‘The road less travelled’
IAM GRATEFUL to have taken the road less traveled. Being a non-traditional politician offering myself as an alternative candidate has made me a fuller person. It is because I did what I have always wanted to do: Keep my principles intact. That’s the core of who Belinda is.
All my campaign materials were donated. They are few, yes, but they were artfully done and optimized. Huge thanks to my artist par excellence, Shiloh Ruthie Sales Canlas. We did not waste our resources.
No allowance was given to our volunteers; they used their resources instead.
What was refreshing was every Punong Barangay I visited was courteous to me. I appreciate that. I couldn’t visit all, nonetheless, those I did were respectful and amiable.
While it is true that not everyone understood what I was doing, however, it’s part of the education I want to impart. Isn’t knowledge the beginning of wisdom?
For after all, I have always taken the road less traveled in many areas of my life. I’m proud I did. I wouldn’t have relocated in General Santos City some thirty years ago had I opted to stay in my comfort zone.
I thank everyone who has affirmed me: What a genuine political candidate ought to be. More importantly, I want to thank everyone who has joined my political journey. May we all live a fuller and richer life!
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A quick revisit
In 2007, I joined a Party Convention to run for city councilor of General Santos. I came prepared but I was not taken in. I was heartbroken.
So, I chose to maximize the opportunities that came my way as a communicator, writer, editor, teacher and lecturer, trainer, spokesperson, TV host, and advocate.
AS the saying goes, we move forward.
In late 2019, I started to pray that I can run in 2022. It was not a quiet prayer. It was a spoken prayer uttered during our weekly Bible Study.
Along the way, life happened. Life always does, doesn’t it? We go through circumstances, both good and bad. But we survive with grit and determination, and by God’s grace.
In July 2021, I finally decided to run as independent city councilor. Thus, by October 1, 2021, I was the first candidate to file my Certificate of Candidacy at the COMELEC. COMELEC records can attest.
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Running as Independent Candidate
Why independent? The question should be: Why not?
First, I want to try and measure if a freelance professional like me can mount a candidacy sans money and political machinery.
Second, I want to try and measure if the electorate of General Santos will respond to an alternative candidate.
Third, I want to see with my own eyes and measure during the campaign
period if I can muster support from the groups and people that I will meet and sit down with. These are my measures. I met so many individuals; spoken to many groups. Their response made me happy. It can really be done! I’m proven right.
Hence, for now, I thank God for the great journey I just accomplished! Grateful to the individuals - family, friends of family, lifetime friends, new friends, colleagues - present and past, leaders of diverse groups, leaders across party lines, and everyone who supported me all the way.
I’m still basking in the glow of self-actualization.
The political journey was brilliant, exciting, fulfilling, and rewarding.
Congratulations to the winners! May you serve the people of General Santos City well.
*** “The number of votes is immaterial. The experience in running for public office will enrich your view of life. Certainly, it will open new opportunities for you. Ride on Bebett.” - Cris Lamayan, VP, Clavis Energy Solutions Inc.
*** What a journey it has been, my friend...
Kahit a small portion lang, thank you for making me a part of it...
I t was a great privilege for me because I witnessed ( again, a portion lang) how G o d w a s s o i n v o l v e d i n everything, how big He is... He was revealed to me in a different and unique w ay. Thank you Bett... On to the next chapter and season of your life!
Congratulations to t his beautiful, feisty, smart, bright, etc. child of God! - Catherine P. Velasco, A friend
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