Pelayo: Candaba’s ‘John Lloyd’ to help DA



THIS person comes from a relatively small town in Pampanga but his name became known across the seas and he knows that he is destined for something big for our country. His strong will and determination never failed him to overcome any obstacle that comes to his life. Truly, you cannot put a good man down. It’s the most fitting way to describe former Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo as he never stopped helping his fellow countrymen even beyond politics. It’s his destiny. And destiny would let us meet again after so many years.

Perhaps, it is also destiny that people would call us “John Lloyd” referring to actor John Lloyd Cruz. Kuya Jerry would be the John Lloyd of Candaba while the last time people somehow saw a resemblance of me with John Lloyd was when I was still in my 20s when “Tabing Ilog” series was still being aired on TV. That moniker of mine disappeared for a while when my hairstyle went permanently vanished but it somehow got revived during my campaign last May election. Some may have questioned the resemblance but my kumare, first time councilor and actress Jaycee Parker-Aguas, agrees that I still look like the matinee idol. Another noticeable similarity that Mayor Jerry and I have other than high hairline is that we are both Pelayos with J’s on the first name. But the major quality that we both possess is that we have the heart to serve and we also have the loyalty to people with moral excellence.

The pain of dirty politics did not hinder Jerry Pelayo’s grit in public service. As a matter of fact, he is happily inclined to offer his heavy knowledge and great expertise to the Department of Agriculture. Mayor Jerry is a known lover of nature, an enthusiast in agriculture and a teacher of livelihood opportunities. I still remember when I was still a TV reporter I asked most LGU leaders on how are they putting up during one rainy season when most of 4th district got affected by flood water. Many of them were pleading assistance from the national government. Only one mayor had a very unique answer when I asked the same question and that was Mayor Jerry Pelayo. He said that the people of Candaba are not new to flood water and that some are even looking forward to the season because it gives them a chance to fish. He simply converted calamity into an opportunity.

With his new role, he is expected to meet the LGUs around the Philippines to help in addressing the DA’s challenges and the needs of our fellow countrymen concerning agriculture. On his recent radio interview on RW95.1FM with fellow broadcasters Perry Pangan and Boy Santiago, the former mayor told that the DA has created a Technical Advisory Group composed of experts to assist in recommending possible strategies to consider by the department.

Pelayo also discussed about the importance of full cooperation and compliance of all in defeating the spread of African Swine Fever here in our country. Kuya Jerry is ready to meet with the LGUs and have a dialogue with the local leaders in order to once and for all get the better of this dreaded virus affecting the pork industry.

With Kuya Jerry on board with his new part in the national government, I am very optimistic that he will make another remarkable performance and that his name will again be heard by the Filipinos as they will witness how true public service must be exercised by a genuine Kapampangan leader.

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Kuya J Pelayo IV is a Kapampangan broadcast journalist. For comments and suggestions, e-mail at 4th.pelayo@gmail.com.

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