By Eva C. Visperas

 

IN Pangasinan, there are several mayors known for their diligence and punctuality in reporting to their respective town/city halls. Among these dedicated officials, Mayor Nonato “Nato” Abrenica undoubtedly stands out.

Mayor Nato has held the position of mayor in Villasis, the Vegetable Bowl of Pangasinan, for an impressive six consecutive terms. Despite his long-standing tenure, he remains a remarkably humble and low-profile individual.

I have had the privilege of knowing Mayor Nato through his late ‘Manong’ Bebot (Villar). In fact, he was one of Secretary Bebot’s favorites. He often referred to Villasis as an extension of Sto. Tomas, the Villar family’s domain.

One of Mayor Nato’s most remarkable achievements is the establishment of the Talong Festival that has grown immensely successful and has become a cherished annual celebration for both Villasinians at home and abroad. The festival has brought considerable acclaim to Villasis, catapulting it to stardom… national TV networks, media personalities arrive to join the celebration. Every year is always a blockbuster.

Under Mayor Nato’s leadership, Villasis has received numerous accolades for its local governance, a testament to his effective leadership style.

Recently, during a casual meeting with Mayor Nato in his office, my friend Yoly and I were impressed by his punctuality. Our appointment was set for post-lunch, and Mayor Nato arrived before 1:00 p.m. I jokingly remarked “ugaling matanda, laging nauunang dumating,” about his habit of always being early, to which he chuckled. This punctuality sets a positive example to his employees.

Mayor Nato is known for his traditional values: careful handling of finances, a preference for clean surroundings, and a seamless transition in life between his office and home: Makaluma: Maayos sa pananalapi, maingat sa pera, ayaw ng marumi, opisina-bahay lang ang direksyon and vice versa. Ask Manang Dita, his wife, also a former mayor. And speaking of clean town hall, oh yes, try going there and inspect the environs plus its restroom, too. I’m a happy user.

When I inquire about the latest developments in his town, Mayor Nato often replies, “Heto, ganito pa rin. Tahimik lang kami rito,” reflecting the tranquility and stability that Villasis enjoys, unlike many other local government units (LGUs) where leaders frequently clash and engage in disputes.

Mayor Nato shared an impressive piece of news with us during our conversation: ” Pasado na ang budget namin for 2024! This revelation caught me off guard.  What? No kidding! He proudly displayed the compiled documents containing their 2024 budget, which he had signed as early as July. He explained that Villasis was the first LGU to submit to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for review and approval. This efficient process has become a tradition in Villasis.

‘Grabe, ang bilis naman. Sana ‘ol,’ I commented.

Mayor Nato described the unity among Villasis officials this way – politics ends after elections. He refrains from making negative comments about his political opponents during campaign rallies, focusing instead on his achievements and future plans for the people. This approach reflects the spirit of peacemaking.

In contrast, some LGUs delay or even withhold their annual budgets for various reasons, often driven by ulterior motives or contentious council dynamics. It’s a disheartening situation, especially when observing the unsavory behavior of some councilors.

One invaluable leadership lesson from Mayor Nato is the importance of give and take in life. This philosophy has played a pivotal role in Villasis’ consistent progress. Open communication and cooperation among officials have been key contributors to this success.

Congratulations are in order for Villasis! A post on its official Facebook page dated October 2, 2023, proudly announcing about the hat the municipality had received an “EXCELLENT” rating for the Seal of Good Local Governance Awards’ national validation for 2023.

“Kayang-kaya kung sama-sama,” the post said. This is yet another impressive achievement for Villasis, and it deserves applause.

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