Tony Mamac’s enduring vision for Barangay Balibago
B arangay Chairman Rodelio “Tony” Mamac, in his bid to continue his projects and programs for Angeles City’s largest barangay, Balibago, will be running again for office – but this time, as a kagawad.
The last-termer, who was first elected as punong barangay of the city’s main entertainment district in 2007, is endorsing his wife, Tess, to succeed him in his post.
In an interview with Sun.Star Pampanga, Mamac shared that he wants to sustain Balibago’s development and progress, through persistent initiatives aligned with his philosophy “Gawin ang Tama”.
A firm advocate of good governance, the bemedalled police major and public servant, said that if given a chance to take seat as councilor, he will continue to address major problems in the community and improve significant programs for his constituents. He mentioned that among his priorities include education, health care, peace and order, anti-drugs, women and children’s welfare, and waste management, among others. “Hindi muna ako aalis sa barangay, kasi marami pa tayong programa na kailangang ituloy at lalo pang palalakasin. Para sa akin ay hindi pa rin sapat ang aking labing-isang taong panunungkulan upang tuluyang maisaayos ang lahat para sa ating komunidad,” he said.
“Kaya naman ako ay makikipagtulungan sa aking misis na humahabol bilang kapitan, upang ang mga programa na nailatag ko at pinagtibay sa humigit kumulang isang dekadang panunungkulan, ay lalo pang magbunga,” he added.
Mamac highlighted that alongside his wife and ally, he is steadfast on providing quality education for Balibago’s youth.
“Pangunahing prioridad natin ang edukasyon. Nais nating ituloy ang ating Barangay Balibago Scholarship Assistance Program, na iyung mga kabataan mula elementary hanggang kolehiyo, basta gusto magaral at may pangarap sa buhay, kahit ay mahirap ay maaaring maging iskolar,” he noted.
He relayed that the program, which was launched in 2009, benefits thousands of poor but deserving students from the barangay. He added that that it has also produced professionals like engineers, teachers, and social workers. To continue on building a brighter future for the youth, he said that his wife, when given the opportunity to serve, is planning to establish a community college for indigent students. The public institution, as he explained, will initially offer three courses: Education, Criminology, and Computer Science. Moreover, he announced that among his wife’s major projects is the construction of a barangay diagnostic center where residents may avail of services like medical examination and blood testing. With his full support, he is optimistic that his wife can further mold the barangay into a sustainable and liveable community, and place itself among the best communities in the country.
Mamac shared that during his term, he was able set a benchmark that surpassed standards and best practices of model barangays in the Philippines.
“Masasabi ko na isa sa pinakamalaking kontribusyon ko sa barangay ay ang pagpapatayo nitong aming 2-storey barangay hall noong 2008. Ako ang nagbukas ng kaisipan ng ibang barangay captain na pwede pala magpagawa ng ganitong imprastaktura, na ang pangunahing layunin ay makapagbigay ng desente at mabilis na serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan na dumudulog ng tulong,” he said.
“Maliban pa rito ay nakaparami rin nating naipaayos at naipasemento na daan simula noong aking unang termino hanggang ngayon, at patuloy pa rin nating pinapalakas ang ating solid waste management program na atin talagang kailangan lalong lalo na’t mayroon tayong halos 45,000 katao at 2,700 negosyo na araw-araw ay nagpo-produce ng basura,” he continued, as he added that under his governance, the barangay also strictly implements responsible waste segregation among the 14,000 households of the community. In addition, he noted that his commitment to solve issues targeting women and children are one of his main accomplishments. He was able to assign an office designated to address the prevalence of violence against women and children, and has also succeeded in combating human trafficking in Balibago. He concluded that his wife Tess, a devoted mother of four, also envisions to actively advocate for these programs aimed to protect and nurture the women and children of the barangay.
“Alam naman natin na iba ang pamamaraan ng pamamalakad ng mga kababaihan. Naniniwala ako na kapag nagkaaron siya ng pagkakataon maupo, makikita ng ating mga kababayan ang kanyang tapat at taos-puso na pagkalinga, lalo na sa ating mga kabataan, dahil siya ay ina rin,” he said.
“Bukod pa rito ay makikita rin natin na hindi lang ang mga programa ang gaganda bagkus pati na rin ang ating barangay dahil prioridad rin niya ang beautification ng Barangay Balibago. Kami ay magututulong-tulong para patuloy na maging progresibo, payapa, malinis, at maganda ang ating mahal na komunidad,” he said.