Celebrating a man who inspires

My most warm and heart-felt birthday greetings go out today to my long-time friend and now running mate, Atty. Jose “Joey” Daluz III.

You are among the persons I have long looked up to in the realm of public service. And the biggest proof of that is how our careers in public service parallel one another.

You began your career as a barangay councilor in Calamba. So did I, in Kamputhaw.

You were a leader of the Barangay Councilors League of the Philippines-Cebu City Chapter. So was I.

You served in the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Cebu City for a total of 12 years, and passed over 3000 resolutions and several key ordinances.

I too began as a city councilor of the Sangguniang Panlungsod; and though my years of service was shorter, your dedication towards meaningful legislation directed my focus on doing as much legislative work as I could with the time I was given.

You are indeed a truly significant figure, not only for the people of the City of Cebu, but also to me. And I am truly grateful for your presence.

Moreover, throughout what has been a very meaningful public service career here in City Hall, you are among those I would consider directly responsible for helping me secure the public’s mandate, being the campaign manager of our party in the 2016, 2019, and 2022 elections.

And even in the daily task of running the office, your initiatives at the MCWD, developing new water sources, installing new distribution lines, reducing non-revenue water by rehabilitating existing systems, implementing priority programs, and improving the financial standing of the district, were constant sources of inspiration.

You are indeed a truly significant figure, not only for the people of the City of Cebu, but also to me. And I am truly grateful for your presence.

Happy birthday, running mate! May you have more life in your years and more years in your life!