THERE’S one thing good that this pandemic brought for politicians. Some seized the opportunity and showed how superb they can handle a problematic situation. Their constituents discovered who can be relied upon in an emergencies. Too much personal sacrifices and the tremendous pressure exerted upon them governors and mayors, including barangay chairpersons during this pandemic. The corona virus is the lion and governance is the lamb in this situation. In all this time with the present conditions, only genuine leaders have strong resolve and exemplary devotion to duty their constituents. The situation demanded a great deal of attention from leaders. I took notice of them and my numerous friends too.
Until today, I still stand on my choices of leaders who remarkably performed their tasks in this almost two years of virus raging. They should be given leadership awards because they exhibited competence, aggressiveness and efficiency. First in the list of course is Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda who leads in many categories and followed by City Mayors Pogi Lazatin and Cris Garbo of Angeles and Mabalacat, respectively. Included also in my personal list are Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang, Candaba Mayor Rene Maglanque, Bacolor Mayor Diman Datu, Porac Mayor Jing Capil, Florida Blanca Mayor Darwin Manalansan, Lubao Mayor Esmeralda Pineda, Apalit Mayor Jun Tetangco, Sto Tomas Mayor Gloria Ninang Ronquillo, Minalin Mayor Edgardo Flores and Magalang Mayor Romeo Pecson. In my assessment, they are exceptional and outstanding. The choice is concurred by friends from media and civic groups. They deserve an applause from their constituents.
In Angeles City, where I live and served for some years, I take great pride on how Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. is handling the situation. He is a consumate worker and resolute. Mayor Pogi Lazatin already spent more than two years in office and there are still several challenges he is confronted with aside from the pandemic. Now Omicron is lurking.
Lazatin’s first few days wasn’t without the usual gestation period. But what is admirable of him is that he is a hands-on executive. He reports to work almost daily, unlike most whom I know reports for work on Mondays only. First to arrive in the office, and many times the last to leave. I believe it is not for show or just because he is new in his work and still excited. It is his nature. He is consistent. He is very punctual. In his six years being a member of city council I was witness to his dedication.