Hon. Joseph Juico, Councilor, 1st District of Quezon City Valedictory Speech 24 June 2013 The Presiding Officer, fellow councilors, good afternoon! A philosopher once said: Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. As I look back at my journey as a public servant, I realize so many lessons, particularly that: first) It was not a journey I took alone; 2) it was part of God’s plan for me so I may offer my service to the best of my ability. Ever since I was young, I knew I had the calling to enter public service. I was part of the 2nd batch of Sangguniang Kabataan, and I became an SK President of District I, and SK chairman of my Barangay Paraiso. My path to the Quezon City council, however, was not that easy. Former President Cory Aquino was instrumental in my entry into local politics. Throwing her support on a neophyte such as myself, she asked then Mayor Belmonte to include me in the line-up of candidates for councilor in District 1. Good thing, Mayor Belmonte gave in to Tita Cory’s personal request and gave me a chance. I ran for my first term without the support of Iglesia ni Cristo, and we all know how hard that is, but I was able to make it, and with God’s help, I was re-elected for two (2) terms after that, this time with the support of the Iglesia ni Cristo. In my three (3) terms, I have tried my best to serve the constituents of District I by undertaking projects to uplift their quality of life, such as: • Save the Eyes Program kung saan namigay tayo ng apat na put limang libong (45,000) na reading glasses mas lalo na sa ating mga seniors, biro ko nga dito dahil sa mga salamin na ito, di na sila mapa-pao sa majong and lagi na silang maka chaos a tong-its. Pagbibigay ng relief goods sa mga biktima ng sunog, baha dulot ng bagyong Ondoy, at pananalasa ng hanging habagat, na humigit kumulang na dalawangpung libong (20,000) na pamilya; lahat ito nagawa ng inyong abang lingkod sa tulong ng mga donasyon ng pamilya, kaibigan at kaklase sa La Salle. • Sa tulong ng aking ama at ng De La Salle University, nabigyan natin nga pagkakataon ang sampung (10) guro mula sa mga public schools sa District I para makakuha ng Masters in Education. • Nagkaroon din tayo ng mga Enterpreneurship seminars, kung saan katulong ang De La Salle University at Akbayan Party List, nagbigay tayo ng fast-track MBA type of training sa mga participants, pagkatapos ng training, nagbigay din tayo ng panimulang kapital. Pinagmamalaki po naming na nagkaroon tayo ng mga success stories ng ilan sa mga participants na nagkaroon ng mga sariling negosyo. Malapit sa aking puso ang mga kabataan, kaya naman binigyan prioridad natin sa mga proyekto na may layunin na tumulong sa pamamagitan pagbibigay ng karagdagang kaalaman, katulad ng: • Scholarship Program, sa pakikipagtulungan ng STI Computer College, ang mga high school graduates na may matataas na marka ay binibigyan na pagkakataon na makakuha ng full at partial scholarship. Kasama pa din ang STI, nagkaroon tayo ng Computer Learning Program na naging bukas para sa lahat ng nais na matuto ng basic computer course. • Isang Proyekto na malapit sa aking puso ay ang QC–Sports Enhancement Program Fencing Team. From a small group of children from public schools, through this sports training program, our fencers now enjoy the opportunity of studying in top universities and high schools, and representing our country in international competitions. From a humble beginning of twenty five members, the QC–SEP Fencing Team now has more than 200 members which include: twelve (12) national athletes, and eighty (80) full time scholars in five universities such as: La Salle, UE, UP, FEU and NU, with a big number of them being outstanding fencers who are making a mark both here and abroad. Just recently, Nikolai, one of our members went to Singapore and won gold in an event there. Mind you, he is just nine years old. I would like to thank the Vice-Mayor in supporting our fencers, in their recent Singapore competition. PARA PO SA PEACE AND ORDER: • Tayo ay nakapagbigay ng forty five (45) na Multi-cabs sa 37 Barangays, anim (6) sa Pampublikong Paaralan at Police Stations 1 and 2 ng District I. PARA NAMAN SA INFRASTRUCTURE: • Tayo po ay nagpagawa ng mga kalsada sa mga sumusunod na Barangay: San Isidro Labrador; Paltok; San Antonio; Bungad; Paraiso; Ramon Magsaysay; Bagong Pag-asa, Salvacion, Balingasa at Bahay Toro. • Pati na Parks and Playground sa Barangay Sta. Cruz at Day Care Center sa Barangay Bungad Tayo ay tumulong sa pagpapagawa ng deep well sa Barangay NS Amoranto; at sa Pagpapagawa ng guard house sa Barangay Philam at West Triangle. • Nagpagawa rin tayo ng covered court sa Elegant Homes, Bahay Toro • Isama na din po natin ang pagpapatayo ng mga Street Lights sa buong del Monte Avenue, mula West Avenue hanggang A. Bonifacio Avenue. • Nagpaggawa din tayo ng multi-purpose halls o Bahay Kubo sa Barangay Bagong Pag-asa at Project 6. In terms of legislation, I am proud of having pushed and sponsored a number of Resolutions and Ordinances, but what are closest to my heart are the following: A. Ordinance creating the QC Sikap Buhay and Cooperative Center, which promotes microfinance, cooperativism and entrepreneurship. The Sikap Buhay Center undertakes projects aimed at poverty alleviation and empowerment of communities through self-reliant measures. B. Ordinance prohibiting the underdelivery and/or shortselling of gas and illegal trading by gasoline retail outlets and prescribing penalties for violations thereof. This is to protect the motorists, and the consumers of