The novelty of Dr Ben’s legacy to San Esteban would not cease not unless, a very dynamic, active and inspired youth leader would emerge and be the stirring wheel to let the passion of enhancing the socio-cultural, spiritual, economic and aesthetic well-being of every San Estebanian.  

Complementing the ingredient to become a very successful menu of good governance and management is the creative and rich insights of the very motherly, sympathetic and modest Dr. Florence Vergara Ramirez. Her compassionate and humanitarian aspirations made all things possible and within reach of all San Estebanians.  

As this Barcelona – Ramirez social action tandem continued to grow and carved a space in every San Estebanians’ heart, it heightened to the maximum. But the untimely demise of Dr. Ben and the graceful exit of Dr. Florence at her last term as Sangguniang Bayan Member caught us in a limbo. The need of an equally dynamic, maka-masa, maka-Dios, maka-kalikasan, may puso at damdaming makatao para sa bayan is very timely and relevant.  

Who has all the passion to continue the legacy? Who will propel the move to a better San Esteban? Who will sustain the torch fervourly light the direction towards prosperity and development?  

The man to realize what San Esteban aimed for should be imbued with luster and vitality, wit and charm, dignity and passion, industry and patience, courage and compassion, and leadership and service. But who has all these qualities to sustain what our past leaders started?  

The search for a youth in San Esteban would be likened to looking for a needle in bunches of rice hays. The search may end up in futility if we will not identify who are next in line of succession. This identification should shun from neither hierarchic bearing nor political dynasty that would destroy the very essence of service to the people.  

Try to consider the likes of Sherwin Castro, Marlon Agpalo, Ragsac Ebojo, Louie Cabigon, Joy Cañas, Bong Eligio, Adela Vidal, Rowena Guzman, Nestor Matatquin, Estela Imperial, Rosario Vergara, Bradley Lumibao, Teresa Soliva, Maricon Espejo, Mary Jane Ayson etc. etc…and not to discount the capacities of ARTURO “ART” ELIGIO BARREY.  

Art Barrey would be the leading choice. Considering his participation, his tourism inclinations, his management style as Director of the HARANA, no one would dare to do the untiring jobs of planning, directing, managing, initiating and implementing programs towards San Esteban’s development.  

It’s Art’s managerial style that would fit the vacuum left by the Ramirez- Barcelona tandem. It’s Art’s intellectual maturity, industry and hard work that compliments his political features, his services and experiences as a Clerk at the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and as Health personnel at the Municipal Health Unit are his potentials to capitalize compassion. Love for service and dedication are his distinctive marks to hail him as the next political warrior with a heart…mind…and soul. His gregariousness to serve could never be duplicated by any other youth leader in town.  

My Kababayans abroad and here in the Philippines, what do you think, if Art would run for a Sanggunian Bayan position? Is he worth voting for? Does his charisma boil down to the masses? Definitely, his achievements and past accomplishments speak for it.  

As citizens of San Esteban, we are tasked of bringing to fame and glory our native town by voting the right people to govern us. Let us not forget Art Barrey whose visions are destined to be our capital success. With Art’s sterling qualities plus his sympathy to the people, no one ever knows San Esteban would be the next economic tiger in the province. Support for Art. It is our luxurious trip to municipal competitiveness and excellence. Make San Esteban a better place to live. With Art, our development is just a smile and one vote away! Wanna bet?

I was caught by this article from my childhood ‘Friends Forever’ (F.F.) Joy, a Certified Public Accountant working at the Equitable-PCI Bank in Makati City, P.I. . Last year, my friends were approaching me to run for SBM this coming election. I replied then that its still a long way and I don’t have funds for the campaign. Now, election fever is here.  

SBM Florence V. Ramirez, my second mother whom I call auntie is retiring this year since it’s her last term. What challenged me was the question,