THEY are more known for their service to the Ilonggos, be it at the barangay or municipal level. But if we draw the curtains and take a peek into their private lives, how do you think public servants spend their holidays?
How are they, as fathers, husbands, or siblings—the roles they have led even before ‘leading’ their constituents? Do they still have time for their families since their work as public officials requires being on-call 24/7?
Panay News had a chance to interview and peer into how some elected local officials celebrate Christmas.
Mayor Jett Rojas of Ajuy, Iloilo, a husband and father of three, makes sure to spend quality time with the family on special occasions.
His family and siblings used to gather at their parents’ house, but now that they have passed, he spends time bonding with his wife, three children, and five grandchildren.
“Ang akon ya nga kabataan tatlo man lang, ang duwa didto sa Manila na nagapangabuhi so not necessarily nga December 25 kami nagatipon basta before matapos ang December nagatingob kami upod sa tatlo ko nga mga bata kag ang akon kaapohan,” Rojas expressed.
Despite his tight schedule as a local chief executive, he sees to it that life as a public servant of more than 18 years and as the family’s pillar is balanced.
Going to the 3rd district in Bingawan town, Mayor Mark Palabrica said the simplest celebrations are the most meaningful ones.
“Upod kami sang mga kabataan, udpanay kami sa pag-celebrate, kon kaisa may times man naga-gwa kami kag magkaon, and kon kaisa nagakadto kami sa Manila kay iban nga tuod sang wife ko ato and naga-bond kami,” he recounts.
Meanwhile, Barangay Captain Joseph Poral of Tacas in Iloilo City’s Jaro district said he’s making up for his family now by being with them at gatherings. He has been in public service for almost 20 years.
“Amo na ginahimu ko kay dira naton mapakita ang aton pagpalangga sa aton asawa kag kabataan kay sa pila ka tuig naton nga pagpungko indi naton mapakita sa ila ang pagpalangga,” Poral remarked.
He admitted that sometimes, the public’s calls take family time away.
“May manawag sa imo ‘Kap kadto di kay may problema, may inaway’ amo na nga kuntani malagaw ka upod imo pamilya, nabayaan. Ginapasulabi mo pa ang imo pumoluyo sang sa mag-upod sa imo pamilya,” said Poral.
Poral also makes sure to draw the line and avoid topics of politics to fully enjoy time with family. Instead, he uses the opportunity to catch up with his children and relatives.
Also a barangay captain in Jaro, Joel Jabonillo of Tabuc Suba, said he is lucky to have his children working nearby and his wife at home. But he never takes it for granted that they are there all the time.
Jabonillo makes it certain that they bond, even just by going to a mall and sharing meals. He emphasized that even the little actions make a difference in showing gratitude for how his family has been supportive and understanding.
Roy Dichoson of Ticud, La Paz district, meanwhile, said he will take this time to get to know his fellow barangay officials. Dichoson is a newly-elected barangay captain.
“Lain sang una nga kada Christmas ululupod kami, subong ang time ko sa barangay na, kapin pa tanan ko nga bata may pamilya naman,” he said.
Dichoson’s children were very understanding because they knew how persistent he was in serving, especially now that he was given the chance. But Sunday is always family day, he added.
Similarly, Barangay Captain Thomson Alacre of Jalandoni Estate, Lapuz, will be with his fellow public servants since it is their first time spending Christmas together. The new set of barangay officials was only recently seated after the October elections.
Barangay Captain Jenalen Luberas of Progreso, Lapuz, will equally divide her time with family and fellow barangay officials.
“Na-anad na ako nga kada Christmas ari ako sa barangay hall namon. Pero lapit man lang ang amon balay, puede man ako kapuli para maimaw ko ang akon bana kag bata,” she explained.
Luberas also wished that her constituents unite and show care for one another in the spirit of Christmas.
“Gabay pa nga maghirupay kami tanan sa barangay kay ang elections tapos na to ya. Maghigugma-anay kag magpalangga-anay kita tanan,” she added./PN
PHOTOS BY AJ MARCELO PALCULLO/PN
