It’s still family first for Loren - STARBYTES by Butch Francisco

Last Thursday, I ran the first installment of a recent interview I had with Sen. Loren Legarda. In that conversation with Loren – who is regarded as the Darling of the Senate (because all her moves and decisions are applauded by the public) – she talked about how on six occasions she worked on the release of the military and police officers held captive by the rebels up in the mountains. Below is the concluding portion of my talk with Loren Legarda.

Butch: What is it like being up there in the mountains – talking to the rebels and negotiating for the release of the captive military men and police officers? Do they feed you? What is the reception like?

Loren: The six releases that I participated in had different scenarios. The longest climb that we ever took was during the Obillo release because we were going up and around the mountain most of the day. We started our climb at 8:15 in the morning and General Obillo was turned over to us at four in the afternoon. We bring our own food – usually pan de sal and sardines and bottled water. As to the reception accorded to us by the custodial forces, they are very civil – even friendly.

What does your husband have to say about these dangerous missions of yours?

I am very fortunate to have a very supportive husband and very understanding children. I love my family and I always consider them when I need to make a decision or do something – which is why we always pray together for God’s guidance and protection over us. I cannot be with them all the time so I put my faith in God... that He would not let harm come our way.

Had your Mom (the late Bessie Bautista Legarda) still been alive, would she have succeeded in stopping you from undertaking these missions?

Had my Mom been alive, I don’t think she’d forbid me from pursuing the causes and advocacies I truly believe in. But she’d be there constantly to remind me to be very careful in all the things that I do.

What solutions do you have in mind that can solve the insurgency problem in the country?

The alleviation of poverty – and making the presence of government felt in communities that have been deprived of their basic needs can contribute to the elimination of the insurgency problem. I also support the government’s call for the resumption of peace talks.

What to you are the five biggest problems of the country?

The poor quality of education, graft and corruption, poverty, peace and order and the degradation of the environment.

Among the senators, who are you closest to?

My colleagues have been friendly and helpful and each one of them has contributed to my learning of the legislative process. But I consider Johnny Flavier as my "best friend" and his generous teachings have sped up my learning in the Senate. He has been my seatmate for three years and I hope that he will be my seatmate again in the new Congress.

What do you miss most about broadcasting?

There’s not much that I miss about broadcasting after having been in the industry for more than 20 years. The industry for me was a venue for public service: I got to help our people with their problems, go to interesting places and feature current events. Now that I am in politics, I can still do all those things and even more. In fact, I consider my being a senator a better opportunity to do public service for our kababayans.

Among your friends in ABS-CBN, whom do you miss most?

Since I became a senator, I have kept in touch with my friends in ABS-CBN constantly. I remember their birthdays and we even get together during special occasions. For example, my colleagues in the news and current affairs department, like Angelo Castro, I call them or send them greetings on special occasions.

What about your family? Haven’t they complained about the busy schedule that you keep?

My family understands the demands of my work. However, I spend as much time with them as possible. In the evenings, we pray the rosary and have dinner together. Afterwards, I help my kids, Lanz and Lean, with their homework and help review their lessons. And I am proud to say that they are both honor students. When I don’t have engagements on weekends, I just stay home with my family or we go to my island in Batangas where we enjoy each other’s company.

Do you see yourself eventually settling down as a homemaker in the future?

Even now, I try to fulfill my responsibilities as a homemaker and as a mother as best as I can. My family, especially my children, is still my topmost priority. I don’t think I have neglected that role in spite of my schedule.

Until when do you intend to keep this kind of hectic schedule?

To whom much is given, much is expected. There is so much that needs to be done for the people and for our country and I believe time is of the essence and that we cannot afford to waste even just a single moment. I foresee that my life will stay as hectic as it is now for as long as I want to serve and make a difference in people’s lives.