Rufus is R.u.f.u.s.

Renato Tibon . 

“When the best leader’s work is done, the people say, ‘we did it ourselves’.” – Lao Tzu

RODRIGUEZ spells performance. The surname Rodriguez is a Spanish patronymic (meaning son or descendant of Rodrigo), which derivatives signify fame or power and is considered the 60th most common surname in the planet (source: Google). Who wields power coincidentally in the Philippine political setting but a “Rodrigo” (Duterte) who is famous (or infamous, depending on which side of the political spectrum one belongs) globally as a no-nonsense President trying to take down powerful and influential forces perceived to be undermining the country’s reform efforts? But the allusion stops there. Ask any long-time resident of Cagayan de Oro, particularly in District 2, who the Rodriguez are and unfailingly one will be told the family name stands synonymous with performance in terms of community social services and infrastructures,  health, education and livelihood initiatives all equated to the city’s political and economic progress. This image, accentuated by the ubiquitous orange color around Barangay Nazareth (their ancestral home is at 12th-30th Streets) is invariably etched in the minds of loyal supporters including those who know but are averse to the politics of the Rodriguez.

Unifying politics. A stabilizing presence in the city’s political landscape, he sought alliance with known figures in the opposite fence ostensibly to unify all forces seeking public positions and become servants of the people in the truest sense. First opposed to the Violets’ Padayon Pilipino with Dongkoy Emano as titular head, a hasty coalition was forged with the Yellow-labelled LPs of Oca Moreno who won in 2013 until the falling-out when the latter proved antithetical to the ideals and aspirations of the Centrist-principled Rufus Rodriguez. Political realities, like water, seek their own level which, eventually see the coalition of Padayon candidates and their counterparts at Centrist Democratic Party of the Philippines (CDP).

Fastidious leader. Those who work closely with Congressman Rufus swear how meticulous he is with details from administrative work to political campaigns, from legislative research and filing of bills to actual implementation and from jostling and hobnobbing with government agencies and private partnerships seeking funds for his District’s projects. This work ethics served him well in Congress where his priority bills were given cognizance eventually becoming laws during his term of office.  According to Bertrand Piccard, “Before achieving a dream, you need to make very little steps. People don’t understand that when you want to make a big dream you have a lot of fastidious little things you have to do.”

Unwavering commitment. Recognized by colleagues in Congress as a hardworking and conscientious lawmaker, Congressman Rufus Rodriguez is unwavering in his dedication to his craft. His background in economics and law where he excelled with flying colors, as well as actual experience in legislative work and immersion in the needs of his constituents, enabled him to author and pass vital laws. For his achievements, he was awarded among the Twenty most Outstanding Congressmen Award, YMCA Centennial Leadership Award for Government Service, Ten Most Outstanding Congressmen of the Philippines Award, Gold Vision Triangle Award, Most Outstanding Alumnus for Public Service by Xavier University, Most Outstanding Public Official Award, Most Outstanding Alumnus Award conferred by De La Salle University and a host of awards coming from his fellow Alumni. Clearly, this unwavering commitment towards public service will be the essential push needed to propel this City towards the greatness it rightly deserves.    

Service to family, community, country and God. All these accolades are insufficient to do justice to the work of Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez. His ideals of service are inimitable yet worthy of emulation. A consummate public servant, he defies the stereotypical idiosyncrasy attributed to traditional politicians and work like his life is singularly meant for service and nothing else. With an ever-supportive wife Nenen and a successful daughter, Regine, charting her destiny in the image of her father, an ideal God-fearing family couldn’t have been more aptly exemplified. This would be meaningless too, without equally motivated, patriotic and service-driven community leaders and loyal constituents, well-grounded in democratic principles and the core value of human dignity, rallying behind their ultimate leader. 

It’s easy for some to build foundation on the achievement of others, but true leaders don’t mind. They know their worth in the eyes of many who can, with pride say, “we did it ourselves with Congressman Rufus Rodriguez in the lead”. Lao Tzu couldn’t have been prouder.

(Renato Gica Tibon is a fellow of the Fellowship of the 300, an elite organization under Centrist Democracy Political Institute  [CDPI] with focus on political technocracy. He  holds both position as political action officer and program manager of the Institute. He is the former regional chairman for Region 10 and vice president for Mindanao of the Centrist Democratic Party of the Philippines [CDP].)