By Anthony A. Araos
When one talks of winning a seat at the powerful and influential Baguio City Council during elections, we usually look at factors as resources and machinery. Its like the main take is really how money determines a candidate’s fate on these hotly-contested electoral exercises. Money-driven politics still cast a dark cloud on Philippine elections.
But only looking at these factors in recent past doesn’t give us the whole story. We also need to look at another story in the just-concluded May 12 midterm polls: the victory of Punong Barangay Van Dicang of Barangay Lower Quirino Hill, which tells us how much voters finally realized the vitality of voting wisely.
Although he waged a historic grueling 45-day campaign with a shoestring budget, far lagging behind the others, he garnered 49,434 votes for 7th place.
For so many, Dicang certainly doesn’t stand a china man’s chance of even landing in the top 20 circles.
For years, other lesser-known bets tried to secure slots at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, looking for a way to get into the picture as a candidate of a political party or independent. They failed. Dicang ran under the Good Governance Alliance of re-elected Mayor Benjamin Magalong. It was a well-intentioned and politically astute move.
Every time you retell his “success story,” it’s a triumph. His task wasn’t easy. Just like the lives of ordinary residents in these difficult times, hear their tales amid the high cost of living. Pursuits of passion will continue, generation after generation will be inspired and motivated by the dedication of Councilor-elect Dicang.
His phenomenal run will not go unnoticed here and in many other parts in the Philippines, especially in the age of ever-rising standards for good and transformative governance. This is to simply emphasize the point that expectations are high that Dicang shall be up to doing his job and dispel the impression that he’s not going anywhere.
This victory story, which is rich in imagery, paved the way to boundless opportunities for the city and its people. Think therefore of a brighter tomorrow. For a better government, more responsive to the people’s needs. In other words, actually going beyond what it presently offers.
The May 12 polls showed that Dicang is an undisputed outstanding barangay government leader. It defined his character, competence and compassion. Truly, he embodied the meaning of rendering service above and beyond the call of duty. His victory has undeniably been nothing short of remarkable. I see the rapid ascent of Councilor-elect Dicang as a positive development and a sign of the people’s firm support for honest to goodness good governance. Maybe, a political giant in the making!
In an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly, Dicang said: “I remain committed to serving the people dutifully and faithfully well at all times. I am thankful to God as well as Mayor Magalong and Vice Mayor Olowan for inspiring and teaching me the best way to serve our constituents”. Each action taken by Dicang during his tenure at the City Council shall be a testament of his sacrifices for the people. To be reflective of the aspirations of the people, Dicang should start making the residents an integral part of the decision-making process. It bodes well for the people.
On May 12, to the Baguio City Council at last! Councilor-elect Dicang joined the big league. The question is, what is next for him?**
