How Caloocan Mayor Along Malapitan turns compassion into action
Incumbent Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan is no stranger to the trials and tribulations of being a leader, especially with a 16-year track record in public service. After succeeding his father, Oscar “Oca” Malapitan, who has served Caloocan City for three straight terms, Malapitan looks to uphold his family name by setting the bar higher for approachability.
The Malapitans have always had a close connection with their community as their household bustled with people in all their diversity, looking to forward their concerns to the former Mayor. Witnessing the happiness of the people and the joy his father felt as he was helping them inspired Malapitan to get into politics just so that he could continue to help more people.
“Feeling ko kapag nakaka-solve ako ng problema, at ‘yung feeling na nakakatulong ka at may nagagawa kang maganda, ‘yun ‘yung nag-push pa sa akin lalo para umabot ako sa posisyon na ‘to,” the Caloocan Mayor told Manila Standard LGU.
A productive first year
Despite being only his first year in office, Malapitan has made significant progress in the city’s development. Through the city’s mega job fairs, thousands of Caloocan citizens found new job opportunities. Moreover, under the new City Ordinance No. 0984, all registered senior citizens in Caloocan will receive a P500 cash gift on their birth month, on top of receiving a birthday package.
Malapitan also has plans to improve various infrastructures in the city, like establishing their new government center and improving the Caloocan North City Hall.
His constituents’ safety has always been one of Malapitan’s top priorities as mayor. Recently, the city has improved its rescue system by establishing its Alert and Monitoring Center, effectively giving the city of Caloocan its own 911 hotline. The Caloocan Mayor has also provided many health centers across the city to ensure proper and accessible health care to all his constituents wherever they may be.
“Ang target ko talaga [ay] ‘yung mga tao ‘di na kailangan pumunta ng hospital. Kahit health center lang, kaya ng gawin. Dapat kumpleto na sila,” Malapitan said.
Problem-solving as a strong suit
Yet, Malapitan’s time as mayor has not all been smooth sailing. Back when he was still a city councilor, Malapitan authored an ordinance that provided free tuition for his constituents. However, now that he is the city’s executive, the sharp increase in enrollees exposed a lack of educational facilities.
Fortunately, he prides himself on being a problem-solver, saying being resourceful and creative in finding funds for projects solved most of his issues. In response to the educational infrastructure shortage, Malapitan plans to establish a fifth campus in the newly-formed Third District for the University of Caloocan City, providing more facilities for incoming students.
As for his leadership approach, Malapitan describes it as hands-on, saying he wants to be at the forefront when it comes to handling the problems of his constituents.
Being the leader of the Aksyon at Malasakit team, action and compassion serve as the driving force for his leadership style. He puts himself in the shoes of the people he helps to understand the situation better. One example is by holding the weekly People’s Day program every Thursday and Friday, where Caloocan residents can forward their concerns and receive a wide array of services.
Fostering pride for the city
Throughout all his efforts, Malapitan aims to forge a Caloocan that its residents will be proud of. He knows the stigma toward Caloocan, with others referring to it as the “poor” or “rowdy” communities within Metro Manila.
“Gusto ko manirahan sila dito ng hindi na nila kailangan lumabas pa. ‘Yung trabaho nandito na, makakapag-aral na sila dito, kung may kailangan sila, dito na lang mismo sa amin sa Caloocan,” he said.
With Malapitan at the helm of the Caloocan City government, he sets an example of how public leaders can turn their compassion into action—all while working toward the future he envisions for Caloocan and its people. With reports from Patricia Taculao