Public Service Through Generations
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
It was Mark Twain who said that history doesn’t repeat itself — at best it rhymes. In the Philippines, the historical rhymes of father and son in public service are sounding. Political influence has transcended beyond boundaries, as it tends to cross the sphere of family relations.
Three liberal sons pay tribute to their liberal fathers’ rich legacy of lessons, where values, family, and dedication define public service at its highest and best.
DAVID C. SUAREZ
Vice Governor, Quezon Province
Quezon Vice Governor David Suarez is the proud son of Congressman Danilo Suarez. For years, Vice Governor Suarez has been an advocate of environmental protection, being himself an outstanding local legislator during his early years in public service. He was the former President of the Philippine Councilors League-Quezon Chapter where he sponsored resolutions aiming to protect Tayabas Bay and prohibit illegal logging in Real, Quezon.
“I idolize my dad so indeed he was a great influence in my decision to enter politics,” he says. He believes that his father’s spirit of optimism, sincerity, commitment and genuine love for the country are significant qualities for him to emulate.
Now, as a prominent local legislator for various advocacies like environment protection, agricultural development, youth and sports development, Vice Governor Suarez never forgets his father’s advice. “He taught me that principles and values in politics should not be compromised, but strategies and tactics must be flexible enough to make progress especially under the difficult political decisions we face,” he says. Vice Governor Suarez added that he was inspired by his father’s sense of responsibility to the country and constantly admires his father’s conviction that “everything was doable and the word impossible does not exist.” Vice Governor Suarez says that his father taught him to respect people; to treat even adversaries in life or politics with decency and equal respect. His father also showed him that cooler heads always prevail and to not only see the big picture but focus on the bigger picture.
“And most important never forget to pray,” he added.
For his greatest influence, Vice Governor Suarez dreams that his father further share his legacy with those he has helped and the people who stood behind him in good times and bad and to continue his dedication to help the country, his district and his province, to uplift the lives of his constituents and bring about change and development.
ALLEN G. SINGSON
Mayor, Candon City, Ilocos Sur
The son of Ilocos Sur 2nd District Representative and Deputy Speaker for Central Luzon Eric D. Singson is no stranger to public service. Aside from being the Mayor of Candon City, Allen Singson also serves as the Chairman of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) and as the Region I Representative for the League of Cities of the Philippines. Being a youth leader way back his college days in De La Salle University, he also handles the Sangguniang Kabataan as an adviser.
Certainly, this is quite a lot of responsibility, but then he has had considerable experience in the field of government, development work and private practice. Growing up with his dad, he gained exposure in public service. He even described it as “growing up with a father of fifteen thousand other brothers and sisters”. Mayor Singson considered his father as a model when he was young. “He is a caring, responsible Dad just like any other regular Dad,” he says, “he is unique in his own way, that he shows it differently from others”. Mayor Singson added that his father’s most admirable quality is his patience and positive outlook. Congressman Eric D. Singson is in his second term as a congressman and is distinguished as one of the Top Ten Outstanding Congressmen in the 13th Congress.
“His advice to persevere and never give up hope,” he says after being asked of his father’s best advice. Mayor Singson wishes that the public and the critics would see, understand and realize that his father “deeply cares for his constituents and his experience can not be replicated.”
As a proud son, his dream for his father is to “rise higher in his current post to that which he really deserves to attain.”
EMMANUEL L. MALIKSI
Vice Mayor, Imus, Cavite
Perhaps the hardest thing for a son to endure is seeing his father’s dignity be ruined by lies and allegations. No doubt, Emmanuel “Manny” Maliksi has gone through it all. It can be remembered that Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi, Vice Mayor Maliksi’s father and the current Governor of Cavite, was suspended after serious charges of abuse of authority and misconduct. Vice Mayor Maliksi stood behind his father as he faced the greatest challenge in his public service career. He never lost his faith and fondly remembered his father’s words, “Panindigan mo and bagay na papasukin mo.”
“He always motivates me to give my best and would say that I can make it and don’t give up.” Vice Mayor Maliksi described his father as a disciplinarian, good provider and family oriented. “He’s really devoted to be a public servant,” he added, “he puts his heart into his calling.” Ironically, his father dissuaded him to enter politics. “Ayaw niyang punasok ako sa politics,” he said. Still, Vice Mayor Maliksi followed his calling. He is now serving as the Vice Mayor of Imus, Cavite and the Presiding officer of the Sangguniang Bayan—the legislative body of the local government of Imus, and is committed to enacting ordinances, approving resolutions and appropriating funds for the general welfare of the municipality and its inhabitants.
For Vice Mayor Maliksi, his father’s most admirable quality is his patience. He believes that his father’s patience made him what he is today. During his term, Cavite was cited for having attained the highest human development index by the United Nations Development Program.
posted by Liberal Party of the Philippines @ 3:23 PM,
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