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April - June 2009
The enormity and complexity of the responsibilities of a leader are overwhelming. Yet because of the intense desire to bring about relevant changes to the lives of the constituents, I continue to bravely trudge the path towards were the fulfillment of a dream would lead me; and that is to see Sorsogon City as a haven of economic freedom and stability.
I was deeply inspired by one of the passages in the biography of Susan G. Anthony, a prominent civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in the 19th century Women’s Rights Movement to introduce women’s suffrage in the United States, saying that “cautious, careful people, always casting about the preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world’s estimation and publicity and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathy with despised and persecuted ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences.”
I have always been the subject of destructive criticisms, especially when I started to implement development programs that were before perceived as impossible to bring to Sorsogon City. All throughout the difficult times, I stood firm and determined in my commitment of introducing reforms. The precious moments that were wasted have to be restored so that the entire constituencies shall be able to experience the joys of having a good life.
The good life that I am speaking of is not about a life of material bliss; rather, I want to teach my people that a good life is when you were able to say that you have finally given your best to the world. This, my fellow Sorsoganons is the best that life can offer. A good life is not about longevity. It is about how well you live your life to the very end, no matter how short it may be. As Albert Einstein puts it, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”
As I continue to strive harder for the people of Sorsogon City, I want to share the inspiration of courage, determination, and faith in all endeavors. Let us prove our detractors wrong and be proud in saying sararo, sarabay kita sa progreso!
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January - March 2009
Confucius once said, “My grandfather said there are two kinds of leaders. Those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me; try to be in the first group. There is much less competition.” When I assumed office as mayor of Sorsogon City, change was the battle cry of our people. We wanted progress and want it done, quickly and efficiently. Thus, my administration took on a stand to address the people’s aspirations for a better life and better society. We zeroed in on specific problems that urgently needed to be addressed but no political leader dared before: renovation of the public market and construction of water waste treatment facility which shall recycle waste water from the market itself, implementation of one way traffic scheme to solve the burgeoning traffic in the city proper, and formation of marine sanctuaries and enforcing law against illegal fishing to protect our seas, among others. But the greatest challenge is the moral upliftment of all Sorsogueños. We can only attain the change we want through the positive and active involvement of our people in our projects. Each one of us has a responsibility towards our fellowmen and our society. If we do not fully comprehend our duty, then no amount of money poured into projects or hard work from our leaders can ever create change and progress. The time is here and now. We must all act together and take part in the development of the City that we all love. In unity, there is strength. Together. sararo, sarabay kita sa progreso!
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