Appreciating one's beginnings
3:53 AM at 3:53 AM Filed under: Author:
Let us hone young people's skills to make them part of the quality manpower coming from the City of Iloilo. LEX is the inspirational speaker during the IT Academy official opening and office ribbon cutting
A blessing before the ribbon cutting in John B. Lacson University Molo
LEX Spoke in front of thousands of Iloilo National High School students immediately after the 2007 electionsNovember 4, 2008
In our beloved country, the Philippines, there is a saying that one can not reach his goal if he does not know how to appreciate and look back on where he came from and the people who have helped him along the way.
Yesterday, I had another chance to look back and be grateful of the chance given to me as a teacher/lecturer/professor in a number of universities in Iloilo City when I decided to become a City resident in late 2005, particularly, John B. Lacson University. It was a privilege and honor to be invited as the guest of honor in the formal opening of the former IT Training Center of the school that has now become an independent IT Training Academy.
I was a lecturer/trainer of the former IT Training Center from years 2005 and 2006. I was glad to have been given the opportunity as I was able to hone my skills in teaching, deal with different kinds of people and appreciate the hardships and joys of teaching. During my teaching stint in John B. Lacson University, I was glad to have met awesome students who had great potential. I couldn't forget also the letters and good words sent and given to me by my past students who thanked me alot for having had a good impact in their lives. This was also true with the other schools I was given the opportunity to teach from years 2005 until mid 2008, Iloilo National High School and the Philippine Christian University. I had students from different backgrounds and different ages. I am very much elated that even up to this day, I hear kind words from them of my impact in their life.
I always believe that one cannot reach a certain level of success without the help and support of others. Even in my alma maters, namely, La Salle Green Hills, Ateneo De Manila University and the University of the Philippines - Diliman Campus, I try to visit at least once or twice a year just to keep in touch with the teachers and staff who have been part of my life. Just like with my old friends and family members who live in Manila and abroad, I try to keep in touch through text, Friendster, MySpace, Multiply, Facebook, email or yahoo messenger. Also in my political career, I keep in touch with those who supported me in 2007 by going around barangays during barangay events or even finding time to just visit them. I value most the people who were there for me and placed their early bets on me even if it wasn't the safest thing to do when I was still a nobody and a seemingly unknown city personality.
Let us appreciate people, things, events and places that have helped in molding who we are right now and that have led us to a certain level of success we are in at this point in our lives. Let us show these people and institutions our gratitude and let us show them due recognition and importance.
I will always find time to look back at where I came from and be thankful of where I am now. The gratitude will always be present.
Yesterday, I had another chance to look back and be grateful of the chance given to me as a teacher/lecturer/professor in a number of universities in Iloilo City when I decided to become a City resident in late 2005, particularly, John B. Lacson University. It was a privilege and honor to be invited as the guest of honor in the formal opening of the former IT Training Center of the school that has now become an independent IT Training Academy.
I was a lecturer/trainer of the former IT Training Center from years 2005 and 2006. I was glad to have been given the opportunity as I was able to hone my skills in teaching, deal with different kinds of people and appreciate the hardships and joys of teaching. During my teaching stint in John B. Lacson University, I was glad to have met awesome students who had great potential. I couldn't forget also the letters and good words sent and given to me by my past students who thanked me alot for having had a good impact in their lives. This was also true with the other schools I was given the opportunity to teach from years 2005 until mid 2008, Iloilo National High School and the Philippine Christian University. I had students from different backgrounds and different ages. I am very much elated that even up to this day, I hear kind words from them of my impact in their life.
I always believe that one cannot reach a certain level of success without the help and support of others. Even in my alma maters, namely, La Salle Green Hills, Ateneo De Manila University and the University of the Philippines - Diliman Campus, I try to visit at least once or twice a year just to keep in touch with the teachers and staff who have been part of my life. Just like with my old friends and family members who live in Manila and abroad, I try to keep in touch through text, Friendster, MySpace, Multiply, Facebook, email or yahoo messenger. Also in my political career, I keep in touch with those who supported me in 2007 by going around barangays during barangay events or even finding time to just visit them. I value most the people who were there for me and placed their early bets on me even if it wasn't the safest thing to do when I was still a nobody and a seemingly unknown city personality.
Let us appreciate people, things, events and places that have helped in molding who we are right now and that have led us to a certain level of success we are in at this point in our lives. Let us show these people and institutions our gratitude and let us show them due recognition and importance.
I will always find time to look back at where I came from and be thankful of where I am now. The gratitude will always be present.
