By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino Senator Bong Go joins provincial officials and Quezon councilors during the First Provincial Assembly of the ...
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| Senator Bong Go joins provincial officials and Quezon councilors during the First Provincial Assembly of the Philippine Councilors League Quezon Chapter in Dolores. (Bong Go) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Every ordinance carries consequences long after the session hall falls silent, shaping public spending, government services and community development. Councilors from across Quezon gathered recently for the first Provincial Assembly of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Quezon Chapter to reinforce legislative coordination among municipalities and cities throughout the province.
The first provincial assembly shifted the focus from individual municipalities to provincewide collaboration among local legislators. Councilors exchanged legislative experience, compared policy approaches and discussed common concerns that continue to shape communities across Quezon.
Councilors tackled "Anatomy of Local Legislation: Professional Conduct, Presence, and Protocol in Public Office," while reviewing emerging policy concerns affecting local councils. The forum focused on legislative ethics, professional conduct and practical approaches to addressing common challenges in local government.
Attention then shifted from legislative procedure to the broader role councilors play in shaping their communities. Speakers urged local legislators to match sound lawmaking with closer cooperation as municipalities and cities confront many of the same governance concerns.
Communities increasingly expect local councils to respond more quickly to issues involving healthcare, disaster preparedness, infrastructure and public services. Those concerns increasingly land before municipal and city councils, where ordinances often determine how local governments deliver programs and essential services.
PCL Quezon Chapter President Board Member Aileen Malabanan-Dellosa thanked councilors for supporting the league's first provincial assembly and reaffirmed the chapter's commitment to serving local legislators across Quezon. She said the league would continue equipping councilors with training and support to improve legislative work and public service throughout the province.
“We are not perfect, but because we have committed to our duties and to our countrymen, as your leaders of the PCL Quezon Federation, we will do everything to continue strengthening the League of Councilors of the Province of Quezon,” Dellosa said.
Dellosa also acknowledged the effort required to organize the inaugural provincial assembly and credited Quezon's councilors for making the gathering possible. She expressed confidence that their continued unity would help the league carry out its plans and expand opportunities for local legislators across the province.
“It wasn't easy for the First Assembly to be held, but I believe that through unity and the continued support of the councilors in Quezon, we will fulfill all the goals and projects that we want to accomplish here in Quezon,” Dellosa said.
The focus then shifted from the league's organizational priorities to the broader impact of local legislation on everyday life. National leaders challenged councilors to consider how every ordinance shapes public trust, government performance and the quality of services delivered to their constituents.
Addressing the league's first provincial assembly, Atty. Raul R. Corro, National Chairman of the Philippine Councilors League, called on councilors to place integrity at the center of every legislative decision. He urged them to build a legacy defined by public service rather than political popularity and to ensure every ordinance reflects the values of the people they represent.
“Leadership is choosing legacy over popularity and principle over convenience. Every ordinance that we pass has its own philosophy. Every ordinance tells our people what we value,” Corro said.
He also encouraged councilors to measure their success not by the number of ordinances they pass but by the positive changes those measures bring to their constituents. Corro said meaningful legislation should always reflect integrity, accountability and a genuine commitment to public service.
“Every measure we approve should leave our communities stronger than we found them. Our responsibility is not only to pass laws, but to ensure they bring meaningful change to the lives of the people we serve.” Corro said.
Senator Bong Go joined Governor Angelina Tan, Vice Governor Anacleto Alcala III, Orlan Calayag and several vice mayors during the assembly. Their presence reflected continuing cooperation between national and local leaders in advancing programs across Quezon.
Go thanked the PCL Quezon Chapter for the invitation and expressed gratitude to Quezon voters for their continued support during the recent elections. He then turned to the role of local legislators, saying stronger cooperation between national and local leaders can bring government services closer to communities.
“Itong pagseserbisyo po ay dapat mula sa puso. Ang laki ng respeto ko sa ating mga konsehal sa buong Pilipinas. You are superstars in your own rights. Pareho po tayo ng trabaho. Ang trabaho po natin ay legislation, constituency, at representation. Dapat bukas po ang ating opisina para sa lahat ng ating kababayan,” Go said.
The senator also highlighted healthcare initiatives in Quezon, including the Regional Specialty Center at the Southern Luzon Multi-Specialty Medical Center in Tayabas City and the Malasakit Centers at Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City and Maria L. Eleazar General Hospital in Tagkawayan. He described those projects as part of continuing efforts to bring government medical services closer to families throughout the province.
Go pointed to healthcare and community development as continuing priorities for his office in Quezon. He said he remains ready to support local governments as they respond to the needs of their constituents.
“Huwag po kayong mag-atubiling lumapit sa akin anumang oras dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos. Ako naman po'y magtatrabaho sa abot ng aking makakaya,” Go said.
Governor Tan also reaffirmed the Provincial Government's support for the Philippine Councilors League and its programs for local legislators. She said stronger coordination between the executive and legislative branches can help local governments respond more effectively to the province's changing needs.
The first provincial assembly ended with renewed commitments from councilors representing municipalities and cities across Quezon. The meeting concluded in Dolores, but its real outcome will be measured inside municipal and city session halls where today's commitments become the policies and public services that communities ultimately experience.
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