LAST Saturday, June 29, 2019, newly-elected local officials of Pampanga took their oath before Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the outgoing House Speaker. Officially yesterday, at noon of June 30 marked the start of the elected officials’ fresh mandate as they assume their respective offices they won last May’s election.
Having a fresh start in any endeavor marks enthusiasm, aggressiveness and zeal, especially for those who are having their “first times” on elective positions and for those who are first-timers on their new positions. The excitement to serve is there. They have to take note however that starting it right is important as they have three years to serve people right before another election sets in.
Three years is a short period to many in terms of their programs and projects and their aspirations to make some changes in the local government units they head. On infrastructures, they need to source out funds prior to the actual implementation of tangible projects.
New mandates to lead, to rule means new programs of government. Although elected officials have their own priorities, they all redound to the benefit and welfare of their constituents. Mostly, these are pro-marginalized as they see that the underprivileged are the first ones to be served.
As they embark on their fresh terms of offices, elected officials should always bear in mind that they are there because of the people’s votes. Their power and authority to sit as local elected leader comes from the people they ought to serve.
One good thing with new set of leaders are the new projects that are new to the eyes of the public. New ones bear new programs that are new to the public. On the other hand, what is good for those who will just continue their term or terms after refreshing their mandates will result into the continuity of their projects. This means, they can improve or add to what they have started.
Having sets of new leaders or new mandates for the old ones is a sign of a democracy that is alive in the country. This is the very essence of it, having our right to choose who will lead us and deliver us the services that we need and exercising such right.
New terms or new mandates entail the expectations and anticipations of the people for services that are truly worthy and that give meaning to good governance. We may have many meanings of good governance but the very substance of such for me is seeing people having direct or indirect benefits from our elected leaders. It doesn’t matter whether we voted for them or not. What is important is that they deliver.
Our local officials who are new or otherwise and who were given three years to serve us shall face various challenges of their leadership that is living up to the expectations of the public. We keep our fingers crossed that what they have promised shall be fulfilled. What they have aspired for shall have their meanings in public service.
Congratulations to our new set of leaders!
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