By Eva C. Visperas

 

HE is the alter ego of the governor so his work is predictably very demanding and complex.

His position is a vital link between the executive and the legislative branches and almost anything in between.

And it takes one tough guy, with much devotion to his work, with a heart of steel when faced with tough situations and a heart as soft as a cotton, to the least and the last in the society.

How does Provincial Administrator Ely Patague accomplish such a big task?

It was a question in my mind when I, and four other newsmen, had a rare chance to engage him, no governor nor other top provincial officials around, except former media colleague and now PIMRO of Pangasinan, Dhobie DG, and a pastor who writes the governor’s speeches.

“Of course I’ve known you, Ma’am way back in Binalonan then,” he often told me whenever we chance upon each other in some big events of the Guico administration.

PA, as he is often endearingly called by Capitol executives and employees, would add that he always read my articles, especially the ones that concerned Binalonan. (That was when I was still with The Philippine Star and PA was a vice mayor of that town).

With his usual smile, PA surprisingly opened our conversation with questions, obviously wanting to know some information, whether positive or negative, he said, about how the Guico provincial administration is being run.

No holds barred, we were told, so we gave our honest assessments of administration based on public perception.

We exchanged notes initially about the recently-concluded Pista’y Dayat, particularly the Limgas na Pangasinan where PA widely credited Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, for its success.

Then, we talked about the massive Capitol Complex that will eventually transform Lingayen into ‘Singapore and Japan of the North’, especially the establishment of the Reflecting Pool and Interactive Fountain.

We gave him both the applause and negative comments, particularly about the cutting of some trees in the area. Worry not, he assured us, as there will certainly be replacements of the cut trees plus the provincial government has its green canopy project that will make the entire Pangasinan bloom with plants and trees. This, he said, has been going on, since the second quarter of 2023.

We also shared inputs on hospital care in the 14 provincial government-owned and operated hospitals across Pangasinan.

Then it was PA’s time to share his own thoughts, too, including dealing with the employees.

We talked about barangay officials and the tight security now at the Urduja House, starting from the gate. Then, why parking at the Urduja House was no longer allowed.

How I wish we could share more but we had limited time, interrupted by phone calls which PA promptly answered like someone responding to a 911 call. Prompt action!

We still managed to ask him about his long hours and heavy workload. Yes, of course, working until late in the evening and waking up early the following day, Mr. Dhobie butted in. That’s certain because there are heaps of files that need his signature before the governor gives his.

PA Ely is one official who attends special occasions, especially when he has to represent the governor.

His role is politically charged as well, striking a balance between different stakeholders and political factions. As a former vice mayor himself, yeah, he knows the trade by heart. Problem-solving and quick decision-making is second nature to him.

How well does he manage to endure the stress and pressure?

“They say I was only good for six months, and then one year, but look I’m still here,” he said with that boyish smile.

Indeed, the job of a PA requires a unique blend of skills, experience, and the ability to handle pressure.

But needless to say, it’s rewarding, after all.

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