Nestled north of Metro Manila, the province of Bulacan has long been a breeding ground for revolutionaries and patriots. From Marcelo H. del Pilar, a prominent figure in the Propaganda Movement, to Gregorio del Pilar, the youngest hero to fight in the Philippine Revolution, Bulacan sons have consistently stood at the forefront of the fight for freedom. This tradition of leadership continues today, with many Bulakeños holding influential positions in government and society.
In the modern world, Bulacan’s Fifth District thrives under the transformative leadership of Rep. Ambrosio Cruz, Jr., fondly known to many as “Boy.” He spearheaded the ABC experience, which stands for “Alagang Boy Cruz,” that many of his constituents know and appreciate.
The district representative graduated from the University of the East Manila with a degree in Accountancy. He used his academic breakthrough to support his siblings in finishing their studies, as their family is not well-off. He relentlessly worked in Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation until he could finance his businesses. However, Rep. Cruz Jr. knows he has a different calling, as public service shone a beacon on a path he would eagerly pursue.
In 1998, through the encouragement of his fellow members in their civic group, coupled with his zeal in helping his fellow Guiguinteños, the district representative commenced his political career as the Municipal Mayor of the Municipality of Guiguinto. He has envisioned this municipality as the Gateway to the North due to its topography vis-à-vis NCR and other Northern provinces.
Alongside his political career, Rep. Boy Cruz was able to build his connections with fellow public servants and with the community through several civic groups and organizations. He was then the President of the Rotary Club of Guiguinto, the President of the League of Municipalities in the Philippines – Bulacan Chapter, and the Honorary Chairman of the Sugod Guiguinto Movement. His memberships in these organizations were not a political maneuver but an avenue to connect with the people on the grassroots level, ensuring that his political decisions duly consider the necessities of his constituents and not just on a whim.
As he fulfilled his plans for the municipality of Guiguinto, he saw the probability of extending his political and social influence to nearby cities. Thus, when the municipalities of Balagtas, Bocaue, Guiguinto, and Pandi experienced redistricting through legislation, Rep. Cruz Jr. sought this opportunity to continue making a difference in a much broader political landscape and jurisdiction. He ran for a seat in the House of Representatives and is now a member of the esteemed 19th Congress.
While relatively new in the legislative department, this district representative has imprinted his legacy as the first Congressman of the newly established Fifth Legislative District of the province of Bulacan. He has essentially made accessible all national government programs through various agencies to his constituents in the Fifth District. He implemented several social amelioration programs in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and other agencies. These programs were vital in providing relief to his constituents, especially since the Philippines is still recovering from the adverse effects of the pandemic caused by COVID-19.
Rep. Cruz Jr. utilized his position as a lawmaker in crafting bills that would bring transformative changes to Filipinos within and outside his jurisdiction. As of writing, he was able to principally author 247 bills and co-authored 90 bills.
When he was still a municipal mayor, he focused on seven vital areas of development, also known as 7K. As he ran for a congressional seat, he promised that he would utilize these areas in implementing his advocacies: Kabuhayan, Katahimikan at Kaayusan, Kalinisan at Kapaligiran, Kalusugan, Karunungan, Kabataan, and Kahandaan at Kaunlaran.
As part of his commitment to his so-called 7K agenda, he has drafted several bills that are of local and national importance. He has drafted and filed House Bill No. 2536, which aims to turn the Ospital ng Guiguinto into a district hospital. He also filed House Bill No. 2540, which directs all national, regional, and provincial government hospitals to establish a dialysis ward. He likewise principally authored House Bills 2538 and 2539, which mandate the creation of the Department of Water Resources Management and the Department of Emergency and Disaster Resilience, respectively.
The district representative has also consistently and actively participated in the committee hearings in the House of Representatives. He is the Vice Chairperson for the Committee on Agriculture and Food and the Committee on Housing and Urban Development. Rep. Cruz Jr.’s other committee memberships include the Committee on Energy, Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Committee on Public Order and Safety, among his other appointments.
Rep. Cruz Jr. has also expressed his support for the national government’s infrastructure plan, which redirects a portion of the flood mitigation budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to the water impounding system of the National Irrigation Administration. He has seen the adverse effects of flooding in his district, and this water impounding system can mitigate or eliminate the problem while benefitting our irrigator farmers.
Besides setting a benchmark for good governance, Rep. Cruz also serves as an inspiration for his daughter, Guiguinto Mayor Agatha Paula A. Cruz, on how public leaders can empower their communities and guide its members to unlock their potential as capable Filipinos.
Even though Rep. Cruz Jr.’s term is nearing its end, he has no plans to stop serving his public. He knows the call for public service is never-ending, and establishing a better Bagong Pilipinas is a long way to go. But one thing is sure: He will, at the best of his abilities, religiously champion bills and programs that would create an impact, from one generation to another. That, in a nutshell, is Alagang ABC.
