June 17, 2009

Independence is defined by Microsoft Thesaurus as autonomy, freedom, liberty and self reliance. Last June 12, the whole country celebrated its 111^th year anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence. There were a number of celebrations by the government units and even private establishments. I just hope that the youth would value the independence that we have.

Independence was hard fought by the previous Filipino generations who wanted to have self rule and decision making for the good of our country. They fought through diplomatic means and even with arms. Independence was quite elusive and it took decades for them to achieve it but they never gave up.

The youth were born with independence already achieved. Some are not familiar with how hard it was to get. Some of us even do not value it that much because it is such a given. It is like being given allowance by our parents that we might not know the value of money that much that we can spend it quickly. This is unlike having hard earned money that we make wise decisions and where to allot the money we have. Thus, it would be great for us to know our past so that we could appreciate our present and better prepare for our future.

Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

June 13, 2009

Some of us have so much to do but so little time available. We tend to neglect some or put urgency to some. We may have focused too much on something and too little on another.

In my case, it seems that politics and public service aren’t the only things that get my time. I have to finish my doctoral studies, maintain my TV and Radio shows, make sure I have articles here, spend quality time with family and friends, visit and have quality time with my Pangga and also manage well my hobby and other interests. It seems that I have too much to do but well I guess it makes one more productive. As my Nanay always tells me, “It’s better to be busy than to be idle”.

To be honest, there are days when I feel so tired because there is so much to do but I feel thankful and blessed to have all of these than nothing at all. I also am grateful of the support of my family, friends, pangga, supporters and the people of Iloilo City. What I do is just plan my day, week, month and year well so that I could manage everything.

There will always be time for everything as long as we prioritize well. As the tagalong cliché goes, “Kapag gusto, maraming paraan…Kapag ayaw, maraming dahilan”.

Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

June 6, 2009

I was once only thinking of myself especially when I was a child. I demanded toys, food and the attention from my parents and people who surrounded me. I never thought of what was practical and what the other person felt and was busy doing. It was all about me. I felt the world was revolving around me but things changed when I started going to school, meeting people, dealing with people who were considered underprivileged and when I became more mature.

Love, empathy and concern made me think of other people above myself. It made me consider other’s feelings, thoughts and perspectives. It made me listen more rather than do all the talking. It made me sensitive and conscious of things. It made me more practical and pragmatic by focusing more on needs and lessening the yearning for wants. Life is about helping others and not just thinking of oneself. The world is shared by a lot of people and it isn’t about me alone. As my Alma Maters have taught me and trained me, I am and I strive everyday to be a man for others.

Everyday, I thank the Lord for all the blessings and even the challenges that come my way. I always think of productive and meaningful programs and projects for His greater glory. As my favorite gospel song is entitled “Lord, I Offer My Life to You” is also my favorite thought that guides me in making responsible decisions in my life.

Let us think of others and be sensitive to their feelings and needs. Let us be mindful of our words and deeds.

Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

June 3, 2009

Up to this very day, I still can’t believe that we made it despite all efforts to put us down, to destroy me, to make up stories against me, to put down the ability of the youth, to push aside those who are considered to be non “tumandoks” and to have all the forces of the powers that be in the City work hard against our victory.

To have become the youngest elected City Official at age 27 without any political background whatsoever in the City of Iloilo and I was just a new resident at that time of the City is a big accomplishment not only on my part but the part of those who believe that dreams do come true, that there is nothing impossible and we can as young people make a big difference. I was born in Iloilo City and I am now a proud resident of Barangay MV Hechanova, Jaro, Iloilo City. Furthermore, I am hoping to graduate from my first soon to be alma mater in Iloilo City, Central Philippine University once I finish my dissertation and receive my diploma as one of the youngest Doctor of Management with concentration in Public Management graduates. I am very thankful of the continued warm support of the people of Iloilo City.

I always put in my mind that without the resident of the City, I wouldn’t have made it to my post right now. They are my boss. I owe to them my position and the level of influence I have right now. This is what guides me in making well thought of decisions for them and to strive for excellent public service by working even beyond what is expected and mandated of and from me. Together with concerned individuals, organizations, sectors and stakeholders, I work with them for the creation of meaningful and innovative legislation and even special programs and projects. I believe in working well together and in continuous consultations. I also would like to believe that I work well beyond political affiliations as long as it is for the good of the City. I love Iloilo City and I always put its best interest first.

After being blessed to have won a seat in the City Council, talks started that I am aiming for a higher post specifically as City Vice Mayor. If ever I run for it I will be the youngest candidate for the post and the youngest to hold the position if ever I make it. To be honest, I never thought of running for a higher post. What I wanted was just to serve the City in any capacity that the people will entrust to me. I never thought that a then candidate for city councilor who was thought of as a long shot winner will be considered as a serious and viable contender for a higher post in Iloilo City. I am honored, privileged and blessed to be even considered as such and to get the trust, admiration and support of people of my beloved City.

As of the moment, I am still undecided. There are so many factors to consider and so many things to think about. As I said before, I will continue to serve the city at my best and to listen to its people. If the people feel I would be of best service to them as City Councilor, then I will just run for re-election for the time being but if they would ask me to run and become the youngest City Vice Mayor, then I will listen and follow their advice. They will be the one to decide and to lend to the position to the person they believe would be of best service to the city in that particular capacity.

At this point, I am asking for your comments and suggestions. What position do you think I should run for? Let me know. I will listen to each one of you who will be kind enough to give me their advice. Please send me a message to councilorlextupas@yahoo.com or post a comment here in my blog. Thank you very much and I will be waiting for your emails. My political strength is from the people of Iloilo City. I trust to you guys and to the Lord my political fate and fortune.

Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, Ugyon Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.