Councilor Gonzales (center) supervises the repair of drainages in flood-prone areas in Magalang.
Gonzales at a school convocation. Photos by Joey Pavia
MAGALANG, Pampanga – Residents here want to say goodbye to old and traditional politics. They want to embrace genuine public service.
In an interview with Barangay San Isidro residents, they said the ‘Joan of Arc of Magalang’ has arrived, standing firmly on the side of the truth and social justice even if it means alienation from the mainstream block of power.
“Neophyte Councilor Elizabeth Gonzales’s brand of politics anchored on truth and honest deliver of public service had been ‘embraced and supported,’” said San Isidro village councilor Arnold Zaragoza.
“The people of Magalang have more reasons to be happy having in their fold Councilor Beth Gonzales who is focused on providing services, especially to the needy,” added Zaragoza.
At least 800 poor children from far-flung areas recently had an encounter with a Jollibee mascot and were able to eat chicken joy and spaghetti in line with the “On to Jollibee” program of Gonzales’ family which has been running for the past 20 years.
“The program is not being done now that Councilor Gonzales may seek a higher post. They have been helping and sharing their blessings a long time ago,” said Zaragoza.
“Oras na para gamitin ang buong lakas, kakayanan at pondo ng pamahalaaang bayan para sa kapakinabangan ng higit na nangangailangan para naman magkaroon ng saysay ang panunungkulan sa bayan at mabigyan ng totoong halaga ang boto na ipinagkatiwala sa amin,” Gonzales said.
The first-term councilor also uses her own money to serve the residents, especially the poor ones, villagers said.
At least 700 young men had benefited from the painless and bloodless circumcision using the latest laser procedure during the “Operation Tuli Program” of Gonzales last summer.
She was assisted by Dr. John Baluyut and the UNLAD Magalang Movement headed by her eldest son, Koko Gonzales.
At least 6,000 students in the public elementary and high schools in Magalang were given PVC school identification cards (IDs) under the “School ID Program” of Councilor Gonzales in partnership with the principals and Parents and Students Association (PTA) officers.
Gonzales is an active member of the Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW).
She and her fellow SCAW members gave sleeping kits and school supplies to 1,850 students. Each kit is worth P1,500.
“Public service is a public trust, let us earn the trust and confidence of our people not by empty rhetoric and patronage politics, let us earn it through a tradition of genuine and pure public service,” said Gonzales.
