46 FRUITFUL YEARS

I quietly celebrated my 46th Birthday last November 15. Indeed, time flies so fast. Years ago, I was learning then the basics of politics way back in my college days as a poltical science student in the University of Santo Tomas(the oldest University of Asia), and trying to understand the realities of Philippine politics after I finished my course and became an activist espousing the removal of U.S. military bases in the hope that the Philippines would become truly independent. Now, I'm here heading the policy-making body of the City Government of Vigan as a Presiding Officer of the City Council in my capacity as a Vice Mayor. I can say that a substantial portion of my life has been spent to politics.

I started young in politics, not in the traditional sense but the REAL one. Politics as an institution and as an art of governance. Now, I remain committed to an advocacy to make politics a respectable calling. Political maturity is still something to be seen in our country. We have yet a long way to travel. It is still an elusive dream.

As an elected local official of the Heritage City of Vigan who has served for more than 18 years, I can humbly say that I have modest contributions to what Vigan is right now. As a legislator, I took the lead in the crafting and eventually in the passing of the Vigan Conservation Ordinance which seeks to protect the Ancestral Houses of Vigan, the very reason why it is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list of sites and monuments.

I have no regrets becoming a poltician. Life became meaningful when I entered public service. Seeing things done and substantial changes being undertaken to improve my beloved city gave me a sense of contenment and pride. I thank God for the 46 fruitful years, and I pray to Him to give me more. To whatever modest achievements gained, I dedicate it to my family. If setbacks have come along the way, I must say that Life must go on.