“Ang kabataang ang pag-asa ng bayan,” as the immortalized line from Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal goes.
The phrase always rings true as future generations hold the continuance of legacies in the palms of their hands. This October 30, the country will again hold barangay elections, including spots for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), a council meant to represent the youth in each barangay.
For some, it’s another title to add to their credentials. But for others, it could be their springboard to enter the world of public service and leave their mark on it, hence the necessity to have astounding role models who know the relevance of good governance.
Who better to set an example than incumbent Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon?
“I’m trying to mold them into what I believe is the proper way of performing their duty,” he told Manila Standard LGU, noting that he recognizes his job of steering them into using their budget sensibly and opening their eyes to pressing issues within their communities.
As mayor, Biazon takes his role seriously and uses it to connect with younger audiences in his city and leave an impact on their character. Besides equipping future leaders with the right mind and skillset to learn from their predecessors’ mistakes and set a benchmark for their successors, Biazon also eyes the transition of Muntinlupa into a smart and livable city.
“We want to be a comfortable city to live in where each person can maximize their potential to reach their goals while enjoying a balanced environment in the city,” he said.
Yet before becoming mayor, Biazon served three consecutive terms in the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2010, and for another two consecutive terms from 2016 to 2022, thanks to the trust his constituents placed in him.
His primary inspiration for venturing into public service is his father, retired Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Rodolfo “Pong” G. Biazon. The former was there for the latter’s senatorial campain.
When his father won for senator, Biazon entered the world of public service as his father’s staff member and saw its various facets.
“Doon ko nakita ‘yung fulfillment na nagagawa sa public service kasi kita mo na nakakatulong sa tao to do something relevant for the country,” he said.
For him, being a public leader means performing his duties properly. As soon as he assumed office, he knew that he must serve his public to provide the best services and legislation to benefit them.
The Muntinlupa adopts a 7K agenda from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG). Although there are 17 SDGs from the international organization, Biazon condensed them into seven, namely, kabuhayan, kalusugan, karunungan, kapayapaan at kaayusan, kaunlaran, kalikasan, and katarungan.
“Pinag-aralan namin ‘to ng mabuti para ma-cover ‘yung mga SDGs. Ginawa namin ito para maliwanag kung anong direksyon namin sa pamamahala at para magkaroon ng measure ang aming mga kababayan sa ginagawa namin,” the Muntinlupa Mayor said.
It also allows his administration to set goals and standards to gauge whether they follow the SDGs they draw inspiration from.
He also prioritizes continuity in his administration. Earlier programs and services implemented by former mayors remain functional within the city as long as it benefits the public and considers their well-being.
“No matter who is sitting in office, kung nakikinabang ang taong-bayan, effective ‘yung programa, then we carry it out,” Biazon said firmly.
Despite the challenges and new opportunities that come his way, Biazon believes that standing by his beliefs gets him the best results that coincide with his principles.
“‘Pag nabuo ‘yun, decisions become easier. When you know your values, kahit na anong difficulty, question, challenge, you would know where to stand. That is a lesson that I think is very important in our job,” he said.
Biazon’s continuous success as a public leader is a testament to his passion for fulfilling his duty and setting an example for good governance, something he hopes to impart to future generations who will someday serve the Filipinos as Biazon and his counterparts did.