Focusing on the Job...and even going beyond
8:06 AM at 8:06 AM Filed under: Author:
Form and Substance is essential. LEX as proclamation speaker, crowning officer and inspirational speaker in I. Arroyo School during the United Nations Celebrations
Inspirational Speaker during the Buntatala School United Nations Event
The Voice of the Youth of Iloilo, City Councilor LEX with the Idol of the Young Filipino, Senator Chiz Escudero
Posed with the men and women of the Department of Social Welfare and Development during a seminar on children
Crowned the Cubay Day Care Center Queen and spoke of the importance of the Unity of the community to raise children well
Proclaiming and then crowning the queen of one of the barangays where I am an adopted son, Brgy. Magsayasay Village, Lapaz, Iloilo City
Awarding the winner for best in talent with SB Member Dee
Guest of Honor and Inspirational Speaker for a Childrens' Tutorial and Talent Training Center
The STC LEX Jobs Fair Caravan was so far the most successful half day jobs fair having approximately 350-500 job applicants who participated in the event
As Chairman of the Committee on Labor and Employment and as Vice Chairman of the Iloilo City Overseas Foreign Workers Economic Council, I believe in bringing the service closest to the people who need it like available jobs
Labor and Employment Exchange (LEX) Jobs Fair Caravan arrives in STC Magdalo CampusOctober 31, 2008
It has been said that to be able to become successful in one's chosen field, commitment, passion, energy, dynamism, excitement and love for one's career are needed.
In my case, there are times when being hectic is a norm. From legislative measures, special projects, my media productions, media exposures, meetings, barangay consultations and events, and school and other event invitations flood my schedule. I really don't mind as long as I keep myself productive and do work that is worthwhile. There are even instances when coming from just a few hours of sleep because of past day's busy schedule, I start my day at 7am to attend to events and other things, and end at 1am the next day.
I always believe that it is better to have numerous invitations that sometimes you are in a hurry to go from place to place rather than no invitations at all. It is a privilege and an honor that many people apparently want to see you or hear you speak. This is what gives me strength and determination to do my job well amidst some distractions that sometimes occur.
Truly, it is better to be busy than to be idle.
In my case, there are times when being hectic is a norm. From legislative measures, special projects, my media productions, media exposures, meetings, barangay consultations and events, and school and other event invitations flood my schedule. I really don't mind as long as I keep myself productive and do work that is worthwhile. There are even instances when coming from just a few hours of sleep because of past day's busy schedule, I start my day at 7am to attend to events and other things, and end at 1am the next day.
I always believe that it is better to have numerous invitations that sometimes you are in a hurry to go from place to place rather than no invitations at all. It is a privilege and an honor that many people apparently want to see you or hear you speak. This is what gives me strength and determination to do my job well amidst some distractions that sometimes occur.
Truly, it is better to be busy than to be idle.
Share Your Blessings
7:46 PM at 7:46 PM Filed under: Author:
Delivered a privilege speech about helping the affected families
Assisting the Doctors during the district medical mission
Organized and sponsored a District Medical Mission immediately after the Typhoon
Visited the evacuees in the evacuation center in JARO GymOctober 27, 2008
Even after 3 months since the tragedy brought about by Typhoon Frank that hit Iloilo City, help and financial assistance from various local government units, international governments and agencies are still coming in. This is something we are very thankful of even if Iloilo City has seemingly already recovered and has moved on.
As Chairman of the Committee on Domestic and International Affairs, it is my duty to develop good relations among various governments and private entities. In my stint, I have already worked for the forging of the sister city relationships between Iloilo City with the following cities locally and abroad: Kaoshung City, Taiwan; Mandaue City, Cebu and Quezon City. I am also working on the strengthening of the existing international and local sister city relationships we have before I became Chairman of the Committee. I am also working closely with Makati City which is one of our sister cities.
The City Government of Quezon City led the numerous local government units, in terms of the amount of financial assistance, by giving us a donation of P2 Million. In the international field,The Government of Spain led the pack of international donors who gave financial assistance, facilities and equipment which is equivalent to about P5 Million. We would also like to thank all the other local and international government units that helped us in our time of need and even private organizations and individuals who helped us out. I am happy that even my Ilonggo friends from Oregon led by Mark and my friends from New York City together with their community sent dollar financial assistance.
It is truly heartwarming to know that the "bayanihan" spirit lives on and that we go out of our way to help a person or in this case a city in need. The best thing is all of the donors didn't need to be asked, they just heartily gave and sent their support.
In times of need, truly real friends are known and seen. As they say, real friends stay when the rest are gone.
Twist of Fate
6:10 PM at 6:10 PM Filed under: Author:
Speaking in front of Mandurriao District day care parents, teachers and baranggay officials
Oath taking officer of the parents association from the various barangays of Jaro District Day Care Centers
Secure leaders empower others according to Dr. Maxwell
The SK Chairmen and SK Kagawad during the Ethics and Public Accountability seminar I sponsored
During the launching of one of my special projects, Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown 2
Guest Speaker during the graduation rites for the 100 hour English proficiency training program
During our Parish Fiesta in my home barangay, MV Hechanova
Guest during the Calaparan Day Care United Nations Celebration
Guest of Honor and Inspirational Speaker in John B. Lacson University Arevalo
UPV Job Fair Caravan sponsored by my office together with DOLE and POEAOctober 24, 2008
It's still fresh in my memory when late 2006 I firmly decided to run for a city council seat in the City of Iloilo. There were people who didn't take me seriously. There were even some relatives and political allies from the province who laughed at my plan saying that it's impossible for me to make it and said to me, "you must be joking"...I also remembered some who even did bet that I would lose...Maybe if I didn't have the strong will and determination, I could have given up especially with the surveys that some were releasing that I was just not part of the winning circle.
