“A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit.” –Arnold H. Glasow
The reason I am writing about the shocking defeat of my friend in the recent barangays elections, Punong Barangay Ray ‘Toto Ray’ Gadong Rico of PHHC Block 22 in Iloilo City’s Mandurriao district, is because I feel what he feels.
In the first place, with his satisfying and impressive record, which made his community a great one, he was not supposed to lose – ‘Kap Ray’ was a big loss.
He was not tamad (lazy), or a pabaya (negligent) leader who deserved the boot.
Kap Ray’s heart has always been for the barangay. He has always been a proud servant to the residents of a peaceful neighborhood known for their civic and religious involvement, educational attainment, and high level of professionalism.
I know Kap Ray and his younger brother, Boyet, are not on speaking terms. The latter is also my dear friend. A former punong barangay himself; he previously served as executive adviser for community affairs to former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog. However, I didn’t know Kap Boyet reportedly “did not campaign” for Kap Ray.
Did Kap Boyet campaign for Kap Biboy Dolar?
I am not a resident of Barangay PHHC Block 22 and have no business to begrudge newly-elected Kap Biboy Dolar’s win. I have heard he is also a gentleman and a good leader, like Kap Ray – if only they could elect two captains.
While I feel a deep sense of empathy for Kap Ray, I respect Kap Boyet’s choice and decision. Also well-loved in their barangay and one of the most trusted advisers of Iloilo City lone district Rep. Jerry P. Treñas, Kap Boyet may have his own reason for “not supporting” Kap Ray.
Kap Ray has been arguably one of the most diligent and productive barangay captains in Iloilo City. In fact, he is a potential ex-officio member of the city council by representing the Liga ng mga Barangay (with due respect to Councilor Kap Reyland Hervias).
Since day one of his ascension, Kap Ray literally placed Barangay PHHC Block 22 on the map with his incredible projects, which include road widening, beautification and sports programs, a community library, among other head-turning infrastructure projects.
Kap Ray’s unwavering love for the youth is manifested by the consistent growth of reading materials, toys, appliances, and other useful items in their day care center, parroting the famous adage of his late father, the great Ilonggo leader, Atty. Kiddy Rico: “Buas damlang sang pamatan-on, aton talupangdon (We must recognize and prioritize what is good and essential for the future of the young generation).”
Under his leadership, Barangay PHHC Block 22 became known as one of the most active and relentless on the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council.
Kap Ray also prioritized sports program and development.
“That is the easiest way to save the youths from illegal drugs,” he once sighed.
I would like to share to Kap Ray one of the most popular quotes from Winston Churchill about success and failure: “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”
For sure, Kap Ray’s recent election debacle did not snatch away the enthusiasm and spirit to serve, which he has been cultivating deep in his heart. After one failure, Kap Ray will surely bounce back./WDJ