gasoline products from unscrupulous practices, especially during this time of escalating gas prices. C. Ordinance mandating business establishments in QC to install CCTV, and prescribing penalties for violations thereof. This is to intensity the City’s drive against criminality and to preserve visual footage to be used as evidence in prosecuting the offenders. This is with the help of Coun. Raquel Malangen. D. The “ Quezon City RH Ordinance” and its Implementing Rules and Regulations which institutionalize an integrated, comprehensive and sustainable Population and Reproductive Health Management (PRHM) program through suitable strategies. As a councilor and a person grounded on realities, I saw the need for an RH ordinance in our City precisely to provide education to our people and to protect and promote the rights of women. Kahit na mahirap ang pinagdaanan natin for the RH Ordinance, it was all worth it. Especially, after our President signed the national RH bill into law. Being a public servant, in our case, as city councilor, is a test of character or rite of passage. It can bring out the best or worst in a person. I am hoping that it brought out the best in me. If there’s one thing I know, it is that I did my best. For the past nine years, I woke up everyday knowing what I would do for the day, and the job I had to do. Now, for the first time in a while, I am venturing into something new, something unknown. I hope and pray that God will guide me in my new journey as He guided me in my work here. With God’s grace, I am ready for new challenges to be of service to our people. As Former President Tita Cory said: “I pray with all my heart. I work with all my might, and the rest I leave to God.” My only prayer is that I was able to create an impact in the lives of our constituents, my fellow councilors, and everyone I crossed path with. Now, indulge me as I become a bit sentimental in expressing my gratitude to those who have helped me in my journey: District I: 1. Congressman-elect Boy Calalay: Thank you for showing me the true meaning of pagmamalasakit sa kapwa, mas lalo na sa masa. Nakita ko sa loob ng siyam (9) na taon ang serbisyo nyo para sa tao, walang maliit walang malaki, ito ang tunay na kahulugan ng pagka pantay pantay. I, along with my family, fully support you in your new role as our Congressman. 2. Onyx – Thank you for your passion in serving our people in the 1st District. Hope you continue to do good work. 3. Doray – who is almost a sister to me. Thank you for always being there for me, laughing at my jokes. I truly admire your passion, especially when you believe in and fight for a cause. 4. Alex – my seatmate, laughing buddy, and my little friend. Hope you grow up to be a big man who builds subdivisions. 5. RJ – my sparring mate, a person who can bring out the best and worst in anyone. I’m grateful that he was able to bring out the best in me. Thanks for being a great colleague. District II 1. Precious – thank you for being in costume from time to time. You are truly the better half of your husband. 2. Candy – I will definitely miss your bags and your high heels. I appreciate your seeking my advice on matters related to your political career. Thank you also for giving my advice importance whether you follow them or not. 3. Ally – you have a bright future ahead of you. Strive to keep your idealism, no matter how cynical others around you might become. Keep it up. 4. Kuya Dick – I’m never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down, never gonna run around and hurt you. Seriously, thank you for always seconding my motions when I’m the presiding officer. 5. Godie Liban – thank you for being a true gentleman in the council. You have been a master in running the council. I learned a lot from you. 6. Cong-elect Alfred Vargas – Congratulations on a well-deserved victory. God bless you on your new journey! District III 1. Julian – Pare, how I wish you could still be with the council, which you have selflessly served for 12 years. I know though that God knows best. He has plans for you. I will miss going to your pancake house type office. 2. Jimmy Borres – Tito Jimmy, salamat for guiding us and being ever ready with sharing your wisdom. Palakas ka, kung pwede mag weights ka na Tito. 3. Allan – you are my one and only Barney. Your idealism, even at your age, continues to inspire all of us. You will forever be my “Yes na Yes, Allan Reyes” 4. Don – my mom worked with your mom at PCSO and we worked together in the council. It’s nice to have 2nd generation friendships. Thank you. 5. Gian – thank you for lighting up the mood when the talks get too serious or heated. We can always count on you to keep things light and easy. Tama na pagpapayat mo, you might look like Tito Jimmy Borres. 6. Tito Pinggoy Lagumbay – You are our mentor and walking encyclopedia. Thank you for guiding us through parliamentary rules and procedures, history of the Quezon City council, and the different types of political systems. District IV 1. Ivy and Cong-elect Grex Lagman, my kumpare and kumare: Your knowledge is exceeded only by your kindness and integrity. I know you will do a great job as Congressman. I will miss the laing that you always give me. 2. Jessica Daza – You and the other young councilors represent the next generation of public servants. Keep the idealism burning. Can’t wait for our daughters to have playdates together. 3. Raquel Malangen – Thank you for all your help in pushing for the CCTV ordinance. Keep up your good service. Regards to Tito Resty and Tita Connie. 