Ruffy Magbanua DESPITE  the media ruckus it created even before the start of the first of the three-tiered Pilipinas Debates 2016, Sunday’s big event held at the iconic Capitol University auditorium in Cagayan de Oro served as a litmus test of our democratic space we now enjoy as a free nation, 30 years after the Edsa People Power in 1986. As expected, all the five presidential contenders felt some chills down their spines, only to calm down later with the exchange of wits and humor between Davao Mayor DigongDuterte and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago as the debate progressed and went viral on social media. All things considered, the debate of the year came as a temporary respite in these hot summer days brought about by the El Nino phenomenon.  To those inside the airconditioned auditorium, it was a great escape from the sweltering 34C temperature felt all over the crowded university campus as the long-awaited presidential debate  unfurled  and aired live for the first time on national television. All the five presidential candidates, in formal get-up, showed up,  explained  their platforms of government and even traded barbs with one another.  Keeping grudges with each other, Vice President Binay and Secretary Mar Roxas had all their time exchanging  spicy words  only the fainthearted could  not survive the ordeal. They spelled out their campaign promises with Vice President Binay as the first to lay down his plan for the country. With a slow-moving voice, he harped on leadership and his performance as mayor of Makati. Mayor Duterte, on the other hand,   vowed to stamp out criminality, drugs and corruption in government  within three to six months if ever he becomes President.  Sen. Santiago, visibly tired and with a hoarse voice, urged the electorate to vote for a competent leader. Sen. Grace Poe who carries the least experience in governance, promised a compassionate presidency while Mar Roxas promised to continue  thematuwidnadaan of the Aquino administration. With these promises said and done before the Filipino electorate,  the question of integrity and competence should be foremost and most importantly be the basis of judgment as we go to the polls come the May 9 elections. This connects us to the town hall forum conducted at Xavier Estates Sports and Country Club ahead of the presidential debate. The forum, hosted by Inquirer.net in partnership with the People Management Association of the Philippines Cagayan de Oro Chapter, tackled  the five competencies identified by PMAP as guiding post in choosing   the best president this country so deserve. Inspiring leader - inspires unity, trust and optimism among the people. Moves people away from cynicism. Builds trust in the presidency and the government. Associated competencies: Unity- the state of being united or joined as a whole. Trust-the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.  Optimism-  the hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.  Cynicism- an attitude or state of mind characterized by a general distrust of others’ motives. Navigator - Steers the ship of state to arrive at the “destination” of a just and humane society.  Associated competencies: Analytical Skill – solves problems through logical reasoning. Judgment - the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions. Decisiveness - having the power or quality of deciding. Tolerance for ambiguity - requires relinquishing control even though a solution isn’t always guarantee. Visionary Leadership - plans the future with imagination or wisdom. Mobilizer - Leads the executive department. Proactively builds alliances with concerned sectors to achieve complex objectives and build consensus. Associated competencies: Leadership and Influence - Makes sound decisions and inspire others to perform well.  Judgment - The ability to make considered decisions or to come to sensible conclusions. Selecting Talent - Process used to help employers decide which of their potential candidates have the talent and skills necessary for the position they are trying to fill.  Results Orientation and Driving Performance -  focuses resources to achieve growth while engaging peoples to achieve great results. Servant Leader-  Serves the people with a genuinely caring heart. Works hard and well to achieve the goals of government.  Associated competencies: Integrity - The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.   Humility - the quality of having a modest or low view of one’s importance.  Continuous learning - the desire  to continually improve one’s skillset by gathering new knowledge.  Decisiveness - having or showing the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively. Stress tolerance - can perform even under stressful conditions Guardian of National Wealth, Patrimony, and Law and Order -   Ensures that the national wealth and resources are used properly. Demonstrates   strong political will. Champions the  fight against graft and corruption. Ensures a level playing field.Promotes  competence and professionalism. Upholds the rule of law. Associated competencies: Integrity - the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Analysis and Judgment - examines problems and makes considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions. Initiative and Innovation - creative in thinking and introduces new ideas.  Communication – can connect to people of all walks of life.    Take your  pick. The ideal answer would be: All of the above. E-mail: ruffy44_ph2000@yahoo.com