By Eva C. Visperas

 

I’VE known Mayor Dickerson Villar since he was a teenager. My first encounter with him was at the home of his late grandparents, Lolo Bebot and Lola Vivien Villar, in Sto. Tomas. He was still a student then, and I would often see him during family gatherings at the Villars’ home whenever I was invited to join the occasion.

Looking back, I can honestly say those were some of the moments when I saw a young boy, full of potential, gradually transform into a man who not only met expectations but often exceeded them. Today, Mayor Dickerson Villar is a name synonymous with strong, compassionate leadership in Sto. Tomas. But before he became the esteemed mayor we know today, he was simply a young boy with dreams.

I remember Mayor Dickerson as a child — bright-eyed, eager to learn, and always ready to lend a helping hand. His father, Vice Mayor Dick Villar, had already served as a three-term mayor before his son succeeded him in office.

Decades before them, it was the Villar couple, Bebot and Vivien, who had served as mayors of Sto. Tomas, succeeding one another in leadership. It’s no surprise, then, that from an early age, Mayor Dickerson had politics running through his veins. With his father by his side, the young mayor absorbed valuable lessons in governance, responsibility, and public service. Carrying the weight of the Villar legacy, he also had the vision to carve out his own path as a leader.

Before October ended, I had the chance to visit Sto. Tomas again, accompanied by a media friend. My last visit to the town hall was during his father’s term, but I’ve always been a familiar face in Sto. Tomas, particularly during the years when Mayors Bebot and Vivien were at the helm.

Though I still make occasional visits to the town, I do so quietly — mostly to pay my respects to the Villar couple on their birthdays or death anniversaries. I would take photos at their final resting places and send them to their only daughter, Tonette, who has always been appreciative of the gesture.

During my recent visit, I had the privilege of speaking briefly with Mayor Dickerson and taking a tour of the town’s beautiful gymnasium, a facility largely funded by donations from concerned Sto. Tomasians both here and abroad. It was also a day when the mayor distributed assistance to local farmers, and we were fortunate to catch up with Engr. Rosendo So of the Abono Party-list, a good friend whom I had not seen in a long time.

From where I sat, I could clearly see the remarkable transformation of this boy-turned-leader. From our brief conversation, and from the information I gathered, it was evident that Sto. Tomas remains a crime-free and drug-free municipality — a legacy left by Sir Bebot, continued by his wife Vivien, then carried on by Mayor Dick Villar, and still upheld today by Mayor Dickerson.

The mayor’s programs for children are commendable, and Sto. Tomas continues to hold the title of a “Child-Friendly Municipality.” His administration has also prioritized senior citizens’ welfare, healthcare, and education — all important pillars of his governance.

On November 27, Mayor Dickerson will receive the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), a recognition given to local government units in the Philippines that exemplify excellence in governance. The SGLG is not just a badge of honor; it’s a reflection of the hard work, integrity, and dedication he’s shown during his tenure as mayor.

This will be the fourth time Sto. Tomas will receive this prestigious award, following previous recognitions in 2015, 2022, and 2023.

While Mayor Dickerson is undoubtedly proud of his heritage, he has also demonstrated the vision and ability to leave his mark on the municipality. Though receiving the SGLG is a significant achievement, Mayor Dickerson’s journey is far from over. There is still much to be done, but with the same heart and dedication he has shown thus far, there’s no doubt that the future of Sto. Tomas is in good hands.

Indeed, Paspas Sto. Tomas!

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