At that time, I understood some people's apprehensions...Maybe because I was a fresh face and a new resident of the City having just transferred my residency and my voter registration from Iloilo Province...Maybe because a lot of people didn't know me that much and haven't seen me...Maybe because Iloilo City has never voted for a Tupas...Maybe because there were some political titans of the City who were working for my defeat...
I considered the concerns and issues in my candidacy as challenges. I believe that I thrive when I am challenged. It gives me more strength and excitement to make the dream a reality...the long shot and impossible, a possibility. Being underestimated and maligned with character assassinations seemingly didn't work well with the resident of the City of Iloilo as they gave me a resounding mandate by becoming the youngest elected city wide official with the highest number of votes (73,000) for a first time candidate without any political background in the city. Truly, nothing is impossible. I always believe in the intelligence of the Ilonggos. I trust Ilonggos that they would not allow themselves to be dictated upon, threatened and forced to vote for their city leaders. I am blessed and thankful that I was right. Until this day, I do not cease to thank the people of the city and the Lord for giving me the opportunity to be a public servant.
After my victory in the last May 2007 elections, talks about me running for a higher post started in the coffee shops. Being consistent with my stand of serving the people regardless if it is campaign season or not, I continue my consultations with my constituents by going around the 180 barangays of the city and I was surprised that barangay folks were already asking me to run for a higher post. Just recently, Radio and Newspaper Media have been interviewing me about my political plans and have talked about political possibilities for 2010.
It is an honor and a privilege to be considered for a higher post and as someone who can rise the political ladder this fast even if it is just my first term and amidst my being the youngest city official. Maybe the numerous legislative measures I have passed and I am working on, and the various innovative special projects I have been implementing is something that the city is appreciating and they would think I am doing a good job that is why I am being seriously considered for a higher post by the people of the City of Iloilo. It is too early to be politicking and it would be unfair for the people. Right now, I will continue doing my job and even go beyond what is expected of me. The right time for making a major political decision will come. As I have publicly declared, I will make my decision for 2010 as early as the first quarter of 2009 or latest my birthday next year. My decision is dependent on the people of the City of Iloilo. I will listen to them because without the people in the first place, I wouldn't have made it in the last elections. My political fate is at the hands of the City of Iloilo.
What a blessing it truly is from being a long shot candidate in 2007 and someone who some counted out to a person being considered by some as a political phenomenon in the city and considered as a serious and viable potential candidate for a higher post in 2010. Just being considered as such right now is such an honor, privilege and a blessing. I am very much humbled and will continue to work hard and to do my best for the upliftment of the lives of the city residents.
Save the World
3:37 AM at 3:37 AM Filed under: Author:
NMYL Iloilo City Chapter Pres. Councilor LEX with friends from NMYL Iloilo Province and Capiz Province
Councilor LEX with the NMYL group visits the Crocodile Farm as part of learning about endangered species
At the Background is the Entrance to the Cave
On the way to the Underwater Cave
With NMYL Iloilo members: Boni, Frince, JP, Val and Marlon
During the National Movement of Young Legislators Seminar on Addressing the Effects of Global Warming in Puerto Princesa, PalawanLet us protect mother nature.
It is our environment that provides us food, shelter and clothing and much much more...We have to use it wisely and also think of the future generation. Let us go beyond thinking of just the here and now.
Puerto Princesa and Palawan in general have benefited so much from its rich and vast sources of natural resources. The city and province knows such and as a result has moved to protect one of its main economic drivers, the environment, by strictly implementing national eco-friendly laws and have passed local ordinances to make sure their is ecological protection and ecological balance with economic progress.
Being members of the youth sector, let us act swiftly and responsibly so as to make sure that the world we live in is properly taken care of. If not, we might see more starvation, calamities, disasters and other ecological problems.
I am a nature lover as I enjoy taking care of different pets from aquarium fishes, bonsai plant to pet dogs. As such, I'd rather breathe fresh air, drink clean water and see sustainable growth than smog, pollution, dead bodies of water and ecological destruction just like most of you. I am also currently working on a regulation ordinance on the use of non-biodegradable plastic in the City of Iloilo so as to protect our environment as well as to reduce the drainage clogging problems of the city that result to the perennial city flooding issue.
As we think of keeping our environment green, we also assure our health and our children's future.
