By Eva C. Visperas

 

I’VE been covering politics in Pangasinan for quite some time, witnessing the journey of — among many other personalities and families — Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrad Estrella III from his days as a congressman to the present, with his son Gilbert now eyeing the congressional seat for the 6th district in next year’s elections.

Oh, I’d prefer to say that I’ve been witnessing some political milestones in Pangasinan.

An afternoon recently spent in a personal tête-à-tête with Gilbert at their home in Rosales, alongside four other media colleagues, offered us deeper insights into the son’s aspirations.

Conrad became a congressman at the young age of 26, while Gilbert — and his identical twin brother Albert — turned 29 in September. Gilbert shared how he and his brother were exposed to politics from a young age. They weren’t deliberately trained to follow in their father’s footsteps, but they accompanied him on his sorties, observing how he engaged with the community and aided those in need. Over time, they came to understand the immense sacrifices their father made for his constituents.

Initially, Conrad was hesitant for his children to pursue politics, recognizing its challenges and the fact that it’s often a thankless job. “There are people you can’t please,” he cautioned.

But for Gilbert, destiny had its own plans. “It just so happens that everything aligned. A lot of people pushed me. They said, run for it.”

Gilbert’s grandfather, Robert “Bobby” Estrella Sr., also entered politics at 29, mirroring his grandson’s trajectory.

Conrad reminded him that public service demands constant availability. “In a normal job, once you finish at 5 p.m., you’re free. But in public service, it’s a 24/7 commitment. It’s a 25/8 job,” he shared.

Did the pressures intimidate him? “Not really. It’s daunting at first, but once you find your groove, it becomes manageable,” he replied. Reflecting on his teenage years, Gilbert emphasized the importance of appreciating what many take for granted.

He recalled accompanying his father to remote areas without power service, when the elder Estrella was serving as the administrator of the National Electrification Administration, the government agency tasked to manage the rural electrification program. “For me, electricity was normal, but for them, it was a tremendous gift.”

Having a twin brother has its advantages. “It’s like having a partner who can do a lot of things. Whatever he learns, he shares with me, and vice versa. It multiplies our experiences,” he said with a boyish smile.

Is it difficult being the son of Secretary Conrad Estrella III? Gilbert could not immediately give a straightforward answer, saying it is quite a complex situation. Within their home, his father is a guiding presence, but there are also high expectations from the public. “It’s hard in that sense,” he admitted.

While Conrad isn’t a perfectionist or overly demanding, Gilbert and his siblings consciously strive to make their parents proud. Gilbert speaks fluent Ilocano, having grown up in Rosales and played with neighborhood kids. He even shares his father’s sense of humor and demonstrates ideas that suggest he is well-prepared for the next significant phase of his life.

“Sometimes his jokes and his pick-up lines came from us,” he revealed.

When told he might prove to be a better speaker than his father, he laughed, unaware of how much his dad had actually been unconsciously preparing him for this moment. “We didn’t know it was preparation. We were just going with the wave,” Gilbert said.

So, how is he processing this new direction in his life? “Maybe it is really a calling,” he replied, beaming with a smile.

One admirable quality of Gilbert, in addition to his articulate nature, is his calm demeanor regarding his upcoming battle. He exhibits no bitterness, makes no nasty comments, and avoids harsh words about the opposing camp. This stands in stark contrast to many other aspirants, who often resort to personal attacks and vitriolic criticisms of their rivals.

Perhaps this poise is a reflection of his upbringing. It’s clear that Gilbert has been raised to be a fine young man who focuses on the positive and steers clear of negativity.

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