A lot of things had been said and written about former San Pablo City Mayor, now City Administrator Vicente B. Amante all pointing to his achievements as Chief Executive. To say that he is the ‘Architect of Progress’ in this city to me is an understatement. He will not be named the “Living Legend” simply for doing the things he had done in the past because those were part of his duties and functions as elected local official.
One must look beyond the man as a leader, public servant, friend, son, partner, father, political ally and nemesis to be able to know who he really is and why many Sampablenyos continue to support him from the time he was first elected in 1992. I have been monitoring his program of government and I am amazed by how he placed a premium on health and education by putting up General Hospital and rural high schools in different barangays. These are on top of the many facilities he built like memorial parks, convention center and the Paseo de San Pablo where everyone could meet, dine and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
Mayor Vic or Pareng Biteng to many is not perfect. Like an ordinary father of the family, he has his idiosyncrasies and habits but it is his imperfection that makes him adorable. His love for the city and its people is encompassing. When asked for financial help or otherwise, he is always willing to extend a helping hand unlike others who will shoo away or hide behind the invisible curtain of office works and meetings.
His empathy for the poor is real. It transcends beyond politics and political colors. I remember the story of this old woman from the Province of Batangas who approached him begging for help because her son needed an urgent operation in a hospital. The good mayor was going to a derby somewhere and normally, he would not want to be disturbed but seeing the tears in the woman’s eyes, he went out of his car and gave her the money enough to cover for the operation. What better Christian work is this, giving aid to the needy without expecting any return?
For the information of those who do not know him, Mayor Vic is putting into practice his political mantra “Your health is my concern!” This is why he put up the San Pablo City General Hospital which caters not only to the residents of San Pablo but also to the residents of the neighboring towns and provinces especially during this pandemic. As proof that his love transcends beyond politics, he spent a fortune financing the open-heart surgery of two of his political rivals with no strings attached.
One thing I appreciate so much about Mayor Vic is the kind of rearing he and his wife did to his children. Unlike other kinds of influential politicians, the Amante siblings keep their feet on the ground. They are courteous, helpful, soft-spoken and easy to approach. I have yet to hear stories about them using their name to advance their personal interest. I will not wonder if they will continue to rule in the years to come.
Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
I was born to write and I believe that’s my calling. I love writing because it brings me to the realm exclusively of mine. It is also my opinion that “immortality” can be achieved not by searching for the Holy Grail and drinking from it but by living your life worth-writing or writing something worth-reading. Since I cannot promise you a life worth-writing, I keep myself busy writing something worth-reading. I am thankful to God for giving me the talent and skill to see life in different perspectives not seen by many and the courage to share it to my readers. This first ever Tutubi Digital News Magazine is a perfect avenue to bring you the many facets of life that you can ponder upon in this time of the pandemic. Enjoy reading all the articles.
