VM Bebot becomes first CDO vice mayor to win Dangal ng Bayan regional award

VICE Mayor Bebot Rodriguez becomes first vice mayor in the history of Cagayan de Oro to ever receive the prestigious Dangal ng Bayan regional award conferred by the Civil Service Commission during its 2024 Parangal at Pasasalamat ceremony last September 16, 2024 at the Grand Caprice, Limketkai Center.

The recognition highlights her “extraordinary act of public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior," in accordance with the eight norms of conduct outlined in Republic Act No. 6713, also known as the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees."

In her speech, Vice Mayor Bebot emphasized that “public office is imbued with public trust”, believing that public servants must always be accountable to the people in upholding the highest levels of service with responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency.

In 2021, VM Bebot donated her salary as city councilor at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to vulnerable groups, particularly seniors citizens, to get vaccinated. By encouraging vaccination, she did not only help stop the spread of the virus but also ensured equitable access to crucial resources and healthcare services during the pandemic.

Rooted in strong passion and heartfelt compassion (Kaisog ug Kasingkasing), she made great strides to push forward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by aligning them to her program of governance on Health (SDG3), Education (SDG4), Employment (SDG8), and Development (SDG11) (HEED).

These four pillars guide her administration to ensure that good governance and excellent public service are truly felt by every Kagay-anon, further magnifying her battle cry “Katawhan Una Sa Tanan” (The People Above All).

When Vice Mayor Bebot assumed office in 2022, she sponsored 66 out of 85 city ordinances and 99 out of 210 resolutions passed.

Many of the hallmarks of VM Bebot’s leadership include the passage of the Mental Health Code (Ordinance 14297-2022), which she principally authored, to adopt a community-based, integrated, and comprehensive approach in the mental health delivery system of Cagayan de Oro City and neighboring regions.

In 2023, she doubled her efforts in streamlining the legislative process by encouraging all committees of the 20th City Council to move with efficiency and productivity. Hand-in-hand, there were 345 city ordinances enacted (exceeding 44% of the 2023 target) and 579 resolutions passed (exceeding 27% of the 2023 target).

VM Bebot also actively exemplified responsiveness to the public through her “Himamat sa Barangay” or barangay consultations to hear the needs and concerns especially in the hinterland barangays.

Public meetings, forums, and consultations with various sectors of society were also organized to gather information on pressing concerns and issues in aid of legislation.

True to her campaign tagline “Ang Probinsyana”, Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez is recognized for her humble and down-to-earth. She is a true embodiment of a genuine representative for the voiceless, those on the fringes of the city's development, those who have been left behind, and the ordinary citizens who desire to be heard by the government.

Despite holding a prominent position in politics, she remains grounded and chooses to live a modest lifestyle that resonates with the values of her constituents.

“As public servants, we must continue to work with utmost dedication, knowing that every action we take makes a difference in the lives of many,” she concluded.

At the forefront of governance, Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez remains steadfast in her commitment to quality life for all Kagay-anons, steering and navigating Cagayan de Oro City into its golden glory. (FDCalotes & SPEscoltes/SP)