4. Vincent Belmonte - First of all, its nice to see you here. Be present always because the Council will benefit from your inputs. 5. Marvin – We were together in the SK Federation election, pareho tayong tumakbo. You won, I lost. Good thing, we got the chance to work together in the council. May all your chickens win. 6. Barangay Captain, now Councilor Elect Rannie Ludovica – you are very good in being at the helm of the Barangay Captains. Continue to impress us. 7. SK Fed Ansell De Guzman – I will miss your white shoes. 8. Bong – You are a true majority floor leader, always after the well-being and welfare of the majority and the entire council. I will never forget how you helped me during the passage of the RH Ordinance. You and then Coun. Banal never left my side, you even talked to the other councilors when we were having a hard time due to the pressures from different sectors. Thank you also for convincing me to run again on my last term. If not for you, I would not have had the chance to be President Pro Tempore. Salamat. I hope you find your bird someday. To all the members of the Council and the Vice-Mayor, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your President Pro Tempore for 3 consecutive years. We did a lot of good work together, even if I cracked jokes to keep the mood light, when it was time to buckle down to work, lahat tayo seryoso nag trabaho. Having served as your President Pro Tempore is an honor I will cherish for the rest of my life. 1. Vice Mayor Joy – Thank you for showing me what true professional service should be. Not just in words, but more importantly in action. May all your reforms push through because I know they will benefit not just the Council but also the entire City. How I wish we could have worked longer together. 2. Mayor Herbert – at first I saw you as a buddy, barkada. It was when I saw you in action, as a leader, especially, during the last elections that I realized you are somebody I should look up to, and aspire to be. I will always seek and value your advice. Maraming maraming Salamat. 3. Exec. Sec. JoJo Ochoa – thank you for taking me under your wing, for being my mentor, and for demonstrating a no-nonsense leadership approach: that it’s more important to get the job done than getting credit for the job. I cannot wait to be mentored by you very soon. 4. Speaker Belmonte – thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve, for inserting me in the line up in 2004 even when the list was complete already. Thank you for entrusting me with executive ordinances. Thank you also, Sir, for all the stories, the one-on-one conversations we used to have in your office, and your home in E. Rodriguez. I gained so much knowledge and wisdom from you Sir. You are a true statesman. 5. President Noynoy – thank you for the friendship and the guidance especially during my first term as councilor, when I haven’t found my bearings yet, you provided me direction and strength. Thank you for making me part of historical events that led you to run for the presidency. Words can not express my pride at having been a first hand participant in the unfolding of history. I will treasure those moments for the rest of my life. 6. Sa mga walang pagod na staff ng City Sec. Ang mga ushers and usherettes na sina Jessica, Arnel, Regine, Dimple, Raymond, Jason, Aracelli, Andrei, Lisa at Luzvi na walang sawang pumupunta sa table ko at ng mga ibang councilors para hatiran kami ng pagkain o kaya ay magpapapirma. Akala nyo siguro hindi ko kayo napapansin. Now I want you all to know that I really appreciated all those times na inasikaso nyo ako at lagi din kayong tumatawa sa mga jokes ko. Ang mga recorders and stenographers tulad ni Ate Annette, Ate Wilma at Ate Susan, maraming maraming salamat! 7. And of course si Atty. John and Atty. Art, who were always at hand whenever I needed guidance during sessions. Salamat sa inyong tiyaga sa pagbabasa ng mga title ng mga Resolutions at Ordinances, especially those sponsored by Coun. Precious. 8. Of course, I want to thank my staff who have never left my side and who showed me loyalty and dedication. To my Chief of Staff, Ferdie, What would I have done with out you? We shared lots of ups and downs but we always ended up smiling in the end. I can say that we grew together and that made this journey even more memorable. Please know that you will all be in my heart always. I hope and pray that you will continue to serve kahit hindi na ako ang boss nyo at si Mayen na, lagot kayo. Salamat sa inyo. 9. I would not be here were it not for my parents, Phillip and Margie Juico, and my ate Dinggay, kuya Vincent and my sister Mayen, who have shown me nothing but unconditional love and unwavering support. To my parents, thank you so much for teaching me the importance of God, country and family. You both are my rock and my inspiration on what the true meaning of public service is. You taught me humility in service: to never trumpet our achievements. That’s the service I know, the service I have been taught by my parents: Phillip and Margie Juico. 10. And to my wife Trisha and daughter Lily, thank you for the love, support and understanding, because every day that I spend with you is a blessing. Because of you, I work to be the best person that I can be. Salamat. As an ending, I leave you the words of a wise woman who said: “The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” Maraming Maraming Salamat Po at Hanggang sa muli!
Posted on: Mon, 24 Jun 2013 10:04:47 +0000
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