Mayor Benjamin Lobitaña speaks
“I am determined to improve the lives of Alcantarahanons.”
As the mayor of a small remote town in southwestern
On the occasion of the town’s annual fiesta this August 27, we have caught a glimpse of his style of governance that is worthy of emulation.
“Good governance is the legacy I want to leave to my people,” says the 59-year-old Chemical Engineer and Outstanding Mayor awardee.
For Mayor Lobitaña, good governance can be equated with hard work for the improvement of the quality of life of every Alcantarahanon. He intends to achieve this by delivering the basic services due to the people.
“For three consecutive terms, I have managed to deliver to my dear constituents various infrastructures, like electrification and water system projects for the nine barangays, construction of school buildings in remote barangays, day care centers, barangay public markets, covered courts and improvement of barangay roads,” he points out.
The mayor reports on time and stays in the office most of the time, if not out to inspect on-going projects.
This performance is validated by the “Local Governance Performance Management System” study conducted in 2006 which shows that the
Lobitaña also attributes this to the cooperation of the town council led by Vice Mayor Margarito Basilisco, backing him in implementing their mission of “improving the delivery of basic services through partnership with government and private sectors, non-government organizations and civil society organizations in the implementation of a well defined development agenda.”
According to Lobitaña, he draws support from his wife, a Certified Public Accountant by profession, his two daughters and most especially from the Almighty.
“In times of troubles, I call on God, I would go to church and talk to Him.”
Lobitaña does not have regrets in entering politics, saying it’s his privilege to serve his people. The people recognize this by always giving him a fresh mandate.
“My greatest achievement is winning the hearts and minds of my people and this truly warms my heart and inspires me to even work harder for the improvement of the lives of my constituents,” Lobitaña concludes with a smile.
Following is an excerpt of the interview with Mayor Benjamin Lobitaña:
Q: What is the thrust of your administration?
Mayor L: To give Alcantarahanons a better quality of life
Q: What have you achieved so far?
Mayor L: In my three consecutive terms, I have managed to deliver to my dear constituents various infrastructures and services in nine barangays.
Q: Do you have a program for good governance? Please expound.
Mayor L: We have coordinated our efforts, services and limited resources for the benefit of our constituents. We have provided adequate and accessible health services to everyone. In adopting and implementing programs, we have consulted sectoral representatives as provided for by law.
Q: How do you maintain good composure in the face of problems?
Mayor L: I go out from office, walk around, breathe the cool breeze of the sea. Sometimes, I talk to the employees and exchange jokes with them.
Q: What makes your day?
Mayor L: When I finish all my day’s work in the office and accomplish my projects.
Q: What upsets you?
Mayor L: Unfinished liquidation, unfinished work.
Q: How do you spend your spare time?
Mayor L: With my family during weekends.
Q: How about spiritual enhancement?
Mayor L: I pray and talk to God often. I times of trouble, I go to church on bended knees.
Q: Are you fulfilled?
Mayor L: Serving people makes me happy and fulfilled.
Q: How many hours of sleep do you have?
Mayor L: Eight hours
Q: Any parting message?
Mayor L: To my dear constituents, it is indeed an honor and privilege to serve you. I hope I have contributed enough to your well-being.
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