Mayor Benjie Magalong joins the tree planting activities for World Environment Day
Analysis and Opinion an Interview by Wilfredo Villanueva
Baguio isn't just appealing because it's eight degrees cooler than Manila; it's also because of its mayor, Benjie Magalong, a magna cum laude graduate of the Philippine Military Academy's Sandigan class of 1982. His dedication to good governance and integrity sets him apart as a public servant.
Mayor Benjie Magalong is on site to monitor the fire incident and to send aid to the victims.
Just last year, Mayor Magalong established the Mayors for Good Governance, a group that includes Mayor Vico Sotto and around a hundred other mayors. According to Mayor Magalong, the organization is apolitical. "We are a movement," he said, meaning they don't engage in politics as a group. The group conducts value formation seminars focusing on integrity in public service. At the time of reporting, there are about a hundred members, which is less than 10 percent of the approximately 1,500 mayors of cities and municipalities in the Philippines. "If there will be changes in the system, it may happen but not in our lifetime," the mayor said.
Mayor Benjie Magalong had a dialogue with bar owners in the city at the Ibaloi Heritage Garden.This meeting with the bar owners aimed to address queries and concerns regarding permits and licensing concerns, as well as incidents, violations, and possible issues arising in their bar operations.
Their commitment to integrity is crucial, as they discovered that about 40 percent of the total project cost per the General Appropriations Act (GAA) ends up in the pockets of officials. "This doesn't include instances where they are the contractors and suppliers, leaving only about 44 to 52 percent for expenditures directly related to the project," he explained. "Billions ang binubulsa!" the mayor exclaimed.
When asked what the Philippine Military Academy alumni could do about corruption, he said, "They are aware, but taking action requires a different level of commitment." Despite this, he remains hopeful. "However, I can sense an awakening. For the upcoming elections, more alumni are expressing their desire to run for public office."
Mayor Benjie Magalong inspected an ongoing infrastructure project in Gabriela Silang last April 2.
Discussing his future plans, Magalong was clear. "None. I've said this before. Some people think I'm active because I'm targeting Congress or the Senate. That's not true. I have one more term left as mayor of Baguio, and that's my focus."
Reflecting on his youth, Mayor Magalong shared a pivotal moment that shaped his commitment to integrity. "I was in third-year high school at St. Louis Boys' High School when I read books by Thomas Smith. One quote that stood out was: 'Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.' From that time on, during exams, I would separate myself from my groupmates, sit at the back, and answer the questions on my own. I didn't mind getting a lower grade as long as there was no cheating. Thomas Smith's words had a profound effect on me."
Interestingly, his path to the PMA wasn't direct. "After high school, I entered the seminary of the Passionists, following a calling. But my father wanted me to study engineering. In college, a friend suggested we enter PMA. 'We'll just march there, and we'll get paid,' my friend said. So, PMA it was. Courage, Integrity, Loyalty. These are the PMA's maxims that was drilled into the future Mayor, and he welcomed every lesson with thirst and appetite.
Mayor Benjie Magalong held a consultative meeting with Barangay Pacdal. He addressed environmental issues such as an expected increase in rainfall during the rainy season, drought in the dry season, and water pollution affecting the city, requesting that the barangay officials and residents of Barangay Pacdal actively protect bodies of water in the surrounding area.
His dedication was evident even before joining the academy. The PMA requires a minimum height of five feet five inches, and young Magalong was only 5'4. So, every day for two weeks before the interview, he would hang from a chinning bar, using his hands to stretch himself. His dedication and drive paid off.
When asked about his heroes, he cited Gen. Antonio Luna and Jose Rizal, proudly displaying mementoes of Rizal in his office. While he didn't become a Passionist priest, he brought passion to everything he did. Has he brought a sense of holiness or piety to his role as mayor? "Yes," he said. "Every Monday or the start of the week, we have an ecumenical prayer session an hour before the flag ceremony. I'm there not as a pastor or prayer leader, but as a fellow believer."
Regarding the mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, he commented, "Ang laki ng impluwensya ng pera. Akalain mo, ibinoto kahit hindi kilala."
So, thank you, Thomas Smith, and thank you, PMA, for shaping Mayor Magalong into the public servant he is today. Incorruptible leaders like him are as rare as a 20-degree Celsius day in sweltering Philippines. Both the cool temperature of Baguio and its exceptional mayor are indeed incredible.
Editor's Note: Photos provided by the Office of Mayor Magalong.
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