By Farah G. Decano

 

FIRST, I would like to extend a belated 90th Happy Birthday to the five-time Speaker of the House and diplomat par excellence, Jose de Venecia Jr.  His father, the late Judge Jose R. de Venecia, was my father’s godfather. I truly regret being unable to attend his celebration in Manila, as my health faltered after a series of demanding activities in the days leading up to it.

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Representative Gina de Venecia is far from a mere “placeholder” filling a seat due to term limits. Long before she officially took the reins of power, she had already carved out her own legacy in Pangasinan.

Hindi siya ang tipong dumating lang sa ating probinsya para maghabol ng kapangyarihan o karangalan dahil nagsawa na sa yaman. Instead, she demonstrated her genuine love for the district through consistent action. Long before her name ever appeared on a ballot, she championed the establishment of the Haven Center for Women and the Haven Center for Children in Dagupan City—sanctuaries that continue to protect the most vulnerable today.

It was this proven track record that inspired me to go all-out in supporting her during her first congressional bid.

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“Tita Gina,” as she fondly prefers to be called, possesses two qualities rarely found in politics: she is true to her word, and she values people regardless of their perceived “usefulness” to her career.

When I concluded my political career in 2010, Tita Gina insisted that I remain in government. In the world of politics, such statements are often taken with a grain of salt—but Tita Gina is different. She meant every word.

She personally introduced me to then-Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima for a potential appointment. I remember being late for that meeting because I was traveling from a conference in Davao, yet Tita Gina waited for me patiently. Her humility was striking; she was willing to wait for someone who was, in the hierarchy of politics, her subordinate. I was incredibly apologetic, but she remained gracious.

During that meeting, Secretary de Lima offered me positions at the Bureau of Immigration and the Bureau of Customs. Each time a post was mentioned, I squirmed.

“I like her!” Secretary de Lima suddenly exclaimed. “I want her to work with me directly.”

The Secretary explained that she had been observing my reactions. She noticed my eyes didn’t light up at the mention of those agencies—offices that people with corrupt intentions usually salivate over. While the appointment was in progress, my father asked me to join his law practice instead and run for the Presidency of the IBP Pangasinan Chapter. Like a dutiful daughter, I followed his wishes and politely declined the government post.

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Even now, years after I left the political arena, Tita Gina continues to make me feel valued.

I experienced this firsthand when I invited her to my mother’s recent birthday. To be honest, it felt like a “suntok sa buwan”—a total long shot. I hesitated at first. I still messaged her, nevertheless.  “Baka sakali lang” (just maybe), I told myself. To my surprise and delight, she responded with such genuine warmth.

It is humbling to realize that she still makes an effort to respond to me despite the fact that the last time I joined her on the campaign trail was back in 2010.

Other politicians could learn a profound lesson from Tita Gina.  Constituents like me—ordinary citizens, not just power brokers—simply want to be seen and appreciated. That is exactly how the

Mother of our Quatro Distrito makes you feel. 

Ang tunay na ina ay hindi kailanman nakakalimot sa kanyang mga supling.