Board member puts family first before politics

PORAC -- Incumbent second district Board Member Olga Frances David-Dizon has opted not to run for re-election next year, citing family reasons for her decision.

“People should not make decisions they will regret someday. It doesn’t mean, though, that the decision I will make is the one I want. I am not running for board member in the second district of Pampanga,” David-Dizon said.

She said this is one of the most difficult decisions she has ever made, adding she has already learned the value of public service and has found happiness in helping others as a public official.

“I wanted to continue because I learned that those who have more in life should share. Public service -- especially with Gov. Lilia ‘Nanay Baby’ Pineda -- allowed me to find real happiness in helping and serving, especially to those who have less in life,” David-Dizon said.

David-Dizon is the only daughter of late Board Member Edna David. She formally replaced her mother as board member following the recommendation of the Lakas-CMD Party in 2011 after the elder David succumbed to lung cancer last year.

David-Dizon is the eldest of five siblings of the political family of Porac. Her father Roy David was the town mayor during the early 1990s. She is married to businessman Ruben Dizon Jr.

“I have understood now why my late parents Roy and Edna loved to serve. We were more than blessed and giving back something to the people made them fulfilled. I love my husband and children. The problem is, Bench and Iya need me more because they are still young. It's a very personal decision. I am retiring in order to spend more time with my family because I love them very much,” she said.

David-Dizon said the public service mission started by her parents would still live on with Vice Mayor Dexter David of Porac town who is set to run for reelection in May 2013.

David-Dizon had been repeatedly asked by Governor Pineda to seek reelection but notwithstanding the clamor from constituents and friends, she opted to put family as first in her priorities.

“Someday, who knows? When my children are mature enough, I may serve my kabalens again,” David-Dizon said.