By Anthony A. Araos
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There should an accomplished local official knock if not at the door or the House of Representatives through which Congress infuses more funds for vital initiatives and through which the people seek to equalize economic opportunities.
Earlier, I was surprised. I had been expecting him to run for congressman. Perhaps, it is not yet the time. Given the city is facing like garbage and traffic we need to bring development first to impoverished villages.
Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, in and out of the Baguio city Council, shows the many faces of a hardworking, helpful, caring and dedicated public servant always mindful of the need for the people to attain their goals.
This allows him to showcase a benchmark and show the public that when it comes to governance, the people’s well-being is the top priority. I feel as though I should have also included his actions at the Office of the Vice Mayor. Well, it’s also a place replete with good stories. It is a gateway to a future shaped by innovation, where boundless possibilities await each visitor. The unspoken assumption is that good governance leads to economic growth, and that link is quite obviously unbreakable.
There is no doubt that a responsive leader is absolutely needed to draw various sectors in achieving a shared vision. It takes an extraordinarily responsive leader to take on a plethora of challenges. His interest for championing quality life for all in the nation’s summer capital is well-pronounced. Dare I say, these descriptions aptly fit Vice Mayor Olowan.
Such an accolade is extremely worthy of replicating elsewhere, and his actions can be written or modified from one setting to another as desired.
The Baguio City Council is the highest legislative body of this highly-urbanized city. Its presiding officer is Atty. Olowan. His known characteristics such as patience, compassion and wisdom are just some of the strengths that the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) members will use in carving their own paths in ensuring quality legislation. It’s quite rewarding experience in public service. The council has 15 members. They are highly influential and powerful.
My curiosity brought me to the council’s composition. It is composed of men and women of varied ages and persuasions. Think of how to device ingenious ways to gain bi-partisan support for the passage of a key ordinance or resolution.
The job of a presiding officer is rigid and demanding. This is particularly true when enacting the city’s all-important annual budget or passing a measure for a health concern.
“Pro-people programs, projects and activities that are envisioned for a good reason thus, will continue to uplift the lives of the present and future generations will be sustained,” Vice Mayor Olowan quipped in an exclusive interview.
On the positive side, that thought largely characterized the spirit of the 2025 city budget and in that way, it served its purpose and, of course, supported the plans of Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
The Baguio City Council is no five-star hotel for a “staycation”. Stresses are not few. Flare ups among members are not isolated. At times, it leaves the public puzzled and bewildered, with more questions than answers seen after a session. Fortunately, Vice Mayor Olowan is so oriented toward people’s well-being that I think he had little time for petty bickering and “grandstanding” acts. He is full of brotherly love and thoughtful words.
At his office, Olowan is asked about makes the SP so different from other offices at City Hall. Without blinking an eye, he says, “The Baguio City Council is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of the people by providing them fundamental social services at all times.”
“To be sure, I always ask the question: Are we persevering enough in our commitment to fortify sustainable development?” he added.
As 2025 approaches Vice Mayor Olowan is planning exciting initiatives aimed at invigorating the SP. I really see him, in the sense, as the catalyst for propelling progress to the city where lowlanders and highlanders now call their common home.
With a vast wealth of wisdom and experience, it is surely a pity for SP members not to face the challenges ahead of them at all. For me, as sounded by Vice Mayor Olowan, pushing for more inclusive economic growth from their experiences, people ask: Are you looking for more in the next three years?
Olowan’s contemporaries considered him a master in the handling of legislation. He is thoughtful and not nosy, helpful but not bossy. He gives advices to councilors. He always takes the time to reach out to others with the compassion that even adversaries long for at turbulent times. A remarkable accomplishment was giving sufficient time for dissenting voices to articulate their stand on issues.
He is a leader who cares and listens. Along with like-minded officials, Vice Mayor Olowan is one at the forefront of building a city as one.
Love it or hate it, the vice mayor is no longer considered a “spare tire” in the local government. It prepares one to be “exceptionally well” for the future. Olowan has a sincere heart to effectively communicate with City Council members to forge ahead in crafting laws for what is good for the widest majority of the people. Head to another direction and you’re back to zero. Rather look at the whole picture and strategize. That is the only option! **
