Mayor says public officials must have a “geniune desire to serve the people”

“Public officials are called to lead not with pride or self-interest, but with sincerity, accountability, and a genuine desire to serve the people.”

In a social media post, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said that when humility guides the actions of public officials, “honor follows not because it is sought, but because it is earned through integrity and dedicated service.”

He stressed that the Bible verse: “Before a downfall, the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor (Proverbs 18:12)”, serves as a powerful reminder that in public service, “true leadership is grounded in humility.”

Meanwhile, the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG), where Magalong is a member, joined in the observance of International Anti-Corruption Day, Dec. 9, with this year’s theme: “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”, which highlights the vital role of young people in building fairer, more transparent societies.

“Naniniwala kami na ang paglaban sa katiwalian ay hindi lamang dapat gunitain ngayong araw, kundi isang paninindigang dapat isabuhay bawat araw. Patuloy tayong titindig laban sa korapsyon. Ang tapat na pamamahala ay karapatan ng bawat Pilipino, at tungkulin nating itaguyod at ipaglaban ito,” the group stated.

The M4GG is a movement where leaders commit to principles like transparency, accountability, inclusivity, rule of law, and responsiveness to improve local governance, fostering growth, reducing poverty, and ensuring efficient, ethical management of public resources, moving beyond just anti-corruption to embrace innovation and sustainability. – Gaby B. Keith