised pumps.
"Yes, sir," the engineer replied, not without misgivings. For it was he who had bought the old trucks and gone ahead on his own.
"Raise your right hand," ordered the President.
Wondering what next, the engineer raised his hand.
"Repeat after me this oath of office," said the President, beaming. And the astonished engineer found himself being sworn in as Under Secretary of Public Works!
