Manuel Luis L. Quezon Bantayog Awards 2007 - Most Promising Councilor

The Quezon City Press Club holds an annual awards night for outstanding councilors of Quezon City. For “newbies,” they award 2 deserving new councilors the merit of Most Promising Councilor for the term. Last November 26, 2007, I am happy to receive this prestigious award … and more happy to know that all of my efforts and hard work are recognized. Much thanks to the Quezon City Press Club for this honorable distinction!!!

Together with my list of accomplishments and projects, the nominees submitted an essay to the Quezon City Press Club. I am attaching the essay I made on why I deserve to win this award.

Why I Deserve to be a Bantayog Awardee?

By Councilor Dorothy “Doray” A. Delarmente, M.D.

I can proudly say that I have etched my name in Quezon City history as the first elected physician- public official in the Quezon City the Council. Many have made comments that my medical degree was such a waste, for having chosen politics instead of private practice. I would like to think otherwise. I believe that government service … or public service … made me reach out to the people more, hence fulfilling my sworn duties as a physician and my obligation as a Christian, performing my tasks according to God’s will.

Why do I deserve to be a Bantayog Awardee?

I have the mission, a vision, and the passion.

I have the MISSION to be able to serve the people of Quezon City with the best of my abilities. I have the mission to be able to make dutiful laws and worthwhile projects using the knowledge I have acquired from obtaining good education, and the morals I have imbibed growing up in a God-fearing family. I believe that the Lord God has given me the opportunity to become a doctor, a life long dream, to be able to reach out to my countrymen who are not as blessed as I am. I can proudly say I am a doer … and I make things happen!

Using my knowledge and skills as a doctor, I have already conducted several projects and passed a number of ordinances with regards to healthcare. Being elected as the chairman of the Committee on Parks, Environment and Ecology, I believe that it is also my duty to be able to spearhead the city towards becoming the cleanest and greenest city in the country. For the 5 months that I am in office, I have already passed several significant ordinances such as the Salt Iodization Law, prohibiting dumping of grease/fat in sewers and adopting the Junk Shop Ordinance – all supporting the promotion of protecting the environment and further health care. I have also passed several resolutions such as banning outdoor smoking campaigns, entering into a MOA with BFAD and PDEA to be able to distribute Methergin and Oxytocin and designation of a disaster evacuation area in every baranggay. I still have several proposed ordinances and resolutions subject to approval by the council, which I know would be very beneficial and meaningful to the city.

Among my projects include Disaster Management Seminars with the Red Cross, blood letting drives, medical, dental and optical missions, circumcision missions, cleft palate and cataract operations, breast cancer awareness seminars, free chest x-rays and vaccination programs. I make sure that I am “hands on” when it comes to these projects. I myself am the one conducting such to make sure that my office is giving quality service to my constituents. Because I believe in education and support the cause for the youth, I have conducted several projects to support and empower the youth. Among these include free computer lessons, free swimming lessons, livelihood programs and day care feeding programs.

I have the VISION. I envision an economically stable, self-sustaining city with ample programs for education, employment, healthcare and environment. My vision is for every baranggay to have their own health centers, complete with facilities and materials and with able and well trained doctors, nurses and health workers. These health centers shall be the primary health care unit of every household. The centers are able to conduct basic check-ups and address the basic health care needs of the constituents. They will be healing, and at the same time educating the people.

My vision is for Quezon City to be the cleanest and greenest city in the country. For years, we have always ranked 2^nd to Marikina as the cleanest and greenest … I believe it is about time! With the onset of Global Warming, I believe that it is high time for all of us to be aware and to do something. My vision is for the city to be able to improvise an organized way of disposing and recycling garbage. To create a city that is devoid of smoke belching vehicles and factories. To create a city bursting with trees and greenery. To create a city wherein its constituents are actively participating and doing their part towards obtaining a clean and green environment.

My vision is for all the youth in Quezon City to be able to acquire the benefits of proper education. It is my dream to see every Quezon City youth engage in sports and studies rather than succumb to drugs and alcohol. My vision is to see every citizen properly employed. It is a vision to see Quezon City devoid of poverty, but rather, see every household living comfortably with its breadwinners suitably employed.

More importantly, I have the PASSION. I believe that both mission and vision would be futile if there is no passion.

“Mula sa Puso” is the tag line I have been using, that I have acquired from my predecessor, my mom. I was taught that in every idea that you create, in every word that you utter and in every action that you do … there should be the passion. That passion will be my driving force in fulfilling all my duties as a public servant. That passion shall be my support in keeping me going on despite all the trials and difficulties. That passion will be my inspiration to keep on going, to keep on striving towards attaining that goal of creating Quezon City to be the best city there was!

As I embark in this journey, I shall always be keeping in mind one lesson passed on in my family through generations, and now my mother, Councilor Elizabeth “Tita Beth” Delarmente has passed on to me …

“Ang tagumpay sa buhay ay di nasusukat sa dami ng iyong pera,

Ang tagumpay sa buhay ay di nasusukat sa taas ng iyong posisyon,

Bagkus, ang tagumpay sa buhay ay nasusukat

… sa dami ng taong iyong natulungan.”