”Government is best which is closest to the people” – Alexander Hamilton
In the first 100 days our new chief executive demonstrated a hands-on leadership visible in every way possible, perhaps an action purposely done so that the rest of the public servants must emulate. A leadership by example that does not choose day, time and place regardless he is praised or bashed in all platforms possible especially social media. And, before his 100 days comes to an end it can be said that local governance in Bacolod is beginning to be redefined, evidenced by a whole new approach.
‘CONTINUE TO WATCH ME WORK’
How he demonstrates a gentle, yet decisive leadership anticipates a transformative change in local governance. On top is transparency, quick delivery of service and an active community engagement where praise is only a bonus to the primordial objective solution-based close to the people governance. His phrase “continue to watch me work” is a powerful statement reflecting a worthy and consistent commitment to the “Serbisyong May Puso” tag line.
The first few weeks as chief executive was a test of mettle to the new leadership highlighted by two major incidents – the week-long flooding in July and the raging fire that broke out in Barangay 27 a couple of weeks ago. In both instances the humble chief executive was a hands-on worker looking at every detail how the city responded to the immediate needs of the victims out of the misery and discomfort these events brought. An utmost practical solution-maker and most of all a leader by example.
His actions may not have pleased everybody but surely solicited support from various sectors and stakeholders especially city employees and the victims themselves. Everyone was enjoined and inspired to do his and her role to recover and rise up against these challenges. Bacolod City employees were inspired and motivated in the community clean up drives to clean water ways of garbage and actively provided support to fire victims. There was an outpouring of support from various sectors and stakeholders that hastened the recovery, especially food for the fire victims that not once went hungry while sheltered in the evacuation center.
REDEFINING WITH A CLEAR PURPOSE
With his hands-on leadership with immediate responses he redefines local governance in Bacolod City. Surrounded by a team of young, innovative and fast thinking individuals this city sees a brighter future with everyone’s support. In this crucial yet momentous phase of his governance he swiftly constituted a transition team of young and talented members from career officials, civil society organizations. He wanted to start with clarity and with a real sense of accountability because the people deserve to know what their local government leaders are doing and how he will lead Bacolod as we move forward.
The participation of other sectors and stakeholders substantiate inclusivity because they are not only informed but as direct participants in providing immediate solutions to these major challenges in a highly urbanized city full of economic potentials under the age of digitalization.
VISION
Coming to an end, his first 100 days a participatory budget proposal is prepared anchored on major pillars of social equity, climate resiliency and digitalization. It is the Mayor’s major thrust to create more jobs mainly for the unemployed youth, institute environmentally friendly and climate resilient communities and an institutionalized digital public and official transactions to avoid red tape and corruption. More than anything else the present administration now envisions cleaner public spaces, leveled up pride for Bacolod and responsiveness to any problem that may arise.
Community and barangay level campaigns are constantly conducted to enjoin active and direct participation from the citizens in every endeavor the city government undertakes instituting a deep sense participatory governance while resetting the mindset, adopting a pragmatic way of thinking and applying practical solutions to every possible problem that comes.
It is in recognition that masterplans must be created in order to come up with long-term solutions to the perennial problems the city faces – climate change, solid waste management, job creation and pro-active delivery of basic services on education and health care. However, all this will not be possible without citizens’ participation and that is what this administration significantly redefines.*
