Teddy Baguilat Jr. sows the seeds of love

Being governor of Ifugao puts 37-year-old Teddy Baguilat Jr. in a position where he can pursue his passion for the rice terraces.

"It is the greatest wonder of this world because the terraces were built by free men to sustain and nurture them. These terraces are not relics like the pyramids. They are a living landscape," Teddy says with all conviction.

The biggest challenge for Teddy, apart from raising the billions of pesos needed to rebuild these terraces, is how to make the young people feel the importance of their Ifugao culture and the rice terraces in particular. With 160,000 residents in his constituency, our 5’6" bachelor feels that it is critical for this generation to realize the importance of their unique Ifugao identity. Teddy hopes to inspire all sectors of Philippine society to appreciate the rice terraces.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being able to maintain my principles and not being corrupt. My staff and friends tease me that I am the poorest governor. Do you want me to change, I ask them? Then don’t tease me.

Name a moment that brings back happy memories.

Lying down in the grass at Carillon in UP. Our bottle of Tanduay was finished. We were discussing "Is this the life or is this the life?"

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

I have made the Ifugao Rice Terraces my raison d’ etre.

What is your passion?

Lots. Sports. Travel. Discussing all topics, whether profound or mundane, with my friends. But all of them are interspersed with my causes.

What is your most fervent wish?

Each month I have an action plan and resolution. I measure my satisfaction by the amount of resolutions I am able to fulfill. For August, I am planning to go to America and meet with Ifugaos living there. I want to convince them to invest in the restoration of the rice terraces.

How do you resolve your conflicts?

The funding of the terraces project is very politicized. It’s hard to talk about the environment, appreciation of culture when other officials have their own priorities. I am not a dictator. I try to rule based on respect.

Where are you most comfortable?

Used to be in my home in Kiangan with my shorts and slippers, but now so many people visit me there.

What film influenced your life?

Romero starring Raul Julia about that priest from El Salvador. The Mission with Robert de Niro. This film goes beyond spirituality; it’s also the fight against suppression. The protagonist dies in his fight against the oppressive regime.

What is your greatest fear?

Dying.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I will never be fully satisfied.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Arrogance in the way one manages people. One has to have humility to be open to ideas and be able to accept criticisms.

What is your current state of mind?

Kinda relaxed for the first time. Finally not worrying about a collapsed bridge or a funeral. I have been too stressed lately.

What do you most value in your friends?

Laughter.

If you had the chance to change something in your life, what would that be?

Oh gosh. Finish my college in mass communications.

What is the first thing you look for when you meet a woman?

Her heart. Her generosity.

Which historical character would you like to have been?

Jose Rizal. Revolutionary but not given to armed conflict.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Suicide.

What does your dad often say to you?

Whatever position you will attain, the most important thing is not to lose sight of your principles.

What is your favorite occupation?

Writing documents, doing my communications, letters, project proposals, concept plans. My laptop is my loyal sweetheart.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

As a constituent, patience. "Please be patient," I tell constituents when they ask me for work or about their projects.

What is life?

Everyone who meets me says, "You are so young as a governor." But now I feel old and that it is time for me to reflect on what my substantial achievements are as a person and a public servant.

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E-mail babycamp2 @yahoo.co.uk.