Isko Moreno should be the model of all city mayors
If Isko Moreno can do it in Manila, why not all the other city mayors all over the country? In just a few days, the young man from Tondo, who rose to be the chief executive of the premier city of Manila, made some indelible marks in local government leadership. Isko is the new leadership model.
Mayor Isko Moreno's dynamism, drive for excellence, relentless energy, and enthusiasm are contagious. Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig seems to be inspired by Isko and is starting to make waves in the dormant city. Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City is leading her own crusade to clean up. Mayor Francis Zamora of San Juan is also flexing his muscles in the city dominated by the Estradas for over 60 years. I hope that our own LGU executives in Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, and other cities can do the same, if not better.
Mayor Isko comes from a very poor family. At least Mayor Vico is the son of the popular Connie Reyes and Vic Sotto and thus a scion of Cebu's famous brothers, Don Filemon Sotto and Don Vicente Sotto. Vico carries a famous name. Isko had to borrow the family name of German Moreno. Mayor Joy Belmonte is the daughter of former House speaker Feliciano Belmonte and the late Betty Go Belmonte whose family owns The Philippine Star group of publications. And Francis Zamora is the son of Congressman Ronaldo Zamora of San Juan, a Bar topnotcher and former Cabinet member. Francis is the nephew of Manuel Zamora, another lawyer who owns a bank and a major nickel and gold mining company.
Isko started with nothing. Now, he is making waves. He can even become material for the presidency. By his political will, passion for excellence, and focus and determination, he cleaned up Divisoria and Quiapo less than a week from assumption, and did what was always believed impossible. I am a daily witness of the tremendous changes that are taking place within a few days after taking over from Erap. I drive daily along Recto, and pass by Quiapo on the way to the University Belt where I teach Law in some schools. These last few days, I am seeing a new kind of ambience.
The story of Isko Moreno is an inspiration to all poor youngsters. He started from literal rags and struggled in a cruel and harsh world. He used to scavenge in garbage bins for everything and all that he could salvage and sell as scrap. He struggled amidst poverty and helplessness and never lost hope. Today, Isko is ridding Manila of garbage.
When he was down there among the garbage bins, there were a few people who helped Isko, like the late Kuya Germs or German Moreno who changed his name from Francisco Domagoso to Isko Moreno. Today, millions of Filipinos admire his no-retreat/no-surrender attitude. All young mayors should try to emulate this young man who could rise to be president of our country. With Isko, the Philippines isn’t hopeless, after all.
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